Playa Del Carmen Destination Guide
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Bites And Stings - Playa Del Carmen
Biting insects can be a nuisance. These include bed bugs, sometimes found in cheap hotels - look for squashed ones around the bed. Sandflies, often present on beaches, are only small, but their bites, usually on feet and ankles, itch like hell and last for days. Head or body lice can be picked up from people or bedding, and are best treated with medicated soap or shampoo.
Scorpions are mostly nocturnal and hide during the heat of the day under rocks and in crevices, so poking around in such places when in the countryside is generally ill-advised. If sleeping in a place where they might enter (such as a beach cabaña), shake your shoes out before putting them on in the morning, and try not to wander round barefoot. The sting of some scorpions is dangerous and medical treatment should always be sought - cold-pack the sting in the meantime. Snakes are unlikely to bite unless accidentally disturbed, and most are harmless in any case. To see one at all, you need to search stealthily - walk heavily and they will usually slither away. If you do get bitten or stung, remember what the snake or scorpion looked like (kill it if you can), try not to move the affected part, and seek medical help: antivenins are available in most hospitals.
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