Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ticks are contracted when walking in rural areas. They are 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, fever or
muscle aches you should see a doctor. Doxycycline prevents tick-borne diseases.
Leeches are found in humid rainforest areas. They do not transmit any disease but their bites are often intensely itchy
for weeks afterwards and can easily become infected. Apply an iodine-based antiseptic to any leech bite to help prevent
infection.
Bee and wasp stings mainly cause problems for people who are allergic to them. Anyone with a serious allergy
should carry an injection of adrenaline (eg an Epipen) for emergencies. For others, pain is the main problem - apply ice
to the sting and take painkillers.
JELLYFISH STINGS
Box jellyfish stings range from minor to deadly. The jellyfish are generally found on sandy beaches near river
mouths and mangroves during the warmer months.
The initial sting can seem minor; however severe symptoms such as back pain, nausea, vomiting, sweating,
difficulty breathing and a feeling of impending doom can develop between five and 40 minutes later. Depending
on the species of box jellyfish, stings are potentially fatal.
There are many other jellyfish in Thailand that cause irritating stings but no serious effects. The only way to
prevent these stings is to wear protective clothing, which provides a barrier between human skin and the jelly-
fish.
First Aid for Severe Stings
Stay with the person, send someone to call for medical help, and start immediate CPR if they are unconscious. If
the victim is conscious douse the stung area liberally with vinegar - simple household vinegar is fine - for 30
seconds. Some Thai beaches like Ko Kut and Ko Mak have installed vinegar stations on the beach. Pour vinegar
onto the stung area as above; early application can make a huge difference. It is best to seek medical care
quickly in case any other symptoms develop over the next 40 minutes.
Parasites
The two rules to follow to avoid parasitic infections are to wear shoes and to avoid eating raw food, especially fish,
pork and vegetables. A number of parasites are transmitted via the skin by walking barefoot, including strongyloides,
hookworm and cutaneous
larva migrans
.
Skin Problems
Prickly heat is a common skin rash in the tropics, caused by sweat being trapped under the skin. Treat by taking cool
showers and using powders.
Two fungal rashes commonly affect travellers. The first occurs in 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 us-
ing an antifungal cream such as Clotrimazole or Lamisil. The fungus
Tinea versicolor
causes small and light-coloured
patches, most commonly on the back, chest and shoulders. Consult a doctor.
Cuts and scratches become easily infected in humid climates. Immediately wash all wounds in clean water and apply
antiseptic. If you develop signs of infection, see a doctor. Coral cuts can easily become infected.
