This is a common occurrence in the islands. Last December, we came back from Puerto Rico covered with bites. As I said above, usually benadryl and applying Cortaid cream to the area will take care of it in a few days, but if you are worried, definitely see a doc!

Bug repellant - Don't leave home without it!

I'm going to research the Mosquito Milk - Never heard of it, but am willing to try nearly anything!

With that golf-ball sized area, I hate to tell you this, but it sounds like a bot-fly bite. Google it. Youtube it. You'll see photos and on Youtube, you'll see removal of the larvae growing beneath the skin.

Yes - gross. I know.

I moved to the Island of Roatan, in the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Honduras in 2007 (from Canada.) Tropical Island--Tropical bugs. I am fortunate that I do not react to sand-fly bites but I have seen visitors who do. http://roatanvortex.com/2010/07/11/bugs-on-roatan/
I'm curious about Mosquito Milk too. Here on Roatan we have a product called Cactus Juice--I wonder if it is the same idea.

I also get these bites. I have done much research and think it's the no-see-ums. The welts itch like crazy!!! I got these bites in Aruba, Curacao, Belize & Mexico. Initially I thought they were hives because my fellow travelers did not get them, but seems I have an allergic reaction. The welts itch so bad, they can ruin your vacation. I have tried bug spray. It helped. Next trip I will use both bug spray and try Benydryl.

I came back from Jamaica last November from my honeymoon. 4 out of 7 of the days I was sick. nausea and diarrhea. It all happened after I received a bug bite that was the size of a golf ball under my skin. I did not have any cream at all ...but it eventually went away. It is now June and I am still not well. I have been doing 7 months of testing. I finally get my results back today.

The doctor has tested me for a parasite or hepatitis...Ahhhh

Also going to the Dominican in January...what medication should I bring so this never happens again?

There is no medicine to prevent these types of illnesses. Most tropical diseases are only prevented by not getting bitten. If you don't want to get bitten, you have to avoid travel to those areas. Further, there are not tests available for all of the tropical diseases. Some times people never know what bit them or what illness they had (or still have).

If you are still not feeling well WHY would you plan to go back to the tropics???

LisaMarie,

Please post back if you don't mind when you get your results. Thank you! I hope that you have a good tropical med doctor. Good luck!