I would like to know how to protect myself from sand fleas. I'm leaving for Cuba in a few weeks and I hear there are a lot of them. What cream should I use to prevent bites and especially what should I bring to put on the bites to relieve the itching? Calamine? Benadryl?

Hello,

There really isn't any cream to apply before the bites, except maybe an insecticide spray that contains DEET. I doubt this will have much impact on your chances of getting bitten by sand fleas, but it might help. The best thing to do is to limit the chances of being bitten by limiting direct exposure to sand on a large area of your body. So don't lie on the ground directly, use a towel or lounge chair. Wear sandals too, when you are able to.

Before getting anxious, I will ask the people already present for a few days if they were bitten since their arrival. It is important to understand that not all regions and beaches are affected by sand fleas.

Also, just because you feel like you get bitten by mosquitoes a lot doesn't mean you're going to be a favorite prey for fleas. They are completely different insects.

Finally, bring a calamine cream and a hydrocortisone cream to apply to the stings. Do not use the Benadryl cream, as some people have allergic reactions when using it (!). Apply calamine to the lesions first, and for lesions that still itch and are not located on the face and genitals, apply hydrocortisone next.

Ask your pharmacist where to find hydrocortisone in a pharmacy.

We look forward to seeing you,

Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist

Yes, these creams can be applied to all kinds of bites (as long as they sting, of course). And for the Benadryl tablet, yes it can help with the itch, but to be careful when using alcohol. The medication can cause drowsiness and can make the alcohol "hit" harder. Have a good trip!