Does it itch when you go in the water? Let's learn about Swimmer's Itch (Cercarial Dermatitis)

Don't you love to take a dip in a lake, river, or the sea every now and then? But sometimes, when you come back from a dip, you end up with small red blisters all over your body, and you start scratching unbearably. While many people think this is normal, it is actually a medical condition. Today we are talking about this condition called 'Swimmer's Itch'.

What is Swimmer's Itch (Cercarial Dermatitis)?

Simply put, Swimmer's Itch is a temporary, itchy red rash that appears on our skin. It is not contagious from person to person. This condition is caused by a small parasite that lives in freshwater like lakes, ponds, or saltwater like seawater. When you swim in water that has these parasites, those parasites can pierce your skin and enter. Then our body has an allergic reaction to it. That reaction is what we see as these red blisters.

But there's nothing to worry about. These parasites can't live inside the human body. So they die after a while after they enter the skin. These blisters usually heal within a few days, but sometimes they can last up to two weeks.

How does this parasite get into our bodies?

This is like a movie plot. We call the parasitic larvae that cause this ``(cercariae)''. This story begins with water-dwelling birds like ducks and geese, and animals like beavers and raccoons. The parasites in these animals lay eggs in their blood. Then, when the animals defecate, the eggs are added to the water.

These eggs hatch into tiny larvae that are then released into the water. These larvae then find a specific type of snail in the water and enter its body. Inside the snail's body, these larvae develop further and are released back into the water as a different type of larva called `(cercariae)`.

Those are the larvae that come to the surface of the water and look for the aforementioned birds or animals to complete their life cycle. But unfortunately, if you are swimming in the water at that time, these larvae can mistakenly think that you are their real host and enter your skin. But as mentioned before, they cannot live in our bodies and die quickly. But by then, our body's allergic reaction has caused itching and blisters.

What does swimmer's itch look like?

Swimmer's Itch usually appears as a rash that looks like small red blisters or pimples. Sometimes small water-filled blisters may also appear. The skin may also feel itchy or inflamed.

Is this common? Who gets it more often?

Yes, this is a common condition seen all over the world. It is especially common during the summer months when people bathe in a lot of water. This condition is more likely to occur in freshwater such as lakes and ponds than in seawater.

Anyone can get this. But young children are at a higher risk. The reason is that they spend a lot of time playing in shallow water, near the shore. It is in such shallow areas that snails with these parasites are most common.

Is this contagious from person to person?

Absolutely not. You cannot transmit this to someone else, nor can someone else transmit it to you. This is a non-contagious condition.

How does a doctor recognize this?

There is currently no specific test to diagnose Swimmer's Itch. Your doctor will diagnose it by looking at the blisters on your skin and asking you questions. For example, they may ask, "Have you been swimming in a lake or river recently?"

Sometimes these blisters can resemble other skin conditions, such as hives. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor exactly what your symptoms are.

What remedies can be done at home?

This usually heals on its own, so no major treatment is needed. However, there are a few things you can try at home to help reduce that unbearable itching:

The most important thing is to avoid scratching as much as possible. If you scratch too hard, you can break the skin and allow bacteria to enter through the wounds, causing other infections.

How to avoid swimmer's itch?

There are a few simple things you can do to avoid this annoying situation:

• Wash your body after bathing: As soon as you get out of the water, rinse your body thoroughly with clean water and dry it thoroughly with a clean towel.
• Be careful when swimming: Look for signs warning of Swimmer's Itch around swimming areas. Avoid swimming in areas known to be prone to this problem.
• Do not feed animals: Do not feed birds or other animals near water sources, as they are the ones who carry this parasite.
• Stay away from swamps: Avoid going into the water in places like swamps and marshes, as snails are common.
• Avoid shallow areas: If possible, avoid spending too much time near the shore or in shallow water. This is where parasites are most common. If you are a good swimmer, swimming in deeper water can reduce your risk.

Do you need to see a doctor?

Most of the time, this doesn't require medical treatment. However, if you have unbearable itching, a doctor may be able to prescribe a stronger cream.

Does this happen in swimming pools?

No. Swimming pools that are well maintained and cleaned with chlorine do not cause swimmer's itch. The chlorine kills these parasites.

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