One-stop travel shop

In addition to vaccines and prescription-only medication, we offer a range of other useful travel health items for sale.  The range is not meant to be comprehensive, rather a selection of products which we have first-hand experience of using in the field (either personally or professionally) and which we can recommend:

Suncreams

Suncreams

Aloe Gator® range: includes SPF factors 15 and 40 suncreams, a broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection block for children, and SPF 30 lip balm.  Long lasting (up to 8 hours), waterproof, non-greasy, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, contains soothing Aloe vera gel, and no PABA (so it shouldn’t sting if sweat runs into your eyes).  Made in USA. 

Insect repellents

These all work by confusing the ‘homing-in’ mechanism of biting insects, ticks etc and so as they do not ‘repel’, as such, they do not have to be very smelly.

  • Mosiguard Natural®: Based on the natural, aromatic properties of Australian lemon eucalyptus oil.  Safe for babies and does not damage synthetic fabrics.  Shown to be as effective as DEET against mosquitoes, although may need reapplying sooner.  Comes as cream, stick, roll-on or spray.  Made in UK.
  • Ecoguard Xtreme® and Ecoguard Kids: Based on Saltidin, another non-DEET product, new to the market.  Xtreme (20%) has a light bubblegum scent and has been shown to be as effective as 50% DEET against mosquitoes and midges. Ecoguard Kids (10%) also has a mild ‘cherry chap-stick’ scent.  Made in Scotland.
  • Repel 55: DEET-based repellent for the die-hards.  DEET certainly works, but is not without its problems.

Mosquito nets 

All our mosquito nets are impregnated with long-lasting permethrin and therefore offer maximum protection at night from mosquitoes, sand flies, kissing bugs, etc.  They also help to keep out snakes, scorpions and vampire bats, if tucked in properly.

We offer a range of sizes and options, including a compact net for backpackers, three self-standing, pop-up Mosi-Net® odels (head dome, single and double bed), and various bell and box nets.  A special hammock net, designed to Jim’s specifications, will also shortly be available.  Made in Turkey.

Insect bite relief

Hydrocortisone cream (1%) is more effective than topical antihistamine creams.  Also comes with clotrimazole (see below) to treat thrush – why carry two tubes, when one will do?

Anti-fungal preparations

An important subject often overlooked by travel medicine professionals. Fungal infections, e.g. ‘thrush’, ‘jock itch’, athlete’s foot or intestinal candidiasis can dramatically reduce the enjoyment of your trip.  Problems commonly occur in humid, tropical climates, where washing facilities may be limited and particularly among people taking doxycycline or other antibiotics.  We offer:

  • Horopito soft-gel capsules (contain active extract of Pseudowintera colorata, a plant endemic to New Zealand, with natural fungicidal properties).
  • Lepicol®capsules containing probiotics and fructo-oligosaccharides.
  • Horopito Intimate Care cream for thrush.
  • Clotrimazole HC (1%/1%) cream.
  • Lamasil Once® (terbinafine single application gel) for athlete’s foot and/or jock itch.  A great product for jungle conditions.  The active ingredient binds to the skin and keeps working for up to a week.

Water purification

Nothing beats bringing water to a boil for sterilising water – and you can also make a refreshing tea.  Of the numerous other gadgets/chemical methods on the market, we stock:

Aqua Pure Traveller® a combination water bottle with replaceable filter and iodine treatment device.  Useful for trekking/cycling/kayaking trips or for when you simply don’t have the means to boil up a brew. Treats up to 350 litres, depending on how clear your source water is. 

Blister plasters

Compeed® medium blister plasters – one of the best.  You leave it on till the blister heals.