No insect bites

[skodaguy]

Since I went on rux I have noticed I don't seem to get bitten by insects, horseflies etc. despite spending a lot of time outside. Has anybody else noticed this?

[JediReject]

WOW. That will be great news if it holds true for me because the horseflies seek me out when I go fishing and are at me as soon as Im out of the car. I've always associated it with the fact Im 'running hot' most of the time and must shine like Blackpool Illuminations to those heat seeking devils. Or maybe they are attracted to my manly sweat. Who knows mate but it's an interesting observation.

[basilmaaeo]

I have just come back from Italy (the first time being away since my MF diagnosis 2 years ago) and am on hydroxycarbomide and aspirin. was bitten for England!! never usually troubled by mossies in previous trips abroad. we were told there was a particularly bad infestation over the time we were there, but I think they just liked the way the blood flowed easier

[dd21 in reply to basilmaaeo]

I am mid 50s and on HC et al and am a prime target for mozzie bites.

I picked up a corker in Italy last summer which became infected, turned nasty and inflamed. It was located on my shin where the skin and muscle is very thin, so the risk of bad ulceration linked to the slow healing side effect of HC might have become awkward.

In retrospect, I was slow in getting help in the form of a trip to the pharmacist. I needed prescribed antibiotics when I got home. No permanent harm other than an interesting and annoying dark tatoo-like patchy staining under my skin, which I think is the iron remanantants of red blood cells.

So the moral is, suggest get help with nasty looking bites sooner rather than later.

Don't let it put you off the beauatiful outdoors this glorious summer folks. Putting ice cubes in your glass of rosé might not be sound medical advice, but it has several benefits for the instant response to spikey intruders.

ddx

[beetle]

I'm on Rux and living in the wilds of Scotland where the proximity of deer and cattle means big problems with horseflies and midges. I have noticed this year that whenever we go outside it seems to be my partner who gets bitten not me. Maybe there is something in what you say. I've heard that marmite and garlic have the same effect but I'm not keen enough on either of those to eat them in the quantities needed! Wonder if I'm brave enough to try a walk with no insect repellent on?? A few weeks ago we have an impromptu stop for fish and chips (very rare treat!) that we consumed al fresco amongst many midges and I didn't get bitten - no repellent on then.

[MichaelS]

Wow, maybe some other good side effect from Rux'. I like the idea that we won't be bitten to death. Prior to 1983 when my PVR was diagnosed I didn't really have a problem with insect and midges bites. It was always my walking companions who got bitten. Then I suddenly was being bitten all the time. I think the Hydroxycarbimide attracted them, or maybe it was the 'rich blood'. I enjoy country walks, so it will be interesting to see if the Rux' has the same effect with me, i.e. no need for anti midge lotion. I shall give it a good trial in the south of France soon.

Michael