![]() ![]() If you have a rash, you may try the following for relief: Most cases do not require medical attention. Do I need to see my health care provider for treatment? The greater the number of exposures to contaminated water, the more intense and immediate symptoms of swimmers’ itch will be.īe aware that there are other causes of rash that may occur after swimming in fresh and salt water. Because swimmer’s itch is caused by an allergic reaction to infection, the more often you swim or wade in contaminated water, the more likely you are to develop more serious symptoms. Itching may last up to a week or more, but will gradually go away. Small reddish pimples appear within 12 hours. Within minutes to days after swimming in contaminated water, you may experience tingling, burning, or itching of the skin. What are the signs and symptoms of swimmers’ itch? Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP).PHTA (NSPF) CPO & Pool Training Programmes.Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) Fomerly (NSPF).Canadian Aquarius Dark Liner, Coral Bay.Canadian ‘jelly stone’ Pool Liner in Limassol.“Once they crawl under your skin, they’ll die. “Even if you get swimmer’s itch, you don’t need to worry about the parasites that caused it,” Dr. ![]() Some people are more sensitive to the parasites than others, so they’ll get a rash when others don’t.īut even if you’ve avoided problems in the past, it’s important to know that your sensitivity can go up every time you swim with the parasites. It’s even OK for victims to go into a swimming pool as long as it is well maintained and chlorinated. Swimmer’s itch can’t be passed from person to person. In the meantime, it may help to soak in a bath with Epsom salts, baking soda or oatmeal. It usually takes a good five days for the itchiness to go away. If that happens, you should seek a doctor’s care. Scratching is almost irresistible, but scratching too vigorously can open the rash and lead to infection. Rubbing on cortisone cream or calamine lotion will also make you more comfortable, Dr. Generally you don’t need to see a doctor for swimmer’s itch.Īn antihistamine such as Benadryl will decrease the reaction. Get relief with over-the-counter treatments This removes the parasites so they can’t get under your skin. You’re less likely to get swimmer’s itch if you rinse your skin with clean water and dry off by rubbing briskly with a towel. Also, it’s very unusual to get it from Lake Michigan or other large lakes. Lakes and ponds in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula are more likely to carry the swimmer’s itch parasite than bodies of water farther south. Was there a recent storm? You’re more likely to be exposed where the wind and waves have blown debris toward the shore. Be careful out thereĪlthough you can get it in June or August, swimmer’s itch peaks in July. “But we most often see it in children because they play in the shallow shoreline water for a long time, which means they’re more apt to be exposed.” 3. The parasites infect snails first, and then the snails release the parasites into the water, which is how they come into contact with humans. So if the area is marshy, the beach is littered with goose droppings or if someone is feeding ducks, there’s a good chance that parasites are lurking under the surface. Swimmer’s itch is caused by a parasite in the feces of animals. Ducks, geese and swans–oh myĪvoid swimming where there is waterfowl or other wildlife. “Some people will notice a pimply, itchy rash or welts almost immediately after they’ve been exposed, while it could take a day or two for others.” These tips could help you avoid, or deal, with swimmer’s itch: 1. “Swimmer’s itch is a reaction to a parasite that gets under the skin,” said Angela Weirich, MD, a primary care provider with Spectrum Health Family Medicine. It’s all fun and games until somebody develops swimmer’s itch. Lazy days hanging out with friends, enjoying family and swimming at the beach. Keep your days at the lake fun and itch-free by following these precautions. ![]()
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