Treatment of Travel health

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Malaria

The possible side effects of malaria can be serious, so you will usually have to stay in hospital for observation whilst being treated. Malaria is almost always curable with anti-malarial drugs such as Chloroquine, Amodiaquine, Doxycycline and Mefloquine. Your doctor will need to identify the type of malaria you have before deciding on the best drugs to prescribe. It is vitally important that a quick diagnosis is made if malaria is suspected.

Sunburn

Calamine lotion (available from pharmacies and supermarkets) will help to cool the skin and reduce the itching associated with sunburn. You can also buy aftersun lotions, gels and sprays, which help to cool and moisturise the sun to prevent peeling and blistering. If the sunburn is severe, you may need painkillers such as paracetamol or antihistamines. If the burns are very severe, you may need hospital treatment. It is important to avoid any further exposure to the sun until the burns have healed.

Heatstroke

If someone you are with has suspected heatstroke you should get him or her to a cool place as soon as possible. They should lie down, naked or with just a thin sheet covering them. If the skin temperature is over 39.5 o C dry and hot, you can shower or immerse them in cool (but not cold) water (15-18 oC). You can also cover them with wet towels or sheets and fan them until it is possible to get them to a hospital or doctor. Hospital treatment should be sought immediately, as they will probably need to be given oxygen and fluid replacement through an intravenous drip. If you think that the person has a higher temperature than 39.5 oC or their skin has become damp and clammy, do not attempt to cool them down with cold water, but seek urgent medical attention.

Stomach upset

Most stomach upsets will disappear within three days without the need for treatment, although you may want to take paracetamol or over-the-counter remedies such as Diocalm to relieve your discomfort. If you have had persistent diarrhoea, you may need to replace lost fluids by drinking rehydration mixtures. If your stomach upset lasts for longer than three days you should visit a doctor for further advice. Anti-diarrhoeal medications should be used with caution and only for a short time. If the diarrhoea is caused by an infection the medication can slow the flushing-out process of the micro-organisms from the intestine. You should also drink plenty of water whilst taking anti-diarrhoeal medicines.