With warm weather year-round, excellent beaches, great waves, and wonderful green foliage, it is no wonder that Puerto Rico is a desirable vacation destination. However, the lush tropical paradise attracts more than tourists. Insects that bite, like sand fleas and mosquitoes, also enjoy the island’s high temperatures. Getting an insect bite can be an uncomfortable experience, and, in rare cases, it can lead to illnesses like dengue and Zika virus. Fortunately, there are numerous precautions you can take to avoid being bitten and measures you can take to relieve discomfort following a bug bite.
Preventing Bug Bites
From the beach to the rainforest, there are multiple techniques for avoiding or minimizing bug bites. When it comes to the beach, one of your best tools is insect repellent. Since you will likely have more skin exposed, using an EPA-registered insect repellent can help provide additional protection. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using an insect repellent containing 20-30% DEET on exposed skin and clothing, and applying insect repellent after applying sunscreen. Reapply insect repellent as directed by the specific product you are using.
When hiking in places like the rainforest, you are likely to encounter more insects than you would at the beach. In addition to an EPA-registered insect repellent, wear loose, long-sleeved shirts and pants. For more protection from bug bites, you can tuck your shirt into your pants and pull your socks over the bottom of your pants, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The CDC also recommends treating clothing and gear with permethrin, an insecticide.
What To Do If You’re Bit
If you are bitten by an insect, there are steps you can take to treat the bite. For painful bites, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, following the directions on the product’s label. For itchy or swollen bites, an ice pack can help alleviate discomfort, and itchy bites can be further relieved through the use of an anti-itch cream or oral antihistamine. Do not scratch bug bites because you can break your skin and risk developing an infection, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
If you experience any serious symptoms following an insect bite, especially a mosquito bite, such as fever, headache, body aches, or rash, it is advisable to see a healthcare provider, as these symptoms can be a sign of a more serious illness.
While insect bites are unpleasant, there are many ways to avoid being bitten and treat bites if they happen, so you can have the best trip possible. For a comfortable, relaxing vacation in Puerto Rico, book your stay with Maria’s. When you’re ready to stay with us, booking is done through Twin Palms, Maria’s rental, and onsite management. Please visit our booking page on this website to view the availability of Maria’s and fill out our convenient contact form. If you have any additional questions regarding Maria’s, you may call Elizabeth at 787-685-6648 (español: Cristina at 787-449-3673).
My husband and I had our wedding and reception at Maria’s. We rented the property for three days/nights. We wanted to make our destination wedding as accessible as possible for our family and friends. Maria’s was the perfect place. Twelve of our closest friends and family shared the house. I was so impressed that Maria’s had everything we needed, even little things like laundry detergent.