747_not_777

Really hoping someone can help with some advice...

My sister lives just outside Colombo in Sri Lanka, so my parents visit several times a year. My Mum, in her 60s, is always horribly bitten by insects and Mosquitos, even during a visit of just a few days and when sleeping under a net. She has tried the usual over-the-counter sprays and formulas available in UK shops, but nothing really works. Even the strongest formulae Jungle Juice sprays and Deet, etc.

In November she really suffered and is covered in scabs and scars from the level of bites, and obviously somewhat hesitant about her next visit.

Does anyone have any miricale preventative treatments to try, or know or a doctor or specialist in the London area you can visit who can give prescription strength treatments? And what such treatments may be...?

I really want to help find a solution so she can enjoy Lanka again. My Dad who travels with her is relatively unscathed, in comparison.

Any advice hugely appreciated.

Thank you!

JDiver

Here's what I've learned over the years in places with arboviruses, malaria, etc. (On the way learning, I've had malaria, chikungunya fever in Vietnam and dengue in the tropics. But I've been free of these in years when I've practiced below, in places like Africa, Vanuatu, Papua New Gionea, etc.)

First, treat outer clothing with permethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid (bed nets as well). The material is a durable insecticide spray, usually, that will persist through several washings. Wear treated trousers, long sleeve blouses / shirts, socks, etc. and be sure to tuck these in. Treat bed nets with permethrin.

If necessary consider using a head net or "bug shirt" when biting insects are most active. I've travelled places this is mandatory, such as late summer in the Arctic tundra (treated with permethrin as well).

http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/n...ductId=2002597

http://www.bugshirt.com

Treat exposed skin areas with a tried and true repellent (DEET or other: "Of the products registered with the US EPA, those containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon" per US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention here: http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/faq/repellent.html

Also see here: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbo...and-arthropods

Public Health UK has a lengthy PDF about malaria, including prevention, insecticide use, dressing, etc. here: https://www.gov.uk/government/upload...lers_UK_PC.pdf

Avoid using scents, wearing dark clothing.

Use indoor burning coils with area repellents like metofluthrin or allethrin.

There is no miracle, prescription, etc. but these steps can work.

747_not_777

This is superb information. Thank you very much!

747_not_777

I just wanted to say a huge thank you to JDiver. My Mum is currently sitting in the lounge at Colombo airport waiting to fly home after 5 days in Sri Lanka. And for the first time ever, she's not had a single bite. In contrast, my Dad - and even my sister, who lives there - have been bitted over the last few days.

I really do mean a HUGE thank you. A few minutes of your time tapping away at a keyboard, and you've transformed my Mum's travel experience. She got all of the above sprays and potions, and they worked a treat.

Massively appreciated. All the best. :-:

JDiver

Glad that worked. We occasionally travel in high biting insect country (Arctic / NWT / Nunavut probably the worst - we needed head nets there!) and areas with dengue, chikungunya, etc. so we protect ourselves.

I'm glad this worked for your mum, and very and humbly grateful of your feedback.

MSPeconomist

If you're especially sensitive to mosquito bites and get swollen ankles and legs as a result, taking an oral OTC antihistamine can help. You might want to do this after being badly bitten, before the swelling becomes apparent.

VickiSoCal

I am one of those that the bugs seem to love and Canada in the summer was the worst. I will follow closely next time.