Have noted that in the little book Jonothan, thanks. I would hope there isn't a next time.....................but.
alfie said
09:20 AM Jan 4, 2012
Liveing at Tin Can Bay we have ourshare of midges,sitting outside on verandah with fan going keeps the little beggers at bay.
JustJim said
09:36 AM Jan 5, 2012
Firefly
Cathie tells me Dexmethzone is not an antibiotic - it's a steroid.
This is a medication a doctor wouldn't normally prescribe for mossie bites unless there has been a history of a severe inflammatory allergic response to mossie bites - it sounds like you have had such an experience in the past, Firefly.
The response people have to mossie bites is an allergic one, so, as a number of folk have said, an antihistamine is the thing to use. The body releases histamine to stop the stuff that mossies put into to you from spreading through the body, an antihistamine combats this relieving the swelling and itchiness.
Antibiotics are given for an infection, rather than for an allergy - though of course mossie bites can become infected.
The 'Click Zapper' is simple and effective (Most camping stores sell them). As someone mentioned - 5 to 10 clicks usually stops an itch - a few more to alleviate swelling.
We wouldn't travel without a couple of 'Click Zappers' - as well as Aeroguard, antihistamine tablets - and Band-Aids of course (wheres the Mercurochrome?)
I had to bite the bullet today and seek medical intervention.
Three nights with little or no sleep does not make for a happy camper.
For those of you travelling to Tasmania be advised that the hospital in New Norfolk does not function as a normal hospital but is a geriatric establishment.
Being a Saturday and out of hours the Nurse Call Centre was very helpful and located an out of hours clinic at Derwent Park.
It must the the one and only time that my name was called BEFORE we had even finished the paperwork.
Cutting to the chase, because the phenergan didn't do a thing the lovely young doctor prescribed prednisone (steroid).
Will see how things go in the next couple of days.
If no improvement you might read about a murder/suicide in New Norfolk.....
Firefly said
04:24 PM Jan 7, 2012
Oh no Ma, well lets hope it has an effect for you mate. x o x o
Jim, thanks for that. I haven't even taken them yet, I am not much of a pill popper unless I have to.
I did have a bad experience in Darwin where the infection started to track up my arm. I lost a few days in that haze and its not the last time it happened so he has given me that lot to carry in case of a recurrence.
Ma said
04:26 PM Jan 7, 2012
DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THEM FLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wouldn't wish what I'm going through on my worst enemy let alone my best friend.
And if we are both taking them at the same time we can party ALL night and still have some energy in reserve for the next day.....
-- Edited by Ma on Saturday 7th of January 2012 04:27:09 PM
Firefly said
04:30 PM Jan 7, 2012
They sound damn good mate, I will have to re stock, mine must be outa date now.
Gerty Dancer said
04:43 PM Jan 7, 2012
Who would you murder Ma? Geez it must be bad to make you feel like that. Best wishes for a quick recovery. Its a warning to us all to keep the repellant handy at all times.
Ma said
04:45 PM Jan 7, 2012
Well, there are three of us here in Tassie, Blue, Me and Blue's brother, take your pick......
Firefly said
05:06 PM Jan 7, 2012
Let me guess mate, neither of them were bitten?
Ma said
05:10 PM Jan 7, 2012
You got it in one Fly, better make that a double murder......
Firefly said
05:15 PM Jan 7, 2012
They just mustn't taste any good mate.
Cruising Granny said
05:28 PM Jan 7, 2012
When I first went to Broome for a weekend off the station I was attacked by sand flies. They are a huge problem during the biggest tides. I blistered and itched for a couple of days, so I went to the doctor and was prescribed cortisone cream to hasten healing. It worked and I've never reacted to these little monsters again. I feel the sting but if I wash the area with cool water immediately I get no reaction and no more itch or sores. The little buggers which got me at Lake Maraboon were not sand flies. They looked like a minute beetle. That was Christmas Eve and the sores are just starting to fade now. I don't think we can prepare for EVERY bug which wants our blood or to feed on our perspiration. We only learn about the allergy once we've been attacked. Hang in there Ma. Ice in the very first instance can freeze the toxin, but it doesn't work for everything either. Eucalyptus works on some bites. I carry it in the van all the time, but not in the car. We used to use metho a long time ago, and it did work after the sting stopped. I hear it's ok in orange juice too. Don't try this at home folks.
