In summer, sometimes it only takes one evening outside to find yourself with legs covered in bites. And while some itching remains relatively discreet, others quickly become obsessive, particularly at night or when you sweat. The problem is that by scratching, you also end up irritating the skin more. It is precisely to avoid this vicious circle that I discovered Insect Protect after-bite dressings, available in pharmacies.
The principle is quite different from that of a classic soothing cream: rather than applying a product to the bite, we simply cover it with a small bandage. It is designed to relieve itching in 15 minutes and can stay in place for several days. A particularly practical solution when you are traveling, going on vacation or when you know that you are going to do more swimming.
A dressing that works without chemical active ingredients
The particularity of Insect Protect dressings lies in their technology, resulting from a technique derived from kinesiotaping. Once applied directly to the bite, the dressing acts locally to help relieve itching. According to information provided by the brand, effectiveness is observed from 15 minutes, without using a chemical active ingredient.
Another interesting advantage: they are water resistant. Showering, swimming or a day at the beach therefore do not require systematically reapplying a new dressing. They can last between 4 and 7 days and then come off on their own, although it is obviously possible to remove them before then. They are also latex-free, which completes their particularly easy-to-use profile.
The anti-scratch reflex to slip into your suitcase
Concretely, the procedure couldn’t be easier: simply apply the dressing directly to the bite, without scratching it first. Its individual and portable format allows it to be easily carried in a toiletry bag, a beach bag or even a small handbag. The box contains 18 beige-pink dressings, discreet enough to be worn without feeling like you’re turning your legs into a dressing table.
I especially like the idea of being able to completely forget about the injection once the bandage is applied. No need to remember to reapply a cream several times during the day or endure a sticky texture on the skin. And unlike a repellent, this product obviously does not prevent the mosquito from biting: it intervenes after the bite, when the itching begins. The box of 18 is offered at the recommended retail price of $7.29 and can be found in pharmacies.
And to avoid bites, the brand also has its solution
Insect Protect also offers a Tropical Skin Lotion intended to prevent mosquito bites. It contains 20% icaridin and claims effectiveness for 8 hours after application on the main species of mosquitoes found in temperate and tropical zones. It is water-resistant, alcohol-free, non-sticky and available in two formats: 30 ml and 75 ml, both accepted in the cabin when traveling by plane.
The logic is therefore quite complementary: the lotion to try to avoid bites, the dressings to take care of those which nevertheless managed to pass. The dressings are intended for children aged 3 and over as well as adults, and can also be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding according to the manufacturer’s information. This is a class I medical device: as with any health product, it is recommended to read the instructions carefully before use and to seek advice from your pharmacist if in doubt.
FAQ – Insect Protect after-bite dressings
How to quickly relieve a mosquito bite?
Insect Protect after-bite dressings are designed to relieve itching within 15 minutes of application.
How to use an Insect Protect dressing after a sting?
Simply apply it directly to the bite, on clean skin, without first scratching the area.
How long do you keep an anti-sting dressing?
The dressing can last between 4 and 7 days and is water resistant. It comes off naturally, but can also be removed at any time.
Can you swim with an anti-sting dressing?
Yes. Insect Protect dressings are water resistant and can stay in place in the shower or while swimming.
From what age can Insect Protect dressings be used?
They are suitable for children aged 3 and over. They are also intended for adults.
Do anti-sting dressings contain a chemical?
Insect Protect dressings are presented as being without chemical active ingredients. They use technology derived from kinesiotaping to relieve itching.
