Exposure
Many visitors insist on instant suntans, so overexposure to the
heat and sun are frequent health problems. Be especially careful
on long walks. Wear a hat, loose-fitting, light-colored, long
sleeved cotton clothes, pants, and use a good quality sunscreen
(bring a supply with you). Do not wear synthetic fibers that do
not allow air to circulate. Tan slowly-don't spoil your trip.
Drink plenty of fluids and take salt.
A likely traveling companion. Called "Bali belly" locally.
In addition to the strange food and unfamiliar micro-fauna, diarrhea
is often the result of attempting to accomplish too much in one
day. Taking it easy can be an effective prevention. Ask around
before leaving home about what the latest and greatest of the
many remedies are and bring some along. Imodium is locally available
as are activated carbon tablets (Norit) that will absorb the toxins
giving you grief.
When it hits, it is usually self-limiting to two or three days.
Relax, take it easy and drink lots of fluids, including rehydration
salts such as Servidrat (local brands are Oralit and Pharolit).
Especially helpful is water from the young coconut (air kelapa
muda) or strong, unsweetened tea. The former is an especially
pure antitoxin. Get it straight from the coconut without sugar,
ice or food color added. When you are ready, start with bananas,
plain rice, crackers, tempe (fermented soybean cakes), and bubur
(rice porridge). Avoid fried, spicy or heavy foods and dairy products
for a while. After three days without relief, see a doctor.
Intestinal Parasites
It is estimated that 80 to 90 percent of all people in Indonesia
have intestinal parasites and these are easily passed on by food
handlers. Prevention is difficult, short of fasting, when away
from luxury hotel restaurants and even these are no guarantee.
It's best to take care of parasites sooner rather than later,
by routinely taking a dose of anti-parasite medicine such as Kombatrin
(available at all apotik) once a month during your stay and again
when you get on the plane home.
If you still have problems when you get back, even if only sporadic,
have stool and blood tests. Left untreated, parasites can cause
serious damage.
Cuts and Scrapes
Your skin will come into contact with more dirt and bacteria than
it did back home, so wash your face and hands more often. Cuts
should be taken seriously and cleaned with an antiseptic like
Betadine solution available from any pharmacy (apotik). Once clean,
antibiotic powder (Sulfanilamide) or ointment, both available
locally, should be applied. Cover the cut during the day to keep
it clean, but leave it uncovered at night and whenever you are
resting so that it can dry. Constant covering will retain moisture
in the wound and only encourage an infection. Repeat this ritual
after every bath. Areas of redness around the cut indicate infection
and a doctor should be consulted. At the first sign of swelling
it is advisable to take broad spectrum antibiotics to prevent
a really nasty infection. |
