Got a mozzie in your cozzie? (Travel Health in general)

Member Name: Otjiwarotji

Product:	Travel Health in general
Date:	23/09/01 (136 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: forewarned is forearmed, itching can be soothed, you can prevent the bites

Disadvantages: Mozzie bites can spoil a holiday if you don't take the right medication

If you return from holiday looking like a spotted dick and itching all over because those little mozzies just won't leave you alone heres my tip for prevention and cure. Having recently returned from a nice relaxing break in Cyprus, where we were hassled mercilessly by small whining critters which BITE in the dead of night I wanted to tell you that it isn't pleasant at all if they decide you're the flavour of the month, especially if you discover that you are one of the many who have an allergic reaction to their bites.

We weren't warned in advance that especially late in the year mosquito bites can be a real problem in hot meditteranean countries, although if there is a high malaria risk in the country you are visiting you will be given fair warning and a visit to your doctor or pharmacist in advance is a must.

I was the lucky one, I didn't get one bite, but my poor partner, Brian immediately discovered that he was the target of the little divils. Waking up the very first morning he was covered in small red spots on his arms, body and legs and he was itching and itching and itching! We were lucky to have some friends to ask for advice and they told us firstly to get some plug in mosquito repellants with small blue tablets that you insert ( no not into yourself, into the electric socket!) and the smell keeps the mozzies at bay overnight, unfortunately its not the most pleasant smell, and we found that he still got bitten again and again. So off we went to the pharmacy, now most pharmacies abroad will instantly know what to give you when they see spotty turning up and the cream we were given over the counter, BetnovateN has an anti histamine and cortisone and helps the rash go down, just as well, the rash was now so bad and the spots joining up that Brian had to go out in temperatures of 35 degrees celsius completely covered up. This cream worked a treat and is only £3 a tube in Cyprus.

However as soon as we got home th
ey began to itch again and the cream had run out. After experimenting with various creams and lotions we found that Savlon was the most effective in stopping the itch and soothing the spots. Now we know we will take a tube next time!

The best tip we were given, after the event, why is it always afterwards that people give you the advice? Was to take vitamin E tablets, 1 a day for 2 weeks before your departure and during your holiday and this makes sure they will not bite you in the first place. Now I wish we had known that a few weeks ago. So if this helps just one person prevent the discomfort poor Brian suffered, which almost spoilt a lovely holiday it will have been worth the time it has taken me to write this little op!

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