Firefly said
10:37 PM Jan 7, 2012
If I felt the bite Chris, I would be forewarned so to speak. But I don't have any warning until sometime later when the damage is done.
I would like to try the clicker but I wonder would it work a few hours later do you think?
Cruising Granny said
11:16 PM Jan 7, 2012
I had the chance when I met Bob and Bev at Mildura last week on my way home from Greens Lake. Bev showed me the little gadget, and I tried it on my bites, but it didn't seem to stop the itch. While I consciously tried NOT to scratch, I found myself (not that I was lost) scratching as I drove. Bugger! One flared up more than the others, so I'd judge that as a higher allergy factor. Nothing I could do.
Ma said
08:22 AM Jan 8, 2012
I'm like you Fly, you don't realise you have been bitten till after the damage has been done and then it's would probably be to late for the "clicker" as Christine said.
I did get a bit more sleep last night, don't know if it was the steroids as at that stage I had only taken one but, hey, any sleep is better than none regardless.
Firefly said
08:58 AM Jan 8, 2012
Well thats a bit of good news then Ma.
I might get a clicker just for the hell of it, maybe it will help the other half. He can't use sprays as he has an allergy to most of them
wendyv said
03:50 PM Jan 8, 2012
I have at times been affected by sandfly bites when up north. But for the first time ever, I seem to have been bitten by midges of some type - in my garden in outer suburban Melbourne! Same deal as sandflies - no idea I was being bitten at the time, but later (a day or two??) the blisters and itches. We are a very long way from the sea/mangroves etc, and have lived here for 20 years without anything like this happening before, so I am rather mystified - not to mention p***** off.
Ma said
07:47 PM Jan 8, 2012
Let me know if the clicker works Fly.
It is evidently important to keep the body core as cool as possible to lessen the incessant itch.
When in the car I turn the aircon to "freezing" (much to Blue's chargrin) and direct the air flow to my ankles.
When in the van I wipe arms and legs with a wet face cloth and have the aircon as cold as I can bear it, or at least as cold as it will go.
It does work.
I have decided that during the night if it becomes too bad I will have my little laundry tub full of water underneath the table and I can then sit and read with my feet in the water and not disturb Blue's beauty sleep at some ungodly hour.
Firefly said
08:21 PM Jan 8, 2012
Wendy these wet weeks we are having must be the cause I think anyway. I was bitten in my backyard and had the same results as Midgies and it wasn't pleasant once again.
Mmmm I will have to remember the cooling bit mate. Maybe one of those gel ice pack things in the freezer may help too. More than one so they could be swapped out all the time.
Gerty Dancer said
08:45 PM Jan 8, 2012
wendyv wrote:
I have at times been affected by sandfly bites when up north. But for the first time ever, I seem to have been bitten by midges of some type - in my garden in outer suburban Melbourne! Same deal as sandflies - no idea I was being bitten at the time, but later (a day or two??) the blisters and itches. We are a very long way from the sea/mangroves etc, and have lived here for 20 years without anything like this happening before, so I am rather mystified - not to mention p***** off.
We had the same thing happen in Canberra, Wendy. An entymologist who's a mate of my partner's said that they are a type of sandfly, and they breed in damp soil.... summers have been uncommonly wet the last couple of years. Those blisters seem to be particular to sandfly bites with me, mossie bites are just a red lump that itches for 2 days and goes away. (Apparently the common name of Midge covers several kinds of little bitey including sandflies.)
I hate having to use repellant every single day at home, but its worth it.
Hope you are feeling better Ma.
