Allergy and Itchy Rash in Thailand: what to buy at the pharmacy
Sneezing and itchy eyes, hives, or itchy mosquito and insect bites.
Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or trouble breathing? That is anaphylaxis. Call 1669 now; tablets are not enough.
What to ask for first
Fexofenadine 180 mg
Non-drowsy antihistamine for hay fever, hives and itchy skin. One tablet a day.
Don't take it with fruit juice, which weakens it. Fine for riding or driving.
See all 3 medicine options and real pack photos in the Mai Sabai app.
Open the appFree to try. Full guide: ฿79 once, for your whole trip.Look after yourself
- Cool the itch with a cold compress or a cool shower; don't scratch.
- Use insect repellent with DEET or picaridin, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Think about what triggered it: a new food, sunscreen or medicine.
See a doctor today if
- Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
- Wheezing, trouble breathing or feeling faint
- Rash with fever, blisters or peeling skin
- Rash after starting a new medicine
- A bite that becomes hot, red and spreading
Show this screen to the pharmacist
สวัสดีครับ/ค่ะ ฉันมีอาการแพ้ ผื่นคัน แมลงกัด
ขอยาสำหรับอาการนี้
Hello, I have: allergy, itch & bites. I'd like medicine for this.
Do I need a prescription?
Not for the medicines on this page. Thai pharmacies sell them over the counter, and the pharmacist on duty can advise you. Always mention allergies, pregnancy and any other medicines you take.
Other symptoms
- Cold & feverRunny or blocked nose, sneezing, mild fever.
- Sore throatScratchy or painful throat, hurts to swallow.
- Dry coughTickly cough without phlegm, often worse at night.
- Cough & phlegmChesty cough with mucus.
- DiarrheaLoose or watery stools, stomach cramps.
- Heartburn & stomach acheBurning chest after spicy food, indigestion, bloating or cramps.
- Nausea & vomitingFeeling sick or throwing up, often from food poisoning.
- Cuts & scrapesGrazes, small cuts, scooter scrapes (the 'Thai tattoo').
- Muscle pain & sprainsSore muscles from Muay Thai or hiking, a twisted ankle, bruises from a scooter fall.
- Ear pain & blocked earPainful ear after swimming or diving, or an ear that feels blocked.
- Dizziness & seasicknessNausea on ferries, speedboats or winding roads, or the room spinning when you turn your head.
Emergency numbers in Thailand
- 1669Ambulance / medical emergency
- 1155Tourist Police (English)
- 191Police
General information for minor illness in healthy adults, not a diagnosis. Read the pack label, tell the pharmacist about other medicines you take, and see a doctor if you're not better in 2–3 days. Brand names are hidden on pack photos; the same medicine may come in different packs.