Individual requirements vary greatly and most travellers do not need to carry
enormous bags of medical supplies. This section covers a few health items that the
majority of travellers should consider. Those going to malarious areas without
ready access to medical care should read the Medical Kit Checklist, in the
Directory.
First-aid training is appropriate for travellers to remote areas and those going on
prolonged expeditions which might include a medical officer. As the medical needs
of expeditions vary so much, an expedition kit bag list has not been included here.
Expedition leaders should consult their own organisation or one of the specialist
agencies for advice.
Painkillers: We always carry soluble aspirin
(in foil-sealed packs) which is an excellent painkiller and reduces inflammation
associated with sunburn (just be careful about the water you dissolve it in). Aspirin
should not be given to children aged less than twelve, and take paracetamol syrup
for young children. Both paracetamol and aspirin reduce fever associated with
infections. Adults who cannot tolerate aspirin because of ulcer problems, gastritis
or asthma should instead take paracetamol (not paracetamol/codeine
preparations). To avoid potential embarrassment with customs officials, stronger
painkillers should only be carried with evidence that they have been prescribed.
Cuts and grazes: A small supply of waterproof dressings
(e.g. Band-Aids) is useful and a tube of antiseptic cream such as Savlon
- especially if travelling with children.
Sunburn: British travellers frequently underestimate the
dangers of sunburn and should take particular care that children do not get burnt.
Protect exposed areas from the sun, remembering the back of the neck.
Sunbathing exposure times should be gradually increased and use adequate
sunblock creams (waterproof if swimming), particularly at high altitude where
UV light exposure is higher. Sunburn should be treated with
rest, plenty of non-alcoholic drinks and paracetamol or aspirin. Those who burn
easily may wish to take a tube of hydrocortisone cream for excessively burnt areas.
Motion sickness: If liable to travel sickness, try to sleep
through as much of the journey as possible and avoid reading. Avoid watching the
horizon through the window and, if travelling by boat, remain on deck as much as
possible.
Several types of medication give potential relief from motion sickness when taken
before the start of a journey, and sufferers should experiment to find out which
suits them best. Antihistamines (e.g. Phenergan) are popular, especially for
children, but should not be taken with alcohol. Adults should not drive until all
sedative effects of antihistamines have worn off. Other remedies include Kwells
(hyoscine tablets), Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) and Stugeron (cinnarazine).
Scopoderm patches, only available on prescription, release hyoscine through the
skin for up to three days. Hyoscine taken by mouth or by skin patch causes a dry
mouth and can cause sedation.
Constipation: The immobility of prolonged
travel, body clock disruption, dehydration during heat acclimatisation and
reluctance to use toilets of dubious cleanliness all contribute to constipation. Drink
plenty of fluids and try to eat a high-fibre diet. Those who are already prone to
constipation may wish to take additional laxatives or fibre substitutes (e.g.
Fybogel).
Diarrhoea: Although this is a common problem, it is usually
self-limiting and most travellers do not need to carry anti-diarrhoea medication with
them. Diarrhoea reduces absorption of the contraceptive pill and women may wish
to carry supplies of alternative contraceptives in case of this.
Female problems: Women who suffer from recurrent cystitis
or vaginal thrush should consult their doctor to obtain appropriate antibiotics to
take with them. Tampons are often difficult to buy in many countries and should be
bought before travelling. Periods are often irregular or may cease altogether during
travel but this does not mean that you cannot become pregnant.
Insect bites: Insect bites are a nuisance in most parts of the
world and also transmit a variety of infections, the most important of which is
malaria. Personal insect repellents will be needed by most travellers and usually
contain DEET (diethyltoluamide). Liquid formulations are the
cheapest but are less convenient to carry. Lotions and cream are available and
sprays are the easiest to apply but are bulky to carry. Sticks of repellent are easier
to carry and last the longest. All these should be applied to the skin and to clothing
adjacent to exposed areas of skin, but should not be applied around the eyes,
nose and mouth (take care with children).
DEET dissolves plastics, including carrier bags etc., so beware. An alternative to
DEET-containing repellents is Mosiguard Natural. Marketed
by MASTA, this is made from a blend of eucalyptus oils and is
as effective as repellents based on DEET. It is more suitable
for people who are sensitive to DEET.
When abroad, try to reduce the amount of skin available to biting insects by wearing
long sleeves, and long trousers or skirts. If a mosquito net is provided with your
bed, use it. Permethrin-impregnated mosquito nets are effective and can be
purchased before travel to malarious areas. 'Knock-
down' insecticide sprays may be needed, and mosquito coils are
easy to carry. Electric buzzers (that imitate male mosquito noises) are useless and
candles and repellent strips (containing citronella) are not very effective. If bitten by
insects, try to avoid scratching, which can introduce infection, particularly in the
tropics. Eurax cream or calamine lotion can relieve local irritation, and
antihistamine tablets may help those who have been bitten extensively.
Antihistamine creams should be used with caution, since they can cause local
reactions, and we prefer to use weak hydrocortisone cream on bites that are very
irritating. Hydrocortisone cream should only be used if the skin is not obviously
broken or infected. Increasing pain, redness, swelling or obvious pus suggest
infection, and medical attention should be sought.
hiv prevention: Most
HIV infections are acquired sexually (see Sex
Abroad). All adults should consider taking a supply of condoms.
Travellers to countries with limited medical facilities should consider taking a
supply of sterile needles and syringes so that injections required abroad are not
given with re-usable needles of doubtful sterility.
Personal supplies of syringes and needles can make customs officials very
suspicious, and condoms are not acceptable in some countries -
particularly the Middle East.
To avoid problems at the border, it is worth buying these items as part of a small
HIV/AIDS prevention pack which is available from most of the
medical equipment suppliers listed in the directory. Larger
'HIV prevention packs'
which include blood product substitutes are rarely worth carrying.