Ma said
09:14 PM Jan 8, 2012
Yes Fly. My daughter actually suggested those gel packs last night when she rang. Said you can get them that actually mould to the shape of wherever you put them and are reusable too which is good.
Thanks Gery, I am feeling a lot better although still itch like crazy when I get hot but it's blowing a gale down here at the moment and the wind is straight off the south pole so I am nice and COOL.
The steroids are kicking in too. Boy did I have a lot of energy today went for a walk to see some waterfalls and then around the salmon ponds at New Norfolk.
Both really lovely places and the salmon ponds have a pancake restaurant too....Yummy.
Ma said
09:39 PM Jan 8, 2012
Gert, did the entymologist give any idea what could be used on the bites or the prevention, if any.
Gerty Dancer said
09:53 PM Jan 8, 2012
No he didnt say, I'd have liked him to offer some advice about getting rid of them from the garden, but cant be done so he said. Theres a family in our neighborhood with 2 of their children affected, and scratching big sores on their legs. They moved out over winter, hope those kids are free of sandflies wherever they are.
I use the odorless aerogard and it works so I'm happy-ish with that. Hated the old aerogard with DEET in, used to make me sneeze. And Soov sort-of takes the itch away for a couple of hours... the bites itch for over a week! The antihystamine of choice for me is Zyrtec because it helps me sleep.
Glad to hear you are starting to get out and sight-see again.... might help to sleep if you had an active day? Hope so.
Firefly said
09:58 PM Jan 8, 2012
I use the telfast 180 when I travel and they seem to quell the itch a lot Gert. They help me sleep as well but nothing like the Polaramine, they knock me for six those babies.
Ma said
10:25 PM Jan 8, 2012
Have always used Phenergan both 10mg and 25mg. They usually work, but not this time.
Will see how these steroids go, although I can only take them for three days because of a pre exisiting condition.
Cruising Granny said
11:17 PM Jan 8, 2012
Look out Blue!!! You'd better top up with some steroids to keep up with the girl. I found ice was good to keep any inflammation to a minimum. I was attacked at Emerald, way inland from the ocean, but there's water lying around everywhere from recent floods. When I get attacked by sandflies I don't always feel it at the time of the bite, but as soon as I feel the sting I wash the spot with cool water. Apart from my first attack this seems to work. This time it wasn't sand flies, but more like a tiny beetle, and I felt the bite while the little bugger was still sitting on my skin. I slapped him/her for the trouble they caused, and washed the spot, but this didn't work for this critter. I developed inflamed really hot circles around the bite so I'm guessing I was a little bit allergic. Nothing seemed to calm the itch for about 5 days. I don't usually suffer allergies so this little critter must be a doozy, just like my first sand fly attack. The vitamin B does seem to keep the worst of the mozzies at bay, but the buzzing around the ears can be just as annoying as the bite. I could even hear them buzzing outside my camp bed screens. Thank goodness for those screens. I hope you really get on top of this and recover with the help of a good night's sleep. Nothing beats a good night's sleep. (Must be getting old.)
Smokeydk said
09:33 AM Jan 9, 2012
CG......were those beetles.......goldish in colour??........We were down the SE ...Naracoorte.....yabbi'n at a swamp....that night......these small beetles attacked us and got in our van and vehicle...never seen them before....they were about the size of a lady bug
Firefly said
08:02 PM Jan 9, 2012
Mate, check out these clothes and see what you think.
If you look through the benefits you will see it says "anti mosquito" and I am wondering if they would be any good?
They are on sale at present so let me know and I will go get you some and send them over.
Have noted that in the little book Jonothan, thanks. I would hope there isn't a next time.....................but.
Firefly
Cathie tells me Dexmethzone is not an antibiotic - it's a steroid.
This is a medication a doctor wouldn't normally prescribe for mossie bites unless there has been a history of a severe inflammatory allergic response to mossie bites - it sounds like you have had such an experience in the past, Firefly.
The response people have to mossie bites is an allergic one, so, as a number of folk have said, an antihistamine is the thing to use.
