AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums The Cayes Ambergris Caye Pica Pica and sensitive skin

I'm deep in trip planning mode. We are planning on going to AC the end of March 2012. Both my daughter and I have very sensitive skin. She once came back from camp with sooo many bites that she ended up with a staph infection. Bugs and Sun = no fun. I can handle the sun with crazy applications of sunscreen and hats. Bugs, got it: spray...but what about the pica pica?

How bad is the pica pica? Is it everywhere in spring? We love to snorkel - will this be a problem?

Thanks

Good Morning SheShe333, Elbert might have other experiences however in 7 years I have only been hit by Pica Pica once. We were about 85' down in a dive....Once I surfaced we sprayed a little Windex on the area and all was good. Hope that helps...We have about 250 Belize dives alone......No problem since that one in 2005.

March is normally a Pica Pica, mosquito and sand fly free month! C'mon down and enjoy! Pica pica usually shows up just before the 'rainy season' starts in June when the seas are calmer. I don't think they have been too bad the past couple years and no sign of pica pica yet this year.

Thanks - we are so excited.

what is pica pica ?

//ambergriscaye.com/pages/town/picapica.html

The end of a really good time...I believe that they are jelly fish larvae, they get between you and your swimming gear and can produce a formidable itchy, burning sting.

The windsurfers use what we call Pica Pica Armor when the problem is dire. We can't control where we fall esp.in the big waves. The rash is almost entirely in areas that trap the critter and smash it on your skin-neckline,waistband etc.and in warm water.
We sport a nearly naked attire to lessen the smashing effect.Baggy shorts with loose waistband.

pica pica is like fire ants of the sea. THat's what it felt like to me anyway

If you get it, use Eurax cream and if its bad, also take atarax. I know there was some pica pica around this weekend in different areas.