From the Guidelines
There is no lotion specifically designed to repel bed bugs when traveling to Paris or anywhere else, and skin applications are ineffective barriers against them. Unlike mosquitoes, bed bugs are not repelled by topical lotions or creams applied to the skin. The most effective protection against bed bugs while traveling involves:
- Inspecting hotel rooms thoroughly before settling in
- Keeping luggage elevated off the floor and away from beds
- Using luggage liners or protective covers
- Washing and heat-drying all clothing upon returning home Some travelers use permethrin spray on luggage (not skin) as a deterrent, but this doesn't provide complete protection 1. Bed bugs are attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide we exhale rather than skin scents, so skin applications are ineffective barriers. It's worth noting that studies on preventing malaria among travelers 1 and managing tickborne rickettsial diseases 1 do not provide relevant information on bed bug protection, as these pests are not repelled by the same methods used for mosquitoes or ticks. Instead, focus on vigilance and proper inspection techniques to avoid bringing these pests home from your Paris trip.
From the Research
Bed Bug Protection Lotions
There are no research papers to assist in answering this question about the most effective lotion to apply on skin for bed bug protection when traveling to Paris.
- The available study 2 focuses on mosquito repellents, comparing the efficacy of DEET and picaridin, and does not provide information on bed bug protection.
- The study 2 discusses the duration of protection afforded by picaridin and DEET against mosquitoes, but does not address bed bugs or skin lotions for bed bug protection.
- As a result, there is no evidence from the provided study to recommend a specific lotion for bed bug protection when traveling to Paris.