I've been taking Doxy for the last 6 months, you are more susceptible to sunburn however maximum protection suncream has done the job for me. I suggest wearing a rashy and reapplying regularly.

julieneoz said...

Hi guys,

I am going to Sri lanka for a 2 weeks kitesurfing/surfing trip. As part of the malaria prevention, I will be taking doxicycline tablets.
Has anyone taken similar treatment whilst kitesurfing in Asia? I am just a bit concerned that I will be regularly expoxed to the sun, so I have to take maximum protection. Any suggestion. advice?

Cheero,
J

Hi julien
Good to hear you going to Sri Lanka ... I have booked by air ticket.. Going to Bali on 28 July and coming back in 25aug .. 28 days kitesurfing with some dental work on the side. Also brought a beginner kite.. 13m cahrinha crossbow for the trip. Exchange note when we get back.

Thanks for your replies!

Yeah I'm with Rob, I wouldn't use it again unless I was spending a couple of months in a remote jungle (and in the shade). If you speak to backpackers from other countries their doctors don't purscribe doxy for exactly that reason. In fact, every country seems to have a different type of pill for Maleria so I'd be tempted to ask my doctor about the other options out there. If you stay on top of it properly I'm sure doxy is ok, but it didn't take much for me to get one hell of a nasty burn while I was on it

I'd also consider the timing of your trip. Most malaria areas have high risk times and low risk. If its high risk, you really don't want to risk it. It's easy enough to cover yourself but having seen someone in a coma from celebrial malaria, it's not a chance you want to take. As far as diseases go, it's the second biggest killer in the world. Sure that may take into account 3rd world countries, but I'm sure more than a few first world visitors would have met their maker as a result of it.

My plan was always to take the tablets, after spoken with my GP, she gave me Malarone...Pfew :-)

yep Tonic is recommended for that...