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    Question ID:   17806         Current Version: 1
Question: What is the swimmer's itch?
Category: Diseases & Conditions > Skin
Keywords: swimmer's itch, schistosome cercarial dermatitis
Type: what
Rating:(0 ratings)    Views: 143    Discussions: 0   In Watch Lists: 1  

 
    Answer:

Swimmer's itch, also called cercarial dermatitis (sir-CARE-ee-uhl der-muh-TIGHT-iss), appears as a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to specific parasites found in certain birds and mammals. Within minutes to days after swimming in contaminated water, skin may be tingling, burning, and itching. Swimmer's itch is caused by the penetration of the larval stage of certain flatwormscan be picked up while swimming. It is neither dangerous nor contagious, but is very uncomfortable. Most cases do not require medical attention.  

Symptoms:

The site of penetration in humans is apparent by a small red welt. The degree of discomfort and bodily reaction varies with the sensitivity of the individual and the degree of infestation. In some persons the reaction may be hardly noticeable. Others have considerable pain, fever, severe itching and swelling. The swelling will usually subside within a week, but the red coloration can persist longer. It tends to occur in individuals who have been previously sensitized and it usually gets worse with subsequent exposures.

Treatment:

After the flatworms have penetrated the skin, there is little that can be done in the way of treatment. Some relief may be obtained through the use of soothing lotions such as calamine or lotions that have additives such as antihistamines and/or local anesthetics.

Prevention:

  • avoid swimming for long periods in shallow water
  • avoid swimming in areas where swimmer's itch is a problem and where there is an onshore wind
  • towel off immediately after leaving the water may help reducing swimmer's itch caused by cercariae of ome species that enter only as the water dries on the skin
  • post appropriate signs on beaches where swimmer's itch is an annual problem
  • do not encourage birds to stay in your area by feeding them
  • avoid placing rip-rap on your shore. This provides an excellent surface for certain species of snails to attach their eggs. The higher the number of snails, the greater the chance for swimmer's itch.  
Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
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