Malaria and Mosquito Repellent
 

Hi All

I'm going on a trip which will include Thailand, Cambodia,
India, Jordan, Egypt and Yucatan in a few weeks.

I will be doing the normal prophylaxis for malaria. I have
to be fairly careful with a shaky immune system.

I would appreciate suggestions on the most effective rub-on
or spray-on mosquito repellents for daily personal use.
Preferably one that doesn't also repel those who sit next to
me in buses and which doesn't make me appear to be covered
in baby oil and which is likely to be available in those
countries if replenishment is needed.

I'll be talking to my doc on medication prophylaxis, but any
thoughts on that would also be appreciated.

Cheers, Alan, Australia
--
http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/
latest: Slovenia

Malaria and Mosquito Repellent
 

In Alan S
wrote:

I would appreciate suggestions on the most effective rub-on
or spray-on mosquito repellents for daily personal use.

Around here, DEET (N, N-Dimethyl-metatoluamide) is still the only way to
go (the mosquito is Minnesota's unofficial state bird).

Conventional wisdom used to be that 100% DEET (or close to it) was
needed, but lower concentrations have been found effective by many.

3M sells a lotion called "UltraThon" which is 34% DEET which they claim
lasts 12 hours and is water and perspiration resistant. Don't know if
it's available where you are.

You might also consider permethrin based products for application to
your CLOTHING [never on your skin] if you're seriously concerned.


--
Bert Hyman St. Paul, MN

Malaria and Mosquito Repellent
 

On Mon, 04 Feb 2008 08:23:56 +1100, Alan S wrote:

Hi All

I'm going on a trip which will include Thailand, Cambodia,
India, Jordan, Egypt and Yucatan in a few weeks.

I will be doing the normal prophylaxis for malaria. I have
to be fairly careful with a shaky immune system.

I would appreciate suggestions on the most effective rub-on
or spray-on mosquito repellents for daily personal use.
Preferably one that doesn't also repel those who sit next to
me in buses and which doesn't make me appear to be covered
in baby oil and which is likely to be available in those
countries if replenishment is needed.

I'll be talking to my doc on medication prophylaxis, but any
thoughts on that would also be appreciated.

Only those with Deet work as a mosquito repellent, unless you want to
try what we used in Vietnam which was tabacco juice, which I wouldn't
recommend but it sure works. Probably for the same reason as it kills
humans. You should ask your doctor what concentration is safe for you
given your condition. Sleep with a mosquito net even if you have to
take one with you which is what I would do.

Malaria and Mosquito Repellent
 

"Alan S" wrote in message
...
Hi All

I'm going on a trip which will include Thailand, Cambodia,
India, Jordan, Egypt and Yucatan in a few weeks.

I will be doing the normal prophylaxis for malaria. I have
to be fairly careful with a shaky immune system.

I would appreciate suggestions on the most effective rub-on
or spray-on mosquito repellents for daily personal use.
Preferably one that doesn't also repel those who sit next to
me in buses and which doesn't make me appear to be covered
in baby oil and which is likely to be available in those
countries if replenishment is needed.

I'll be talking to my doc on medication prophylaxis, but any
thoughts on that would also be appreciated.

Cheers, Alan, Australia
--
http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/
latest: Slovenia

As others have said, concoctions based on DEET work best. In Australia,
Bushmans is 80% DEET. Freely available in Qld and most of the tropics I
think. Not sure about southern states.Whatever you get, make sure its cream
or oil based....sprays are useless.

Malaria and Mosquito Repellent
 

In article , Alan S says...

I would appreciate suggestions on the most effective rub-on
or spray-on mosquito repellents for daily personal use.
Preferably one that doesn't also repel those who sit next to
me in buses and which doesn't make me appear to be covered
in baby oil and which is likely to be available in those
countries if replenishment is needed.

