When spring and summer roll around, many people swap out their snow boots for swim suits as they get ready to enjoy days of swimming in lakes or the beach. However, more frequent dips don't always mean more fun. Every year, swimmers and water lovers alike have to face a less-than-ideal condition known as swimmer's itch.
Read on to learn more about swimmer’s itch, what it’s caused by, common signs you may have it and how you can find relief from its uncomfortable symptoms.
What is swimmer’s itch?
Swimmer's itch, also known as cercarial dermatitis, is a rash caused by an allergic reaction to tiny parasites that are often found in bodies of fresh and saltwater. When these parasites dig or burrow into human skin, they can cause an inflammatory reaction in the skin. This inflammatory reaction typically first manifests as a tingling, itching or burning sensation on the skin. Within 2 to 12 hours, a skin rash tends to emerge.
Typically, the skin rash caused by swimmer’s itch looks like a cluster of red pimples or inflamed bumps. In some cases, those itchy bumps can turn into small blisters, which can cause additional discomfort. Since swimmer’s itch is an allergic reaction, it is not contagious and will not spread from person to person.
Causes of swimmer's itch (cercarial dermatitis)
Swimmer’s itch is caused by microscopic parasite larvae called cercariae that are released from infected aquatic snails into lake water, ponds and oceans. These larvae usually swim around trying to infect waterfowl (such as ducks, swans, geese and gulls) or mammals (like raccoons and muskrats). However, they sometimes mistakenly burrow into humans’ skin as well.
Since humans aren’t suitable hosts for these small larvae, the larvae usually die within a few hours. This results in an allergic reaction - typically in the form of a rash - known as swimmer’s itch.
Who can get swimmer’s itch?
Anyone who swims in parasite-infested bodies of water can get swimmer’s itch. It is a common condition that affects people all over the world. Cases of swimmer’s itch tend to be higher during the summer months since more people tend to swim or hang out in open bodies of water during that time.
People who frequently enjoy open-water activities in lakes, ponds or the ocean may be at a higher risk of getting swimmer’s itch. Since children tend to play and wade in shallow waters — which is where the infected snails tend to live — they may also be more at risk.
Common symptoms of swimmer's itch
Swimmer’s itch is most known for showing up as an itchy rash. However, there are a few additional symptoms that may appear before and after the rash fully develops.
Signs and symptoms of swimmer’s itch can include:
- An itching, burning or tingling sensation on your skin.
- An uncomfortable skin rash that looks like a cluster or small red bumps or pimples.
- Small blisters.
How do you know if you have swimmer's itch?
You may have swimmer’s itch if you recently swam in an open body of freshwater or the ocean and are developing (or have developed) an itchy rash. Typically, a swimmer’s itch rash will start to appear within twelve hours of swimming in contaminated water.
A healthcare provider can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and create a treatment plan to help ease your symptoms, when necessary.
Treatment options and home remedies
Most cases of swimmer’s itch don’t require medical attention and will go away on their own. However, there are a few different treatment options and home remedies that can help soothe the uncomfortable symptoms of swimmer’s itch.
Treatment options and home remedies to find relief from swimmer’s itch can include:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) corticosteroid creams or anti-itch lotions that have calamine.
- A cool compress.
- Apply a baking soda paste over the affected area.
- OTC allergy medications like antihistamines, some of which have diphenhydramine as well.
- Warm colloidal oatmeal baths or Epsom salt baths.
How long does swimmer's itch typically last?
Swimmer’s itch typically lasts between five to ten days. However, if you are re-exposed to a contaminated body of water, your swimmer’s itch rash may last longer. Your symptoms may worsen if you continue to swim, play or wade in infested waters after you’ve already developed a swimmer’s itch rash.
Preventing swimmer's itch
There are a few precautions you can take to prevent swimmer’s itch. For instance, avoid swimming, wading or playing in shallow waters or near the shorelines, since that’s typically where infected snails live. Additionally, showering shortly after spending time in open water can help prevent swimmer’s itch or your symptoms from escalating.
When should I see a doctor?
In some cases, swimmer’s itch rashes can become infected. Scratching or popping small blisters with your hands may increase your chances of developing a bacterial infection. If your symptoms worsen after five days or you think you may have a skin infection, it may be time to seek medical attention. If the skin develops honey-colored crusting, medical care is also recommended, as this could be impetigo. Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial infection.
Additionally, if you’re experiencing moderate-to-severe itchiness or discomfort, your healthcare provider may suggest a prescription-strength anti-itch cream or ointment.
How Sesame can help
If you think you may have swimmer’s itch and are seeking medical advice or a treatment plan, open Sesame! Sesame’s marketplace connects you with thousands of licensed healthcare providers who can assess your symptoms and prescribe antibiotic medication or another treatment if appropriate.
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