Mosquito bites are common in South Africa and prevention of getting bitten is better than cure but there are treatments available for those who have a few or are covered in bites. There is no malaria to worry about in this country as the buzzing little insects throughout SA are not carriers of the disease. Swamps, dams, marshy areas, rivers and just about anywhere there is water and often an abundance of trees are the kind of places that mosquito’s breed and are found in their millions! Camping for example will put you within their blood sucking range and prevention is advised if you are going to be staying on a camp site anywhere near water.
Types of mosquito bite preventions include netted clothing (not very fashionable at the moment) or various creams and sprays that can be applied safely to the skin on the body. The sprays and creams must be used with caution on young children and women and not be sprayed on the face, inhaled or rubbed anywhere near the eyes. Most good prevention treatments will last between 8-10 hours assuring you of a reasonable nights sleep if you are out at night in the bush on safari for example. A natural repellent used worldwide with good success to stop mosquito’s in their tracks is lemon eucalyptus oil. However, lemon eucalyptus oil is not recommended for use on children under the age of four years old.
Treatments to cure mosquito bites if they have occurred may depend on how severe the bites and the type of reaction that has been experienced. For example if heart palpitations and swelling in places other than where the bite is located are experienced then emergency medical treatment needs to be sought quickly. If you have been bitten many times then using antihistamine cream such as Antisan will help when applied only to the affected areas. A simple cold shower can help relieve swelling and the itching feeling for a while but there are some good creams available that will stop the annoying itch of most mosquito bites.