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I have a lot of red bumps/small blisters all over my neck and chin. It looks like acne but isn't.
First and very important all instructions on PERMETHRIN state that it should never be used directly on skin.
However the most important thing is never put permethrin on your skin. Ask a pharmacist for advice now that you have.
Possibly that is the consensus of untested opinion. However, I think that the consensus of tested opinion is that silk has no advantage over other fabrics. Any fabric with a reasonably fine weave/knit will be a barrier that the bugs must get around. Silk is a wonderful light fabric, though, so it is a good choice for a sheet.Consensus of untested opinion is that silk liners offer the best protection
Hi, Maggie,Hi,
I posted four days ago about chinches. Have treated twice since this time (putting all belongings possible in hot dryer + spraying with permethrin those I couldn't, spraying sleeping bag and liner with permethrin spray I got from pharmacy). I have also sprayed myself with permethrin spray every evening before bed + put hydrocortisone cream I got from pharmacy on bites.
Things seemed to be - finally improving, but I am still struggling with two problems:
1) Last night I got fresh bites. Another girl in my room at alburgue had one bite and wasn't sure if it was bedbug. I think mine are though no telling if from last night or prior.
2) I have a lot of red bumps/small blisters all over my neck and chin. It looks like acne but isn't. I'm not sure whether these are more bites or an allergic reaction to the bites or allergic reaction to permethrin spray (which I did spray on neck but not face). Bumps are hot feeling and itchy. Other than this I feel well.
I am a bit at a loss of what to do. Do I re-treat a THIRD time in the space of about 5 days? Do I try to find a doctor about the small bumps/blisters or just keep putting hydrocortisone on them?
I feel so frustrated and down about this. Not to mention itchy. Really bringing me down on the Camino as it feels never ending at this stage. Any further prevention advice much appreciated ... Maybe I should be avoiding large alburgue rooms? I will also visit a pharmacy again for advice.
I am so appreciative of advice I got last time, and it was very very helpful. And I did end up telling next alburgue owner about chinches which was no biggie and they were helpful.
Thanks,
Maggie
Consensus of untested opinion is that silk liners offer the best protection, but a good polyester one is just as light and may be just as good.
Possibly that is the consensus of untested opinion. However, I think that the consensus of tested opinion is that silk has no advantage over other fabrics. Any fabric with a reasonably fine weave/knit will be a barrier that the bugs must get around. Silk is a wonderful light fabric, though, so it is a good choice for a sheet.
I'm not able to followup my various links at the moment as I'm away on work without computer time. You are right to challenge my words!.. Can you supply the source of the bag liner test evaluations?
I wouldn't just spray my sleeping bag and liner. I would wash and dry them onHOT as well! Those bugs are incredibly tiny at first hatch and can easily hide in seams.
5) The usual trademark for DEET in Europe/Spain is Autan ;-) Buen Camino and speedy healing, SY
You should be able to buy a DEET spray at any pharmacy. That's where I bought mine.Hi forum,
Thank you all so very much for taking the time to respond - I really appreciate all of the empathy, fellow chinches warrior's tales, healthy debates about products and materials, and even the nervous questions from those who are yet to embark on their Camino and don't wish to encounter these critters.
1) Fantastic advice about going to see a doc: I did this today and it seems like I have a mix of bed bug bites + irritation on face from bites. I was prescribed Fucibet cream to take thrice daily.
2) I will stop with chemicals-on-body for the time being (excluding the Fucibet) to give my body the chance to heal. For the record: the Permethrin I got from pharmacy certainly seems to be designed to go directly on skin, though my Spanish isn't great so I suppose I could be wrong.
3) I will continue to hot-dry my belongings when possible.
4) I may also give my bag and liner another spray. I do have a silk liner but don't know how effective this has been as a deterrent.
5) Anyone know where in Spain I can get DEET? (Just in case a return to chemical territory seems a necessity it would be good to have on hand)
The bites are truly maddening and hearing others having the same experience makes me feel sane!! It's amazing how possibly one encounter (or maybe more - who knows) has left me with so many bites and new ones that keep cropping up. They are very itchy and annoying! For this reason, I would highly advise those who are planning to walk El Camino to treat your belongings with Pemethrin BEFORE you come here. Yes, it's a nasty chemical but I do believe it beats the alternative. Please learn from my mistake! Also: I have heard from two others on my ten days on the Camino who may also have been bitten. There could be others. But numbers-wise I've yet to hear from or see someone with a comparable experience to mine. Just to bring down the paranoia a little bit!!
Thank you again for the incredible kindness on here - it really means a lot (and it makes me get a little teary, actually... My all-too-common response to any kindnesses on the Camino)
Buen Camino,
Maggie
My bet is that you have either chiggers or poision ivy. Not bed bugs. Wash warm water. Talcum powder. Show ys a picture. Go see a doc.
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