cd

We are going to the southern Islands of the Caribbean. Can we wear both repellent and sun block at the same time? Which to apply first? Will one dillute the other? Thanks

RoamsAround

1) Yes
2) Doesn't really matter (but probably "less messy" if you apply sunblock first.
3) No

sharona

You can also buy sunscreen with bug repellent. I know Bull Frog makes one and I think I've seen other brands as well. But I agree with RoamsAround that I would use the sun block first and then apply insect repellent. I've done it many times.

cd

Thank you RoamsAround and sharona! I will check on the combination.

JeanH

The problem with the combination products is that you need to apply sunscreen more often than you should apply repellent.

cd

Jean, when I researched, this is what I found.

RoamsAround

Let me add one comment - in many instances you won't really need to combine sunblock and repellant. Consider this - on most islands mosquitoes, no-see-ums and other "pest" are most active at dusk, during the evening and/or early morning hours, times when there is little or no sun thus the average person won't need to be using sunblock at the same time as repellant. During the heat of the day when sunblock is needed the mosquitoes, etc. aren't much of a problem so again there usually isn't much call for combining the two.

Of course, there are always exceptions to generalities but the need for using both sunblock and repellant at the same time might not be as great as first perceived.

cd

Thanks RoamsAround. I guess what I was most concerned about was this article and others that I have read: "Cases of dengue fever, a flu-like illness which may be complicated by hemorrhage or shock, are reported annually from Puerto Rico. A major dengue outbreak was reported in March 2010, causing 12,000 cases and 27 deaths by October. More than 3000 suspected cases were reported during the first nine months of 2009. A particularly large outbreak was reported in 2007, resulting in almost 11,000 cases and eight confirmed deaths by the end of the year. In most years, the incidence peaks from September to November. Transmission reached epidemic levels in 1994 and 1998. Dengue fever is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which bite primarily in the daytime and favor densely populated areas, though they also inhabit rural environments. No vaccine is available at this time. The cornerstone of prevention is insect protection measures"

SamCal

we've been concerned about dengue fever as well... will probably post something to see what others are thinking about the risks of that, esp. in Puerto Rico...