Insect bites

[broads]

I suffer dreadfully from insect bites particularly when abroad. We spend most of our holidays in Spain and no matter what I use I get bitten to pieces. After a few bites I feel as if my whole body is full of something horrible, can't describe the feeling, and I put myself on a couple of days of Piriton which does help. Ok, you could say 'stay away from Spain' but we love it so much. Up in the mountains by the way not on the beaches, you get sand in your sandwiches. Has anyone any suggestions at all on how to avoid bites, what repellent to use and what to do if I get bitten ? I really am getting desperate. I do all the obvious things like not wearing perfume, covering arms in the evening, being careful with food etc. Am really in need of a miracle solution. HELP. Going to Spain in three weeks with my 88 year old father in law so need advice please.
As I am on the subject, we may be going to Argentina next year, does anyone know what the insect life is like there?

 

[catherinecherub]

Hi broads,
I used to have the same problem, bitten to bits.
Dr. advised starting antihistimanes a fortnight before you go and carry on using them throughout the holiday. It worked for me. Another tip, use lavender oil as you would perfume in the evenings, wrists, ankles etc.
Never been to Argentina so can't help with that one.

Catherine.

 

[pallidan]

Hi Broads
My wife has the same problem and following a visit to the local travel clinic we were advised to use an insect repellent containing DEET, she now swears by 'Jungle Formula' just type that in and a number of online stores are available to choose from. The product is available as a plug in for your room,lotion,pump spray and as wipes, hope this helps and have a nice holiday.

Regards

Harry
p.s With regard to Argentena much the same insect life except Bigger :twisted:

 

[broads]

Catherine. As far as you know is it ok to have as much antihistimane as I want, for as long as I want assuming I do not exceed the daily dose? Ie can I have the full dose for as many days as I need. The only medication I am on is Thyroxine for an under active thyroid?

 

[broads]

Pallidan. i have spent a fortune on Jungle Formula stuff for years after it was recommended to me by a friend who visits the out of the way, jungle areas of Africa each year. Glad it works for your wife but does nothing for me unfortunately. Must admit I haven't come across the plug in one but I feel, may be wrong, that most of my bites appear when it starts to get dark. Have learnt to stay in doors then. Thanks for your reply

 

[catherinecherub]

Hi broads,
I have looked for drug interactions with your thyroxine and cannot find any. As long as you only take the recommended dose you should be O.K. Check with Dr. if not sure.

Catherine.

 

[broads]

When your doc advised starting antihistimanes a fortnight before you went did you take the full dose every day and also for the length of your holiday? My Dr does not appear to understand my problem. I have asked about taking antihistimanes for quite a few days on full dosage but haven't been able to extract a yes or no from him. I have also contacted the manufactures and they refer me back to the docs. Basically I feel if I can use them for as long as I want it will help me immensely.
Thanks Catherine

 

[catherinecherub]

Hi broads,
The one I took was a 24hr. one so you only needed the one dose per day. That meant that I took one every day for the two weeks prior and carried on taking it whilst on holiday. It builds up in your system so that when you get there you already have the immunity. Clarytin was the one I took.

Hope this makes sense Broads.

Catherine.

 

[broads]

THANK YOU SO MUCH for that Catherine. Will get some. I have always had the feeling that if I was able to take something regularly then I would feel loads better. A gut instinct really.
Best wishes

 

[Cameraman]

Citronella candles - cheaper from garden centres than outdoor shops help disperse insects and are relativley cheap. The only thing I know of that stops bites is any insect repellant with DEET in, the higher the concentrate the better. If you know anyone who is in the Army ask them for some as the concentration is very high. Word of warning about DEET it melts plastic and many other surfaces. It also comes off easy with sweat and therefore needs frequent reapplication. You can also buy sprays of it to treat clothes with too.

 

[wiflib]

The other thing you can try is taking brewers yeast or garlic capsules. My son has tried this several times now. He takes the brewers yeast.

Last time they were camping in a desert somewhere and he had a queue of people outside his tent wanting to buy the tablets! needless to say, he escaped with one or two bites while the rest of the group got covered.

You can buy them OTC and are very cheap.

wiflib

 

[uavegotobekidding]

Hi Broads!
Yes quite a problem in the West of Scotland,the nearest I have been to the Argentine is a tin of corn beef.
Big cleggs in Scotland a bit like dive bombers! the only thing I can suggest is to smoke a pipe.

Type One Devil :twisted:

 

[broads]

Hi all, thanks for all your replies.
Jungle Formula has no effect on me I still get covered in bites. Citronella may or may not get rid of insects but it also gets rid of my husband, he can't stand the smell. I rather want him with me on holiday. Think I might give the Brewer's yeast a go and maybe double up with Catherine's Clarytin.
Thanks for the info re insects in Argentina Harry, wish I hadn't asked.

Any more comments/suggestions gratefully received.

best wishes

 

[Cameraman]

How about THESE they have worked for me in the past.

Never tried THESE but I hear they work

Failing that theres always THIS :lol:

 

[Trinkwasser]

I used to get bitten on a regular basis by mozzies, but since getting my BG under control they don't seem to bother me much.

But the MIDGES!!! If I go out watering the garden in the evening I can guarantee to get shredded, and for the next hour or so the little devils will still be flying out of my beard.

Strangely I an unattractive to clegs, always have been, but they will fly miles just to bite mother. Who is allergic. Some of the repellent creams and sprays have some effect but if you miss a bit or wash some off they may make a beeline for the uncoated part.

They seem to detect you by smell, which may explain the differences between people and the differences between treatments.

 

[broads]

Wiflib
Brewer's yeast. Do you happen to know the size and the number of capsules your son took every day? Thanks

 

[wiflib]

Hi Broads.

I think he took the maximum dose stated on the bottle and started a few days before departure. Garlic capsules are another one or if you can stand to smell like a good garlic sauce, rub garlic on exposed bits of flesh, avoiding the obvious bits of course!

wiflib

 

[broads]

Thanks Wiflib very much. Am going to get the yeast but don't think I shall even attempt the garlic. I love to eat it but can't stand the smell on my hands after I use it so rubbing on my body is a nono .

 

[wiflib]

I have a 'cure' for this too.

After prepping your garlic, hold a spoon in your hand and run both in cold water. I love the stuff so much I just lick my fingers clean. I'm also one of the lucky ones in that I don't smell of garlic after eating it.

wiflib

 

[gillyh]

I have problems with insect bites too. Even when I'm in the garden and they seem to take forever to heal fully. I have started to use diluted tea tree oil which speeds it up a little. Any ideas?