Your holiday has finally arrived – you’ve spent months saving, meticulously researching and planning your ultimate dive holiday, and finally it’s here. You’ve invested so much time and energy into this aquatic getaway, honing every last detail to make your long awaited escape as great as great can be! What could possibly go wrong?
Well…. I hate to be the guy to kill your holiday buzz, but I’m gonna.
There are some eventualities that we cannot foresee, and in my years in the dive industry a few common ones rear their head time and again. The problem is…..you. Oh, you’re a nice person and a great diver don’t get me wrong – what I’m referring to is your HEALTH! Ear problems, tropical infections, allergies and sunburn can unfortunately and mercilessly send the best laid plans straight down the proverbial…
There are, however, a few preventative measures that you can take to minimise the chances of ending your dive trip early!
Ears
The classic affliction of the dive community. Some people have ears that can withstand anything. Others are more sensitive to inflammation and infection, and it’s especially the latter that should plan some prevention into the dive regime. Every diver you talk to has ‘the way’ to prevent and solve ear problems. PREVENTION IS THE KEY! If you are prone to equalisation problems, it is highly recommended that you attempt equalisation at the surface or beginning of the descent to check that clearing is possible. Follow this with a slow descent, equalising OFTEN – don’t wait for discomfort – more is better! Some divers use topical nasal vasoconstrictors (nasal spray) before a dive to help with equalisation. If your particular bane is outer ear infection (swimmers ear), read on….
Most people believe that bacteria in the water causes these infections, when in fact it is the bacteria that are normally present in the ear canal. With frequent immersion, the cells lining the canal swell and pull apart, far enough to allow the bacteria to get under the skin, where they have the perfect warm, moist environment to thrive! Many people swear by a light water/acetic acid (white vinegar) mix to further inhibit bacterial growth – if this method is used it is recommended to let the mix sit in the ear canal for a full 5 minutes, massively increasing the anti bacterial effectiveness!! Remember this is a PREVENTATIVE measure – using after infection has already set in will be of limited use.
Infections
It is with amazing speed that infections take hold in the most minor of cuts and scrapes. Even that enthusiastically scratched mosquito bite is a prime candidate for rapid decline! One tool to have handy on your travels that, in my humble experience, can save you some trauma – hydrogen peroxide (for disinfecting immediately after the dive). Cleansing straight away will greatly limit chance of infection. Also, if the wound is anywhere likely to get contaminated with sand, COVER IT! Bandage with a liberal serving of iodine! If you do detect increasing redness/soreness around a cut/bite or scrape, treating early before infection fully takes hold could save your holiday!!
Other common issues that are easily solved.
Hat, sunscreen (coral friendly of course) and maybe some aloe vera gel for post sun skin re-hydration should prevent you from being ‘that really red guy‘ in the bar at the end of the day. Insect repellent not only stops you being the itchy mess ravaged by the flying, biting horde, but also help prevent any mosquito borne disease that might be present in your chosen destination.
It is also crucial to maintain proper hydration throughout your trip. Spending hours on the dive boat in the sun and salt quickly depletes your water stores. Couple this with a few happy hour cocktails to round out the day and your body will definitely thank you for throwing plenty of water down throughout the day! It only takes a few extra minutes and low cost purchases to be prepared. Sitting at The Craic House glumly as divers return with tales of glorious thresher sharks or the elusive blue ringed octopus is not how you want to spend your holiday!