The body releases histamine to stop the stuff that mossies put into to you from spreading through the body, an antihistamine combats this relieving the swelling and itchiness.
Antibiotics are given for an infection, rather than for an allergy - though of course mossie bites can become infected.
The 'Click Zapper' is simple and effective (Most camping stores sell them).
As someone mentioned - 5 to 10 clicks usually stops an itch - a few more to alleviate swelling.
We wouldn't travel without a couple of 'Click Zappers' - as well as Aeroguard, antihistamine tablets - and Band-Aids of course (wheres the Mercurochrome?)
Jim
Some websites about the subject.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dexamethasone
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~aair/antihistamines.htm#WHATRANTI
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10278.php
I had to bite the bullet today and seek medical intervention.
Three nights with little or no sleep does not make for a happy camper.
For those of you travelling to Tasmania be advised that the hospital in New Norfolk does not function as a normal hospital but is a geriatric establishment.
Being a Saturday and out of hours the Nurse Call Centre was very helpful and located an out of hours clinic at Derwent Park.
It must the the one and only time that my name was called BEFORE we had even finished the paperwork.
Cutting to the chase, because the phenergan didn't do a thing the lovely young doctor prescribed prednisone (steroid).
Will see how things go in the next couple of days.
If no improvement you might read about a murder/suicide in New Norfolk.....
Oh no Ma, well lets hope it has an effect for you mate. x o x o
Jim, thanks for that. I haven't even taken them yet, I am not much of a pill popper unless I have to.
I did have a bad experience in Darwin where the infection started to track up my arm. I lost a few days in that haze and its not the last time it happened so he has given me that lot to carry in case of a recurrence.
DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THEM FLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wouldn't wish what I'm going through on my worst enemy let alone my best friend.
And if we are both taking them at the same time we can party ALL night and still have some energy in reserve for the next day.....
-- Edited by Ma on Saturday 7th of January 2012 04:27:09 PM
They sound damn good mate, I will have to re stock, mine must be outa date now.
Its a warning to us all to keep the repellant handy at all times.
Well, there are three of us here in Tassie, Blue, Me and Blue's brother, take your pick......
Let me guess mate, neither of them were bitten?
You got it in one Fly, better make that a double murder......
They just mustn't taste any good mate.
I blistered and itched for a couple of days, so I went to the doctor and was prescribed cortisone cream to hasten healing. It worked and I've never reacted to these little monsters again. I feel the sting but if I wash the area with cool water immediately I get no reaction and no more itch or sores.
The little buggers which got me at Lake Maraboon were not sand flies. They looked like a minute beetle. That was Christmas Eve and the sores are just starting to fade now.
I don't think we can prepare for EVERY bug which wants our blood or to feed on our perspiration. We only learn about the allergy once we've been attacked.
Hang in there Ma. Ice in the very first instance can freeze the toxin, but it doesn't work for everything either.
Eucalyptus works on some bites. I carry it in the van all the time, but not in the car. We used to use metho a long time ago, and it did work after the sting stopped.
I hear it's ok in orange juice too. Don't try this at home folks.
If I felt the bite Chris, I would be forewarned so to speak. But I don't have any warning until sometime later when the damage is done.
I would like to try the clicker but I wonder would it work a few hours later do you think?
While I consciously tried NOT to scratch, I found myself (not that I was lost) scratching as I drove. Bugger!
One flared up more than the others, so I'd judge that as a higher allergy factor. Nothing I could do.
I'm like you Fly, you don't realise you have been bitten till after the damage has been done and then it's would probably be to late for the "clicker" as Christine said.
I did get a bit more sleep last night, don't know if it was the steroids as at that stage I had only taken one but, hey, any sleep is better than none regardless.
Well thats a bit of good news then Ma.
I might get a clicker just for the hell of it, maybe it will help the other half. He can't use sprays as he has an allergy to most of them
Let me know if the clicker works Fly.