The Autan they sell here in Germany blocks mosquitoes 100%. Much, much
more efficient than what I have been able to find in south east Asia. My
experience is that with the Autan (sold in Germany) mosquitoes do not
sting me.
--

Alfred Molon
http://www.molon.de - Photos of Asia, Africa and Europe

Malaria and Mosquito Repellent
 

"Alan S" wrote in message
...
Hi All

I'm going on a trip which will include Thailand, Cambodia,
India, Jordan, Egypt and Yucatan in a few weeks.

I will be doing the normal prophylaxis for malaria. I have
to be fairly careful with a shaky immune system.

I would appreciate suggestions on the most effective rub-on
or spray-on mosquito repellents for daily personal use.
Preferably one that doesn't also repel those who sit next to
me in buses and which doesn't make me appear to be covered
in baby oil and which is likely to be available in those
countries if replenishment is needed.

I'll be talking to my doc on medication prophylaxis, but any
thoughts on that would also be appreciated.

Malaria medication can have some nasty side-effects, especially if taken
for longer than eight weeks or so.

Plus it can make you drowsy, affect sleep patterns and all sorts of nasty
stuff. The reason people start it before they go is to find out if you can
function while taking the stuff. It also isn't that effective, it only
seems to stop 30% to 50% of infections...

In India I find that decent anti-insect discipline when sleeping (always
switch on the electric mosquito killer, make sure the window meshes are in
good condition) and rub on DEET (about 30% works, anything over 50%
irritates my skin) about an hour before dusk if going out of doors.

There's an old trick you can try, which is to spray some 100% DEET on your
hat brim now and again, but your hat gets in a disgusting state after a
month or so...

As for brands, the 'Boots' own brand 'tropical strength stuff works.

So does one called 'Jungle Juice' but it's three times the price...

My experience is that the best you can buy is the stuff the local chemist,
wherever the insects are, recommends, because the insects vary...

--
William Black


I've seen things you people wouldn't believe.
Barbeques on fire by the chalets past the castle headland
I watched the gift shops glitter in the darkness off the Newborough gate
All these moments will be lost in time, like icecream on the beach
Time for tea.

Malaria and Mosquito Repellent
 

It's widely available in Sydney - chemists, camping shops etc.

"Lee Martin" wrote in message
...

"Alan S" wrote in message
...
Hi All

I'm going on a trip which will include Thailand, Cambodia,
India, Jordan, Egypt and Yucatan in a few weeks.

I will be doing the normal prophylaxis for malaria. I have
to be fairly careful with a shaky immune system.

I would appreciate suggestions on the most effective rub-on
or spray-on mosquito repellents for daily personal use.
Preferably one that doesn't also repel those who sit next to
me in buses and which doesn't make me appear to be covered
in baby oil and which is likely to be available in those
countries if replenishment is needed.

I'll be talking to my doc on medication prophylaxis, but any
thoughts on that would also be appreciated.

Cheers, Alan, Australia
--
http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/
latest: Slovenia

As others have said, concoctions based on DEET work best. In Australia,
Bushmans is 80% DEET. Freely available in Qld and most of the tropics I
think. Not sure about southern states.Whatever you get, make sure its
cream or oil based....sprays are useless.

Malaria and Mosquito Repellent
 

Doxycycline is the most efficient and reliable pharmaceutical malaria
prophylactic. Effective against chloroquine malarial strain etc. Cheap too.

Some cautions.

If buying outside Australia - be sure it is within its expiry date (It can
become toxic, and cause liver damage if it very old). Some 3% of users
suffer enhanced sensitivity to sunburn when taking doxy - so use extra
sunscreen as a cautionary measure.

You take 1 x 100mg tablet daily, from 1 day before exposure to 4 weeks after
last exposure.

It's best taken at about the same time every day (I always take it with
breakfast), after food, or with food. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after
taking - as it can cause reflux with some people.

It is the anti-malarial of choice for the ADF; and recognised as very
effective by the CDC in Atlanta - but for some reason rarely prescribed in
the UK for this purpose.

Big Trip - must be a few 'looong' weeks.

Take Care.




