Travel Doctor - Health

INSECT BITES

Avoidance

Where possible avoid going out of doors between dusk and dawn.
Wear long sleeves to cover your arms and long trousers to cover your ankles.
Avoid dark coloured clothing - it retains heat and attracts mosquitoes.
If possible choose an air-conditioned room.
Keep doors and windows closed.
Avoid using perfumes and aftershaves - the smells attract mosquitoes.
Choose a room above the third floor. Insects don't tend to fly to this height. But of course they do get carried.
If living in the area ensure there are no open water containers. Still water is often the preferred breading ground of numerous insects.

Insect Repellents

When choosing a repellent remember that products with between 30 to 50% Deet (diethyltolumide) are the most effective. Higher dosages of Deet are available. If preferred and non-Deet products can be used to protect children.
Wash excess repellent of your skin before going to bed.
Use a Mosquito net if sleeping outdoors or in a room without proper fly screening. Ensure that it is correctly fitted.
Use Mosquito nets impregnated with permethrin to discourage insects from landing on the net and possibly biting its slumbering occupant through the holes.
Use sprays around dawn and dusk (mosquito's most active time of day).
Mosquito coils and plug-in repellents are very effective, and should be used if available.
High pitched buzzers are not effective.

Reactions and Allergies

Creams which contain steroids or antibiotics are most effective against itching bites.
Carry some anti histamine tablets. Remember these react with alcohol so reduce your intact or abstain.
If your allergy is very severe you may need to take anti histamine throughout your time abroad. In this case start the day before you arrive and for a day after you return. More modern anti histamines are now non-sedative.
If you are prone to collapse or anaphylactic shock when bitten or stung make certain your wear a medi-alert bracelet all the time. Also inform your courier and ensure other members of your party are aware of your condition. In some cases you may consider carrying an epi-pen. This contains a single dose of adrenaline for instances of anaphylactic shock.

Easing and Soothing

Try to avoid scratching bites as this is how they become infected. Rubbing gently will have the same soothing effect and lead to less trouble.
Try a lukewarm bath or shower to ease the itching.
If irritation is severe try sleeping tablets at night.

Getting Advice