Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# cuts in tropics Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea
jirikoo 02:53 UTC 26 Feb 2008 | guys, its maybe a corny question even so: What is the most efficient and fastest way how to disinfect and cure cuts in tropics. Every time in tropics I have had problems with open wounds on legs arisen from small cuts. Consequently in the end of each trip I limped and coudn't stand the pain despite trying some medications and chemicals. Now I am leaving for French Polynesia fearing for the same situation. Im looking to some natural way. Should I urinate the wound or should i use vinegar? Some people also recommend alcohol on the cut. What is your personal experience? Thanks for any inputs. |
Taimarilyn 03:25 UTC 26 Feb 2008 | I use an iodine based antiseptic ointment - in NZ the product is called Betadine. If cuts from coral it is advisable to first scrub the wound gently to remove all traces of coral, even minute amounts can cause problems. | 1
watsoff 16:46 UTC 26 Feb 2008 | Depends on the type of cut, or at least what it might turn into. As mentioned, Betadine is a good cleanser. But I also take an antiseptic first aid ointment like Polysporin, or better still, Bactroban, as protection against infection. If a scratch turns into a tropical ulcer (now there is some serious pain), antibiotics are needed. One thing I've been advised not to use is an antibiotic powder. This dries the wound but the infection stays one inside the drying scabs and keeps re-errupting. | 2
nukuhiva2 00:06 UTC 27 Feb 2008 | For a very, very slight abrasion of the skin caused by gently brushing against a coral head in shallow water - no cuts - I successfully used an Aloe Spray for burn relief. It is sold in the US as Solarcaine. Aloe ointments, creams and sprays are definitely natural. Lime juice is an instant disinfectant. We used that in a restaurant where a greedy cat bit the finger together with the morsel. The limes were on the table whereas the first aid ointment was in the ship's cabin. I think it is important to disinfect immediately. In French Polynesia, I used coconut oil (monoi) as a preventive measure for the protection of my skin. If you happen to go to Moorea, the small Botanical Garden with the tiny store sells monoi made from fresh coconuts - no rancid smell which accompanies monoi made from copra and sold in Papeete's market. The Botanical Garden is near the hotel "Les Tipaniers". Superior quality monoi is also sold in good stores in Papeete and probably in France. | 3
newfie43 00:09 UTC 27 Feb 2008 | I am also a fan of Bactroban. We have taken to wearing a full lycra bodysuit when snorkeling and have found that it has cut down dramatically on coral cuts. Looks a bit dorky but, having had a few run ins with coral in the past, is worth the strange looks from others on the beach. | 4
Laszlo 04:01 UTC 27 Feb 2008 | I found that cleaning with Betadine and the like were of very limited use in the tropics, with minor wounds turning into ulcers. Like Watsoff, I would suggest using antibiotics like Ampicillin - they will cure the wounds very swiftly. Unless you are a masochist who enjoys the pain and limping you mentioned, this is the way to deal with them. | 5
cbimages 06:37 UTC 27 Feb 2008 | I also agree that Betadine is of limited use. In the Solomons, we use 10 vol peroxide - pour a bit on the wound and let it fizz. You can easily decant a bit into a small bottle and carry it everywhere with you. | 6
janetjorgenson 15:35 UTC 27 Feb 2008 | Saline water...like the type you use for contacts. Never put something in a cut that you wouldn't put in your eye. | 7
watsoff 18:11 UTC 27 Feb 2008 | I use Betadine in Solomons, but just as a cleanser; after cleaning I use Polysporin or Bactroban. But even then the cut/abrasion/whatever can stay too wet (thanks to the humidity) so keeping the wound clean all the time is a must. Using too much peroxide (over a period of time) can actually damage the cells, even 3% peroxide. | 8
ozziegiraffe 11:29 UTC 28 Feb 2008 | I've found that the most important thing is to cover the cut to keep the flies off. Waterproof plasters are all but useless. However, stretchy cloth ones, like elastoplast, are effective in staying on, and keeping the flies off, which can prevent tropical ulcers. I also take doxycycline as a malaria prophylaxis, and this is an antibiotic, so may help prevent woulds becoming infected. | 9