Personal Items & Toiletries List

[Hank2211]

I did and had to pay the price. Took three weeks for my bottom lip to heal up. Also the sun screen even when it's winter over there .....do not leave home without

If you ever get to a drug store in Southern Africa, try Zam-Buk. Best lip balm there is. As they say, it's the real makoya!

 

[CAustin]

If you ever get to a drug store in Southern Africa, try Zam-Buk. Best lip balm there is. As they say, it's the real makoya!

I actually think that's the name of the stuff Pieter got for me!

 

[Hank2211]

I actually think that's the name of the stuff Pieter got for me!

We travel in the best circles!

 

[CEO]

learned the hard way that nasal spray for dry nose is needed. i did not see it on any of the list i used. kept a bloody nose the entire 2 weeks.

Do you normally have an issue with a dry nose or did it just happen in Africa? Only time it happens to me is when we go to Las Vegas but it is a pain. Would hate to deal with it for two weeks. Hadn't thought of this.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

For lip balm, I always try to remember Carmex. It not only will protect your lips from drying out, it will also heal them. Forgot the Carmex this past October and picked up a couple other kinds in the Dubai airport, they didn't work.

 

[James Cook]

Do you normally have an issue with a dry nose or did it just happen in Africa? Only time it happens to me is when we go to Las Vegas but it is a pain. Would hate to deal with it for two weeks. Hadn't thought of this.

Nope. I live in the south where you deal with allergies and a runny nose most of the time. I think the extremely dry air in Namibia caused the dry, bloody nose.

 

[JimP]

After having sinus surgery I have learned to love the saline nasal spray no matter where I am located at. From a dry desert area to a high humidly one I have one where I can get to it at all times.

Even on my flight from the US to South Africa I dug into my carry on to get the spray out after 7 or 8 hours in the air.

 

[autofire]

Check CDC guidelines for recommended medical kits for each specific country.

 

[Petey J]

While I haven't yet been to Africa, a couple other things already in my mind to remember: hemorrhoid cream/ointment, anti-chaffing powder (corn starch, Gold Bond, Anti-Monkey Butt, etc), maybe skin glide (I used it a few years ago when I tried running, and the inside of my arms and sides just below the armpit got friction burns from rubbing).

Would it be advisable to (if possible to obtain) double the prescriptions necessary and have half in carry-on and half checked? Just in case lost or stolen, you're still covered and don't have to try to obtain there. Particularly for very remote locations.