"Alan S" wrote in message
...
Hi All

I'm going on a trip which will include Thailand, Cambodia,
India, Jordan, Egypt and Yucatan in a few weeks.

I will be doing the normal prophylaxis for malaria. I have
to be fairly careful with a shaky immune system.

I would appreciate suggestions on the most effective rub-on
or spray-on mosquito repellents for daily personal use.
Preferably one that doesn't also repel those who sit next to
me in buses and which doesn't make me appear to be covered
in baby oil and which is likely to be available in those
countries if replenishment is needed.

I'll be talking to my doc on medication prophylaxis, but any
thoughts on that would also be appreciated.

Cheers, Alan, Australia
--
http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/
latest: Slovenia

Malaria and Mosquito Repellent
 

Oops - I meant chloroquine resistant strains of malaria!!



" A Mate" wrote in message
u...
Doxycycline is the most efficient and reliable pharmaceutical malaria
prophylactic. Effective against chloroquine malarial strain etc. Cheap
too.

Some cautions.

If buying outside Australia - be sure it is within its expiry date (It can
become toxic, and cause liver damage if it very old). Some 3% of users
suffer enhanced sensitivity to sunburn when taking doxy - so use extra
sunscreen as a cautionary measure.

You take 1 x 100mg tablet daily, from 1 day before exposure to 4 weeks
after last exposure.

It's best taken at about the same time every day (I always take it with
breakfast), after food, or with food. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after
taking - as it can cause reflux with some people.

It is the anti-malarial of choice for the ADF; and recognised as very
effective by the CDC in Atlanta - but for some reason rarely prescribed in
the UK for this purpose.

Big Trip - must be a few 'looong' weeks.

Take Care.




"Alan S" wrote in message
...
Hi All

I'm going on a trip which will include Thailand, Cambodia,
India, Jordan, Egypt and Yucatan in a few weeks.

I will be doing the normal prophylaxis for malaria. I have
to be fairly careful with a shaky immune system.

I would appreciate suggestions on the most effective rub-on
or spray-on mosquito repellents for daily personal use.
Preferably one that doesn't also repel those who sit next to
me in buses and which doesn't make me appear to be covered
in baby oil and which is likely to be available in those
countries if replenishment is needed.

I'll be talking to my doc on medication prophylaxis, but any
thoughts on that would also be appreciated.

Cheers, Alan, Australia
--
http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/
latest: Slovenia

Malaria and Mosquito Repellent
 

"William Black" wrote:

Malaria medication can have some nasty side-effects,
*especially if taken for longer than eight weeks or so.

Plus they each have their trade-offs. FWIW, one of them (I forget
which: its the one that is one pill per week) has a side effect
warning of "vivid dreams" ... this is a polite way of saying
"nightmares". I've taken this stuff, and I found that my balance was
off on the day after taking it (got less bad over time).


In India I find that decent anti-insect discipline...
...and rub on DEET (about 30% works, *anything over 50%
irritates my skin) about an hour before dusk if going out of doors.

DEET is a known carcinogen, so it is wise to limit your exposure
instead of bathing in the stuff. This means to be aware of both how
many hours/day its on your skin, as well as the concentration level in
use.

The recommended maximum concentration is now around 33%, which will
provide protection for around 2/3rds as long as the full 100%
concentration does. As far as how many hours per application this is
worth depends on which numbers you believe, but figure it to be 8hrs
if you believe that 100% lasts 12hrs, or 5-6hrs vs 8hrs.

In general, use good prevention techniques of tucking in pants legs,
putting protective stuff on clothing, etc, to minimize the actual
amount of skin in contact with DEET, and then plan your application
times to allign with times of higher exposure risk (dawn, dusk,
etc).

BTW, particularly when you get above 50% DEET, the nastiness of this
chemical will damage plastics (etch & craze). Be particularly aware
of hand contact with your camera. This doesn't mean that 30%
concentration can't cause damage, but rather that it won't do it quite
as quickly or severely as higher concentration stuff.


-hh