Watch out for sand flies on Thailand's beaches
The message appears on various websites, warning of sand flies. Koh Samet, Koh Chang, Koh Mak are mentioned, but no doubt they also come up beaches elsewhere Thailand in front of.
The sand flies (of the Phlebotomidae family) are very small, so you hardly see them and only notice that they are there when you are stung. They are generally active at dusk, just like “normal mosquitoes. Because they are small and hard to catch, they are treacherous creatures that can cause problems for both people and animals (think dogs).
A bite can be (partially) prevented by – just like with normal mosquitoes – rubbing certain parts of the body (ankles, legs, etc.) with a pesticide (containing the active substance DEET) and also spraying clothing with it.
If you have been stung by such a small thunderbolt, immediately walk into the water, which relieves the emerging itch. No matter how intense that itch is, don't scratch, but use tea tree oil or ibuprofen gel to relieve that itch.
However, some people continue to scratch, even in their sleep, which can cause the bites to become inflamed. In that case, a visit to a doctor or a medical center is recommended, where the wound can be cleaned and treated. It is not uncommon for a course of antibiotics to be prescribed.
But even without a doctor's visit, you can treat the wound yourself, although there is a risk of permanent scarring. In any case, clean the wound thoroughly every morning and evening with saline solution and iodine (Betadine), available without a prescription in any pharmacy in Thailand. An antihistamine ointment called Systral may also help.
The sandfly family is very large with more than 700 species and certain species, which mainly occur in countries around the Mediterranean Sea, can transmit certain diseases, such as leismaniasis (sandfly fever). Fortunately, this species does not occur in Thailand, so there is no reason for real panic.
Well this Hans dropped out on Koh Chang 2 years ago on doctor's advice for this reason. I must have had the wrong beach, in Prachuap Khir Khan there is also a part of the beach where those small animals are and mosquitoes also on Koh Chang
I don't get it, never get stung by mosquitoes in the Netherlands, but in Thailand they love me.
Don't like eating in a Thai restaurant in the Netherlands?
Those mosquitoes sometimes want something other than Thai Food.
We also occasionally suffer from it here in Cha am, which helps well is Topiram, which we got here from the local doctor, simply available at the pharmacy. Treat it as soon as possible, and keep lubricating for at least a day out of 8.
Mosquito bites usually do not infect, but those from sand flies often do. Maarten is right, rubbing with Topiram is the solution. Available at any good pharmacy.
Maarten above said that they sometimes also had problems with it in cha am, it is often best to ask the local restaurateurs on the boulevards, or farang who live there, it can happen that on some beaches you do not experience any problems. and bam 200 meters
further you are the hare.
Sounds stupid but keeping socks on on the beach sometimes helps, yuck you bastards.
By the way, they are also often called sand fleas
I know everything about it.
I was on Koh chang two years ago and was already suffering from it, but to a lesser extent. September 2011 I was back on Koh Chang and then I had to go to the pharmacy and had a tablets cure and ointment. Then all healed well.
We went to Vietnam in March 2012 and it bothered me terribly. Each stab became a big wound that wouldn't close. even got inflammation in other places. I went to a doctor and he cleaned the wounds and filled me with tablets. Had to come back every day and then another tablet was added. After 5 days it all subsided a bit and the wounds are now healed again, but with the necessary scars.
Before leaving, go to the doctor first to ask what I can do before I leave or what I can take with me if it happens again.
If anyone has any tips!!!
Mirjam
Do not lie on your towel on the sand, but grab a lounger. Then you will only be bothered by the mosquitoes that are really big and very aggressive on Koh Samed, for example.
Our experience is one part regular baby oil with a little Dettol (disinfectant).
This is the only thing that kept the sandflies away from us. Learned in New Zealand, where there are also an awful lot of these sand flies on the west coast.
only on the South Island, by the way. but it's true it's a nightmare these little flies.
I just use mosquito repellent spray works well here and in Thailand Off , I think from Johnson.
I have heard that coconut oil would also prevent bites…. Anyone experience with it?
What do they call those sand flies cq. sand fleas in Thai then?
Can someone write it in Thai and possibly Karaoke?
It's that easy if you want to discuss it with a Thai.
Luckily I've never come across one.
We also had this problem in Cha Am. Suddenly I got spots on my legs. Then start using Deet. Spots disappeared after a few days. In case of itching, rub with vinegar. Don't scratch. Those so-called stinky laces also help. Place it near your legs. Many Thai restaurants already do this on their own.
Use pure coconut oil, you won't be bothered by anything, good luck
Coconut oil is available in NL, but as far as I know - and have tried - nowhere in Thailand.
Coconut oil is widely available in Thailand, but mainly in OTOP stores. Even available in different 'flavours'. In the Netherlands you can go to any store.
Dear bloggers, if you get stung wherever and by any insect, the next tip.
With the sharpest fingernail, make a deep cross where you were stung.
Rub firmly with…………M each…….The presence of lactic acid will reduce itching
Disappear within a few minutes. I have been able to help many terrace owners with this.
The same result with a tub of coffee milk, which I always have with me.
Try it out, and greetings.theo.