What is Swimmers Itch?

Before you enter the water this summer for a swim, be forewarned. If you plan on swimming in a pond or lake, you could end up with a bad of case of swimmers itch. This annoying condition can be quite uncomfortable - and the itching can put a real damper on your summer fun. What is swimmers itch and how do you get it?

What is Swimmers Itch?

The official name for swimmers itch is cercarial dermatitis. Its a condition that strikes swimmers who wade into ponds and lakes where parasites are hiding. The particular type of parasite that causes swimmers itch are called schistosomes. The larvae of these schistosomes undergo a complex life cycle where theyre passed through mollusks in the water and back into birds. They re-enter the pond or lake through bird feces.

Once in the water, schistosome larvae can burrow into the skin of humans swimming in contaminated water - where they cause a hypersensitivity reaction. Although the larvae die once they penetrate the skin, the immune system still reacts to them - which causes the characteristic itchy rash and other symptoms characteristic of this type of dermatitis.

What Are the Symptoms of Swimmers Itch?

Swimmers infected with schistosome larvae usually develop a red, bumpy, very itchy rash where the larvae entered the skin. The rash appears within two to fourteen days after exposure - and may be intensely itchy. Fortunately, the symptoms are usually short-lived. The itching and irritation starts to subside after several days - and the rash clears up in about a week.

What is the Best Treatment for Swimmers Itch?

There are medications that kill the larvae that cause swimmers itch, but they arent necessary, since the larvae die once they burrow into the skin - and the symptoms are short in duration. Usually, cercarial dermatitis is treated similarly to an allergic contact dermatitis, such as poison ivy. Antihistamines are used to relieve the itching - and steroid cream to reduce the inflammation.

The Bottom Line?

The best way to prevent swimmers itch is to stay out of ponds and lakes that harbor mollusks. Take a swim in the pool instead. Its safer.

References:

Consultant. Vol. 44 No. 9. August 2004.