After reading about pica pica on the boards, I realized I might get there at a prime time for these critters (next Saturday). I haven't packed vasoline or calomine! For a little info on pica pica:

http://www.greenreefbelize.com/reefbriefs/briefs14.html

Has anybody had the pleasure of experiencing pica pica?

they don't bother me. i get sent into them to get the volleyball etc cause they just flat leave me alone...

also more info here:
//AmbergrisCaye.com/pages/town/picapica.html

thanks Marty, made me itch.........

Marty, since you do not have an ounce of body fat, makes me think, that is the secret, to avoiding pica pica. No tight fitting swimwear.

Suntan lotion all over (before swim suit) protects me from pica pica.
Belize it!

calamine works ok, but consuming non-food items such as dirt, clay, paint chips, plaster, chalk, cornstarch, laundry starch, baking soda, coffee grounds, cigarette ashes, burnt match heads, cigarette butts, and rust, glue, hair, buttons, paper, sand, toothpaste, soap, oyster shells, and broken crockery also repels the little buggers.

big laugh, broken crockery huh?

We just got back two weeks ago, and Betty got the dreaded Pika Pika while snorkeling. She went to the Lions clinic and Dr. Theresa gave her some pills and cream and it cleared up in about a week. It seem they are a couple of weeks early this year.
The little buggers live in the top three inches of the water and wait for snorkelers, then they get under the bathing suit and if you don't wash with soap and fresh water as SOON as you can they dig into the skin and make little sores like chicken pox. Betty had sun tan lotion on but it didn't seem to stop them.
They didn't seem to bother me, but I am prone to eating lots of broken crockery and stuff.
By the way the Lions have a B.B.Q. twice a week at their den on Front St. and this is how they raise the funds for the clinic. Great way to help a worthy cause.

thanks SS, do you know if any of the AC diveshops stock SafeSea?