Swimmer's itch - Symptoms & Treatment

Swimmer's itch, also called cercarial dermatitis, is a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to an infestation with irrefutable parasites of birds and mammals. Common grackles, red-winged blackbirds, ducks, geese, swans, muskrats and moles have been predicate to carry the parasite. As part of their developmental life-cycle, these parasites are liberated from infected snails, migrate through the water, and are capable of penetrating the skin of man. After penetration, these parasites persist in the skin and die but can cause an allergic reaction in some people. The parasite in man does not mature, replicate or cause any permanent infection. Swimmers' itch, also known as cercarial dermatitis, is an fidgety rash caused by certain parasites that normally live on waterfowl and freshwater snails. On warm, sunny days particularly in calm freshwater lakes or ponds these parasites can be released into the water. During a swim, these parasites perhaps burrow into your skin. They soon disappear and cause an itchy rash. Swimmers' itch has been reported in countries all over the world, leading to different nicknames with a national or regional misstate. Swimmers off the coast of New Jersey may call it "duckworms." People in Asian countries might use the term "rice paddy itch." Though uncomfortable, swimmers' itch is usually short-lived. The rash frequently clears up on its own within a few days. In the meantime, you can regulate itching with over-the-counter or prescription medications.

Treatment of Swimmers Itch

• Apply plain calamine lotion.
• Take shallow tepid baths with three tablespoons of baking soda in the water.
• Apply cool compresses.
• Avoid scratching.
• Take colloidal oatmeal baths.
• Take antihistamines, especially at bedtime.