It is evidently important to keep the body core as cool as possible to lessen the incessant itch.
When in the car I turn the aircon to "freezing" (much to Blue's chargrin) and direct the air flow to my ankles.
When in the van I wipe arms and legs with a wet face cloth and have the aircon as cold as I can bear it, or at least as cold as it will go.
It does work.
I have decided that during the night if it becomes too bad I will have my little laundry tub full of water underneath the table and I can then sit and read with my feet in the water and not disturb Blue's beauty sleep at some ungodly hour.
Wendy these wet weeks we are having must be the cause I think anyway. I was bitten in my backyard and had the same results as Midgies and it wasn't pleasant once again.
Mmmm I will have to remember the cooling bit mate. Maybe one of those gel ice pack things in the freezer may help too. More than one so they could be swapped out all the time.
We had the same thing happen in Canberra, Wendy. An entymologist who's a mate of my partner's said that they are a type of sandfly, and they breed in damp soil.... summers have been uncommonly wet the last couple of years. Those blisters seem to be particular to sandfly bites with me, mossie bites are just a red lump that itches for 2 days and goes away. (Apparently the common name of Midge covers several kinds of little bitey including sandflies.)
I hate having to use repellant every single day at home, but its worth it.
Hope you are feeling better Ma.
Yes Fly. My daughter actually suggested those gel packs last night when she rang. Said you can get them that actually mould to the shape of wherever you put them and are reusable too which is good.
Thanks Gery, I am feeling a lot better although still itch like crazy when I get hot but it's blowing a gale down here at the moment and the wind is straight off the south pole so I am nice and COOL.
The steroids are kicking in too. Boy did I have a lot of energy today went for a walk to see some waterfalls and then around the salmon ponds at New Norfolk.
Both really lovely places and the salmon ponds have a pancake restaurant too....Yummy.
Gert, did the entymologist give any idea what could be used on the bites or the prevention, if any.
I use the odorless aerogard and it works so I'm happy-ish with that. Hated the old aerogard with DEET in, used to make me sneeze.
And Soov sort-of takes the itch away for a couple of hours... the bites itch for over a week! The antihystamine of choice for me is Zyrtec because it helps me sleep.
Glad to hear you are starting to get out and sight-see again.... might help to sleep if you had an active day? Hope so.
I use the telfast 180 when I travel and they seem to quell the itch a lot Gert. They help me sleep as well but nothing like the Polaramine, they knock me for six those babies.
Have always used Phenergan both 10mg and 25mg. They usually work, but not this time.
Will see how these steroids go, although I can only take them for three days because of a pre exisiting condition.
I found ice was good to keep any inflammation to a minimum.
I was attacked at Emerald, way inland from the ocean, but there's water lying around everywhere from recent floods.
When I get attacked by sandflies I don't always feel it at the time of the bite, but as soon as I feel the sting I wash the spot with cool water. Apart from my first attack this seems to work.
This time it wasn't sand flies, but more like a tiny beetle, and I felt the bite while the little bugger was still sitting on my skin. I slapped him/her for the trouble they caused, and washed the spot, but this didn't work for this critter.
I developed inflamed really hot circles around the bite so I'm guessing I was a little bit allergic. Nothing seemed to calm the itch for about 5 days.
I don't usually suffer allergies so this little critter must be a doozy, just like my first sand fly attack.
The vitamin B does seem to keep the worst of the mozzies at bay, but the buzzing around the ears can be just as annoying as the bite.
I could even hear them buzzing outside my camp bed screens. Thank goodness for those screens.
I hope you really get on top of this and recover with the help of a good night's sleep. Nothing beats a good night's sleep.
(Must be getting old.)
Mate, check out these clothes and see what you think.
If you look through the benefits you will see it says "anti mosquito" and I am wondering if they would be any good?
They are on sale at present so let me know and I will go get you some and send them over.
http://kangarootentcity.rtrk.com.au/?scid=35326&kw=4392761&pub_cr_id=10285792140
There is one not far from my place.