Health - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 1075

Lice Inhabit various parts of your body but most commonly your head and pubic area. Transmission is via
close contact with an infected person. Lice can be difficult to treat and you may need numerous applications
of an anti-lice shampoo such as Permethrin. Pubic lice are usually contracted from sexual contact.
Ticks Contracted in rural areas. Commonly found behind the ears, on the belly and in armpits. If you have
had a tick bite and experience symptoms such as a rash at the site of the bite or elsewhere, or fever or
muscle aches, you should see a doctor. Doxycycline prevents tick-borne diseases.
Leeches Found in humid rainforest areas. Do not transmit any disease but bites are often intensely itchy for
weeks afterwards and become infected easily. Apply an iodine-based antiseptic to any leech bite to help pre-
vent infection.
Bee and wasp stings Mainly a problem for people who are allergic to them. Anyone with a serious bee or
wasp allergy should carry an injection of adrenalin (eg an Epipen) for emergency treatment.
Jellyfish Mostly not dangerous, just irritating. First aid for jellyfish stings involves pouring vinegar onto the
affected area to neutralise the poison. Do not rub sand or water onto the stings. Take painkillers, and if you
feel ill in any way after being stung seek medical advice. Take local advice if there are dangerous jellyfish
around and keep out of the water.
Parasites
Numerous parasites are common in local populations in the Mekong region; however, most of these are rare
in travellers.
» Two rules for avoiding parasitic infections: wear shoes and avoid eating raw food, especially fish, pork
and vegetables.
» A number of parasites are transmitted via the skin by walking barefoot, including strongyloides, hook-
worm and cutaneous larva migrans .
Skin Problems
There are two skin problems that commonly affect travellers:
Fungal rashes These occur in moist areas that get less air, such as the groin, armpits and between the toes.
It starts as a red patch that slowly spreads and is usually itchy. Treatment involves keeping the skin dry,
avoiding chafing and using an antifungal cream such as Clotrimazole or Lamisil.
Infected cuts and scratches These are common in humid climates. Take meticulous care of any cuts and
scratches to prevent complications such as abscesses. Immediately wash all wounds in clean water and ap-
ply antiseptic. If you develop signs of infection, such as increasing pain and redness, see a doctor. Divers
and snorkellers should be particularly careful with coral cuts as they can be easily infected.
Snakes
The Mekong region is home to many species of both poisonous and harmless snakes. Some rules on avoid-
ing and treating snake bites: