Show All Answers

1. What is swimmer's itch?

Swimmer’s itch, also called cercarial dermatitis (sir-CARE-ee-uhl der-muh-TIGHT-iss), appears as a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to certain parasites that infect some birds and mammals. These microscopic parasites are released from infected snails into fresh and salt water (such as lakes, ponds, and oceans.) While the parasite’s preferred host is the specific bird or mammal, if the parasite comes into contact with a simmer, it burrows into the skin causing and allergic reaction and rash. 

Swimmer’s itch is found throughout the world and is more frequent during summer months.

2. What are the signs of swimmer's itch?

Symptoms include:

• Small blisters
• Small reddish pimples
• Tingling, burning, or itching of the skin

Within minutes to days after swimming in contaminated water, you may experience tingling, burning, or itching of the skin. Small reddish pimples appear within twelve hours. Pimples may develop into small blisters. Scratching the areas may result in secondary bacterial infections. Itching may last up to a week or more but will gradually go away.

3. Do I need to see my health care provider for treatment?

Most cases of swimmer’s itch do not require medical attention. If you have a rash, you may try the following for relief:

• Use corticosteroid cream
• Apply cool compresses to the affected areas
• Bathe in Epson salts or baking soda
• Soak in colloidal oatmeal baths or use lotions such as Aveeno
• Apply baking soda paste to the rash (made by stirring water into baking soda until it reaches a paste-like consistency)
• Use an anti-itch lotion, such as Calamine lotion
• Though difficult, try not to scratch. Scratching may cause the rash to become infected. If itching is severe, your health care provider may suggest a prescription strength lotion or cream to lessen your symptoms.

4. What can be done to reduce the risk of swimmer's itch?

• Do not swim in areas where swimmer’s itch is a known problem or where signs have been posted warning of unsafe water.
• Do not swim near or wade in marshy areas where snails are commonly found.
• Towel dry or shower immediately after leaving the water.
• Do not attract birds (e.g., by feeding them) to areas where people are swimming.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)