{"id":2613,"date":"2016-05-02T19:49:03","date_gmt":"2016-05-02T19:49:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/vivavenao.com\/v\/?p=2613"},"modified":"2017-11-17T19:56:22","modified_gmt":"2017-11-17T19:56:22","slug":"itchies-in-azuero","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vivavenao.com\/v\/itchies-in-azuero\/","title":{"rendered":"Itchies in Azuero"},"content":{"rendered":"

Itchies in Azuero<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Even in paradise there are a few annoying neighbors\u00a0to deal with. The best way to avoid and treat is to stay educated! Some common nuisances below :<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

Stingrays:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Stingray stings are not dangerous, although painful. Just remember – stay calm, deactivate the venom with a lot of heat (hot saltwater).<\/p>\n

\"WL003419_stingray_342x198\"
\nWhen<\/strong>: Typically appear during\u00a0the Panamanian summer (Dec-May) when the waters are cooler from the current.
\nWhere<\/strong>: \u00a0They congregate around the shore to feed on small fish and crabs. Be careful when entering\/leaving the water! Be extra careful\u00a0on days when you see small fish jumping near the shore. Also on days when the waves are bigger, they tend to mill around the ends of the bay where the waves are calmer.
\nHow to avoid<\/strong> : \u00a0SHUFFLE your feet – don’t stomp! \u00a0 When taking a fall off your board, fall backwards with your arms crossed across your chest.
\nRemedies<\/strong> : \u00a0 If stung – don’t panic! The immediate, sharp pain will peak in\u00a0the first 1-2 hours and the area will become swollen.
\n1. Remove the fragments of the stinger (unless it is in the chest or abdomen – in which case get the medics to remove).
\n2. Pressurize the area to stop the bleeding and stop the spread of venom.
\n3. Soak the affected area in HOT WATER<\/strong> or apply a HOT PACK<\/strong> or bury under HOT SAND<\/strong>\u00a0>>> the hotter the better! Stingray venom is protein-based and the heat will deactivate the venom. (add\u00a0soap<\/strong> and salt<\/strong> to the hot water – optional). Don’t let the water cool!
\n4. If available – apply\u00a0Meat Tenderizer<\/strong>\u00a0directly on the sting asap to break down and deactivate the protein-based venom.
\n5. Scrub with soap and water once it’s stopped oozing. Then wrap in dressing (don’t tape shut). Apply topical antibiotic cream if needed.
\n6. Prolonged pus, redness, and heat could be a sign of infection – antibiotic ointments will help but better to seek medical attention as the doctor may subscribe an oral antibiotic or tetanus shot.<\/p>\n

** If you experience any nausea, vomiting, muscle cramping, chills, tightness in the chest, swelling anywhere on the face, difficulty breathing, welts (hives) anywhere on your body… \u00a0go to the nearest emergency room immediately, as this could be a sign of an allergic reaction!<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

Jellyfish:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Unlike the species in the Indian Ocean, jellyfish stings in Panama are mostly annoyances rather than deadly.\u00a0Jellyfish stings usually result in an annoying rash, a dull stinging, itchiness.
\n<\/a><\/strong>
\n\"Jelly_cc11\"When<\/strong> :\u00a0Typically appear in the Panamanian summer\u00a0(Dec-May) when the waters are cooler from the current.
\nWhere<\/strong>: \u00a0They’re usually around the surf line up and further out in\u00a0the open sea. They get blown near the shore when the wind is blowing onshore (towards the shore).
\nHow to avoid<\/strong>\u00a0: \u00a0 Wearing pantyhose (I know, it sounds silly) or full-body lycra suits are effective protection against jellyfish stings. Lotions like “Safe Sea” claim to reduce stings. The stings are mostly just annoyances rather than poisonous, so most surfers just “brave through it” with rash guards.
\nRemedies<\/strong>\u00a0:
\n1. Remaining tentacles should be removed – with a towel or glove.
\n2. Continue to rinse with salt water.
\n3. Apply HOT WATER<\/strong> for 15-20 minutes. (DON’T USE\u00a0vinegar, alcohol, urine, fresh water, peroxide).
\n4. Apply SHAVING CREAM<\/strong> to prevent the spread of toxins.
\n5. \u00a0Apply Meat tenderizer<\/strong> : Applying immediately after being bitten may break down the proteins that cause a reaction. Make into a paste w\/ water and apply.
\n6. Benadryl or calamine lotion helps to reduce the itchiness. Paracetomol or ibuprofin will help with the pain. Taking allergy meds like Allegra also helps with temporary itchiness, although long term use is not recommended.<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

Scorpions:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The ones found here are not that dangerous, unless you are really old, really young, or really allergic (seek medical attention if you are any of those!). The sharp pain is often compared to a wasp or hornet sting – and sometimes causes numbness in the face (that goes away in a day).<\/p>\n

