As summer arrives, many people look forward to enjoying time with family and friends by the lake or river. However, this season also brings with it an unwelcome annoyance: swimmer’s itch.
Swimmer’s itch, also known as cercarial dermatitis, is a skin rash that can develop after swimming or wading in outdoor waters. While it is most commonly associated with freshwater lakes and ponds, it can also occur in saltwater.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, well-maintained and chlorinated swimming pools do not pose a risk of swimmer’s itch.
Swimmer’s itch is typically caused by the presence of tiny parasites in the water that burrow into the skin during swimming or wading in warm and calm water. It’s important to note that swimmer’s itch is not contagious between people, as the parasites cannot survive in the human body and eventually die.
Symptoms
Symptoms of swimmer’s itch include an itchy rash resembling pimples or blisters. These symptoms may appear within minutes or up to two days after exposure to contaminated water.
The rash generally affects areas of the skin that are not covered by swimsuits, wetsuits, or waders. Additionally, each exposure to the parasites can increase sensitivity to swimmer’s itch.
It’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis, as swimmer’s itch can resemble other skin conditions like poison ivy rash. Diagnosis is typically based on a visual examination of the skin and discussion of activities and symptoms, as there are no specific tests for swimmer’s itch.
Prevention
To avoid swimmer’s itch, follow these preventive measures:
– Choose swimming spots carefully, avoiding areas where swimmer’s itch is known to be a problem or where warning signs have been posted. Marshy areas where snails often reside should also be avoided.
– Rinse your skin with clean water immediately after leaving the water and dry thoroughly with a towel.
– Refrain from feeding birds near swimming areas or on piers.
Treatment
In most cases, swimmer’s itch clears up on its own within a week and does not require treatment. However, to alleviate itching, consider the following tips:
– Apply a corticosteroid cream or anti-itch lotion containing calamine.
– Take an over-the-counter antihistamine like Benadryl or one with loratadine to reduce itching. The latter type causes less drowsiness than Benadryl.
– Avoid scratching the rash and cover affected areas with a clean, damp washcloth.
– Soak in a bath with Epsom salts, baking soda, or an oatmeal-based bath product to soothe the skin.
– Apply a paste of baking soda and water to the affected skin.
If the itching is severe, consult a healthcare professional who may recommend prescription-strength lotions or creams.
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