What is “swimmer’s itch?” – THE WELLSVILLE SUN

Lake life can include a invisible water hazard known as Cercarial Dermatitis

By Andrew Harris, picture from the Mayo Clininc

Finger Lakes native social media stories begin as soon as the warmth of the summer time arrives: What bit me within the lake? Am I allergic to lake water? How did I get this rash ? How do I do away with it ?

Swimmer’s itch is type of a chew, properly extra of an tried parasitic invasion. Yes, it’s brought on by microscopic parasites known as schistosomes which are attempting burrow into human pores and skin. How the physique reacts to this parasite varies, some have a lightweight purple rash, different welts/small boils. Some proof means that repeated publicity to the parasite solely makes it worse.

The bites or rash are the end result the life cycle beneath. Waterfowl carry the parasite(some say mergansers carry probably the most,) and it enters the water by way of fecal matter. Then the parasite is hosted by water snails till they will swim and infect new hosts. When a human enters the water with the absolutely useful schistosomes they try to bury into uncovered pores and skin to contaminate a brand new host.

Luckily, it’s a horrible match and the parasites can’t survive with a human host.

The massive query now could be… how do I stop this !?!?!?

First, you may keep away from swimming in pure our bodies of water, which isn’t crucial in the event you DRY OFF instantly and completely. Wiping off whenever you get out of the water is one of the simplest ways cease this type of dermatitis.

If you or a fellow lake lover has swimmer’s itch, take the CDC recommendation:

Swimmer’s itch doesn’t have a particular medical remedy. If you may have a rash, chances are you’ll strive the next for reduction: 

• Use corticosteroid cream
• Apply cool compresses to the affected areas
• Bathe in Epsom salts or baking soda
• Soak in colloidal oatmeal baths
• Apply baking soda paste to the rash (made by stirring water into baking soda till it reaches a pastelike consistency)
• Use an anti-itch lotion 

Try to not scratch, as scratching could trigger the rash to develop into contaminated. If itching is extreme, your well being care supplier could counsel prescription-strength lotions or lotions to minimize your signs. For extra details about the remedy of swimmer’s itch contact your well being care supplier or go to CDC – Cercarial Dermatitis