\"scorpion\"<\/a>
\nWhen<\/strong>\u00a0: Mainly Dry Season (Dec – May). Their main water sources dry up and they come near residences\u00a0seeking water and food (ants, roaches), and to escape the heat of the sun. They are nocturnal, and appear at night.
\nWhere<\/strong>: \u00a0They hide under boards, SHOES<\/strong>, stones, bricks, GARBAGE, logs, PANT LEGS<\/strong>, wood piles, long blades of grass,\u00a0bags, luggage.
\nHow to avoid<\/strong>\u00a0: Be careful when picking things up off the ground, both inside and outside the house. Shake your shoes and clothes before putting them on (particularly if they’ve been on the floor). Most locals keep CHICKENS<\/strong>, cats around the house (they\u00a0eat and chase away the pesky insects). Keep things off the floor – particularly wet towels, newspapers, garbage.. try wearing shoes around a pool or damp areas at night time. I have heard\u00a0Dos Tigres (green can with a picture of tigers) is a good spray.\u00a0Seal all doors and windows with weather strips.\u00a0Plug all holes and cracks on exterior walls with caulking.\u00a0Scorpions glow under ultraviolet light and are attracted to damp burlap bags (these can be used as water traps). Boric acid (Borax) will kill scorpions (and cockroaches).\u00a0Put crib legs in clean wide-mouthed jars, pull beds away from walls.
\nRemedies :
\n<\/strong>– A home remedy people swear by, is to capture the scorpion and smash it, then press its bodily juices<\/strong> into the sting location as forcefully as possible. This needs to be done asap, before the venom spreads or it will have no effect. 15-30 minutes later the pain and numbness should go away.<\/p>\n

– Another home remedy (this one is untested so I’m unsure of its potency) is to hold the end of a lit cigarette right next to the sting as close as possible without burning yourself (asap before the venom spreads). It supposedly takes the symptoms (numb lips, soreness etc..) away.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Here are some medically-backed remedies :<\/div>\n
1. Take a single dose of antihistamine (Benadryl) and analgesic (acetaminophen).<\/div>\n
2. Wash the affected area with soap and water.
\n3. ICE\u00a0it for several hours .
\n4. Antihistamine, corticosteroid, and analgesic ointments can help ease pain.<\/div>\n
5. Squeezing some of the venom out of the wound can have certain benefits, such as reducing numbness in the area however it will result in some bruising and swelling the next morning.
\n6. If you experience any of the danger signs below you should go to the hospital. If you can, kill the scorpion and bring it with you.\u00a0Muscle spasms,\u00a0Hyperventilation,\u00a0Racing pulse or heartbeat,\u00a0Dizziness or disorientation,\u00a0Anaphylactic shock. OR if an infant or elderly person gets stung!<\/div>\n

<\/h3>\n

Chitra:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

No-see-ums, Sandflies, biting midges, sand fleas. Call them what you will!\u00a0 Mosquitos (or as Panamanians call them, zancudo<\/em>) are bad, but these little buggers are so much worse – firstly because they’re so tiny you don’t even know when you’re getting bitten – until they show up in a series of itchy spots 2 days later that start itching hysterically in the middle of the night!
\n\"imagesWhen<\/strong>\u00a0: All year round – but more so during rainy season (June-Nov) when there are more humid and overcast days.
\nWhere<\/strong>: \u00a0Outdoors around dawn (6am-9am<\/strong>) and dusk (4:30pm – 7:30pm<\/strong>. They can’t see in the dark.) in sandy areas or grassy areas, anywhere there is wet soil\u00a0(lakes, swamps, mangrove mud, sandy shores.. similar to mosquito habitats).
\nHow to avoid<\/strong>\u00a0: \u00a0\u00a0Fans<\/strong>! \u00a0Wind is the best remedy as it blows them all away.\u00a0The best defense against getting sandfly and mosquito bites is to dress well: Long sleeve, ankles and feet covered up<\/strong> (they love ankles). Repellents – some work and some don’t .. The chitra here\u00a0already seem to be immune to OFF! (I’ve seen them land right onto it); have heard good things about stronger repellents like “Cutter”, “Sawyer”, “Buggspray”. Rubbing citronella oil<\/strong>, coconut oil, baby oil – mask our natural smell (to repel mosquitos) and help your body build up a natural layer of tolerance. Some people swear by Vitamin B supplements to build tolerance to the bites to minimize the itching. Burn incense coils to keep the mosquito away. Drinking alcohol – apparently makes you tastier to the bugs.<\/p>\n

Remedies :
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

1. Don’t scratch!! Scratching will activate the affected area and the itching will persist for longer.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0Soothe the bites quickly! This is because you are immediately disinfecting the sandfly or mosquito bite before a reaction begins.\u00a0It may not be itching when you go to bed, but chances are, those bites will wake you.<\/p>\n

