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2007
The International School of Painting,
Drawing, and Sculpture
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Here are a few thoughts on staying comfortable in Montecastello if you have problems with mosquito bites. I speak from experience having spent parts of many summers in this little piece of paradise. I've coped with the problem for myself and have advised others successfully.
In my experience, about 15 percent of the people at the school seem to be sensitive to the bites. The mosquitoes are really tiny-almost impossible to see but I have seen them and seen them biting me. I only tell you this because people affected tend not to believe they are getting bitten (because they don't see any bugs) and they get all kinds of ideas about what is happening-food allergies, bed bugs, skin rashes-causing them to go through lots of ineffective "treatments." People affected tend to get bites which swell, are very hot and itchy, and don't go away in the normal mosquito bite amount of time-they can last weeks, unfortunately. Some people get lots of these bites, others just one or two bad ones. (Other people get "normal" bites, are not really bothered by them and the bites go away quickly.)
I have found two things to be most effective in treating the reaction to the bites. The first is antihistamines (pills, not creams which do not work at all in my experience). I bring two prescription antihistamines with me to Italy, and you may want to talk to your doctor about doing the same, just in case. For what it's worth, the two antihistamines were prescribed for me by the head of the Department of Dermatology at a major university medical center, who diagnosed the problem as a hive-like reaction to insect bites. I have never had any other kind of "hives," so just because you haven't may not mean you won't have the problem. The doctor recommended two different medications because they work on two different kinds of allergic responses the body generates to the bites. The prescriptions and doses for me are: Cimetidine, 300mg, 1 tablet 4 times a day (also known as Tagamet, and is usually prescribed for stomach problems, though it is an antihistamine) and Atarax, 25mg, one tablet at night. I don't take these medications unless I have a problem with the bites (some years I haven't had to take any-one year I took lots.)
Tagamet is now available in the States over-the-counter. Last summer, people had good success using just this when they had reactions to bites and they liked it better than Benadryl because it didn't make them tired. "Calmogel," a topical cream available in Italian pharmacies without perscription, is also very good at relieving itching.
Obviously, you need to talk to your doctor about whether these drugs would be appropriate for you, but if you are someone who has reactions to bites, I recommend checking it out before you come to Italy, since these specific medications are not what are prescribed there. Other oral antihistamines seem to work too-I've seen people get relief with Benedryl (over the counter) and also from other prescription antihistamines which the doctor in Montecastello has prescribed for students.
The other thing that REALLY helps with the itching is a topical roll-on stick called "After Bite-the Itch Eraser" distributed by the Tender Corp., Box 290, Littleton NH 03561 USA. It's just ammonia, and it stings a little bit when you dab it on, but it works. The similar looking Benedryl "anti-itch" stick does NOT work, in my experience. If you can't find "After Bite", Italian pharmacies, including the one in town, stock a similar product. Some people find that an over the counter cortisone cream helps the itching in mild reactions-buy it at home before coming to Italy where you need a prescription to get it. The other thing you may want to bring is an over the counter antibiotic cream to dab on bites that are getting scratched a lot.
As for prevention, covering up helps in controlling bites (long sleeves, socks, long pants). It's also often quite warm though, so bring very lightweight, light colored clothing, including something to sleep in. You will not be happy painting outside on a hot day in jeans and a black long sleeve shirt. Insect repellants containing DEET help. I usually bring the stronger concentration formula--often called something like "Hunters" or "Woodsman" or "Backcountry." In bedrooms and apartments, close windows and shutters every time you leave (this will also help keep your rooms cool). Some people also purchase a "vape" (pronounced "VA-pay") in local grocery stores to use in your room and/ or studio. It's a small device that plugs into an outlet and gradually releases insecticide.
If you feel you are getting bit at night: turn on your bedside lamp and aim it at the wall above your bed. Look for the very small shadows these little mosquitoes cast, and kill them with a magazine or book. You have to be very fast, but if you're sucessful, this really helps! (Editor's note: But you will have to clean the wall...)
On the positive side: you probably won't have any problems, since most people don't. Some years no one has problems. Montecastello and the school are so wonderful that you have a great time regardless!
Back to Contents...the Student Sourcebook
2007
The International School of Painting,
Drawing, and Sculpture
Next | Previous