IS ANYONE ELSE ALLERGIC TO MOZZY BITES?

Hello there,

I’m planning a RTW trip to Pacific islands, NZ, OZ, Japan and SE Asia, but I am getting concerned about being bitten by mosquitos.
I know that this is inveitable when travelling around the world, but unfortunately I am allergic to mosquito bites.
Last summer I was bitten in the UK and it flared up massively, making my whole ankle balloon and go very hot, and it also developed a horrible liquid blister. After being medically examined, I was told I was allergic to Mosquito bites and that I needed to rest with my leg elevated for at least three days, or else it could develop into Cellulitus.
Does anyone else have this problem? and if so have you travelled with it and been ok? I don’t want to have to be bed-ridden for 3 or more days when I have lots of things to see!
I will obviously take mosquito nets and repellent - but I am still concerned as I had repellent last summer and I still got bitten :(

Please help me - it will be greatly appreciated!

What kind of repellent were you using last summer? Contrary to popular belief, the stronger the DEET, the less effective it is.

You should try 30-50% DEET which is the most effective concentration because DEET in its pure form is very oily and it doesn’t stay on the skin. A lower concentration (which is mixed with alcohol) actual stays put on the skin better. If you are allergic to mosquito bites you should reapply every 2-4 hours religiously. Repellent sweats off quite easily so it’s important to reapply regularly.

Also, if you do get bitten, don’t scratch it (as it will get infected). You’ll know what works best for you but I find taking antihistamine tablets and putting tiger balm on the bite most effective (tiger balm is claimed to have repellent qualities too although it is not effective compared to DEET). Some people like the electric ‘shock’ zappers, some people like antihistamine cream.

Lexi

Second recommendation for the antihistamine cream and tablets.

Anthony

Don’t worry I am allergic too! I got bitten by mozzies in Tanzania and my back swelled up.. Antihistamine cream and tablets.. If you are able to, go to the beach and swim in the sea, the salt in the sea helped and got rid of it (along with the tablets) :P x