Some possible rubbing ointments :<\/p>\n

– Cold pressed oil mix : 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil (eg. Olive Oil) + 2 drops of tea tree essential oil.
\n– Meat tenderizer : Applying immediately after being bitten will\u00a0break down the proteins that cause a reaction. Make into a paste w\/ water and apply.
\n– Ketchup & Mustard : Scientists are unsure why – but they work to soothe the itch!
\n– Vinegar : Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and hold\/tape in place for a few minutes.
\n– Rubbing alcohol : will soothe the itch and ultimately may reduce the swelling, while preventing infection.
\n– Teas : these herbs have antihistamine properties. Take them as a tea, or compress. Herbs to try are chamomile, peppermint, basil, echinacea, fennel, oregano & tea (green or black).
\n– Pour baby powder on the bites, cover with saran wrap and leave overnight for 3 nights in a row to dry out the toxins.<\/p>\n

3. Other natural remedies for the itching :
\n– Aloe vera
\n– Baking soda mix : \u00a01 Tablespoon baking soda + 1 pint warm water. Apply with clean fingers, leave on a few minutes, then wash off with warm water. This will lower the pH of your skin and relieve the itch.
\n– Raw onion or raw apple
\n– Lavender or tea tree essential oils
\n– Toothpaste : acts to reduce the itch
\n– Antiperspirant: May act as an astringent and help dry out the bites.
\n– water + aspirin
\n– mouthwash
\n– Tums + water
\n– rubbing plantains, banana, lemon, onion, potato.
\n4: Antihistamines and Calamine lotion help – if the itch is really bad, take an Allegra or Claritin before bed (although not a permanent solution) to keep the scratching at bay.<\/p>\n

5. Eventually your body will build a natural tolerance – and the chitra bites will become less bothersome (you may still get bitten, but no allergic reaction).<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

Ortiga \u00a0:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

aka\u00a0Urtica.\u00a0They’re called stinging nettles in English. In the photo below (I took this after a hike that caused me to\u00a0break out in a rash) – there looks to be a poison oak front and center, with an Urtica plant behind it (top left). You will know immediately<\/em> when walking through\u00a0nettles:\u00a0the\u00a0hairs on\u00a0the leaves\/stems inject\u00a0histamine\u00a0that produce a stinging \/ itching sensation upon contact!<\/p>\n

\"IMG_8892\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Here the urtica is pictured top center.\u00a0\"IMG_6102<\/a><\/p>\n

When<\/strong>\u00a0:\u00a0\u00a0Rainy season (June – Nov) – when the hills are green with life, the prickly plants also sprout with life too!
\nWhere<\/strong>: \u00a0In the hills – mixed among the grass.
\nHow to avoid<\/strong>\u00a0: \u00a0 Avoid leaves of three (with a white flower in the center). Avoid plants with jaggety leaves growing out of the center stem, with tiny white clusters of flowers. Do not burn\u00a0as this will cause irritation in the eyes if the oils land there. Wear protective clothing.
\nRemedies :
\n<\/strong>1. Don’t forget to wash all of your clothes to remove the oils.
\n2. Soap and Water! \u00a0: Rinse with warm water and soap ASAP to\u00a0wash away the nettle juices and oils to prevent spreading.
\n<\/strong>3. Anti itch remedies :
\n– Aloe Vera : acts as an anti-inflammatory.
\n– Antihistamine \/ calamine ointment or pills
\n– Vinegar : dries the rash and cools the itching. Damp a gauze with cold white vinegar and apply.
\n– Milk : soak gauze in cold whole milk and leave on skin for 15 mins (the cold stops the itch and the milk lubricates the skin).
\n– Oatmeal : soothes irritated skin
\n– Plantains : some claim this reduces itching!
\n– Rubbing alcohol : to extract the oils from your skin
\n– Baking soda: apply a paste of\u00a0baking soda and water, 3 times a\u00a0day
\n4. Go swimming! Salt water can help dry out the rash – so go take a dip in the ocean!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Itchies in Azuero Even in paradise there are a few annoying neighbors\u00a0to deal with. The best way to avoid and treat is to stay educated! Some common nuisances below : Stingrays: Stingray stings are not dangerous, although painful. Just remember – stay calm, deactivate the venom with a lot of heat (hot saltwater). When: Typically…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[164,64],"tags":[168,167,169,166,165],"class_list":["post-2613","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-residents","category-tips","tag-annoyances","tag-itchies","tag-remedies","tag-residents","tag-tips","content-box content-box-wrapper"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vivavenao.com\/v\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2613","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vivavenao.com\/v\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vivavenao.com\/v\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vivavenao.com\/v\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vivavenao.com\/v\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2613"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/vivavenao.com\/v\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2613\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vivavenao.com\/v\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2613"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vivavenao.com\/v\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2613"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vivavenao.com\/v\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2613"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}