How common is swimmer’s itch (cercarial dermatitis)? Swimmer’s itch can only appear on skin that has had contact with infested water. It may also cause small blisters on the skin and itch or burn. Swimmer’s itch (cercarial dermatitis) looks like a rash with reddish bumps or pimples. What does swimmer’s itch (cercarial dermatitis) look like? The larvae soon die after they burrow into a person’s skin, but the itching and rash from the allergic reaction can last for several days. This kind of larvae then swims to the surface of the water looking for certain birds or mammals to continue the cycle.Įven though the larvae cannot survive in a human’s body, they can burrow into a swimmer’s skin and trigger an allergic reaction that causes an itchy rash, known as swimmer’s itch. Infected snails then release a different kind of larvae known as cercariae, which is why swimmer’s itch is called cercarial dermatitis. These larvae swim around the water looking for a certain species of snail, and if they come into contact with the snail, the larvae will multiply and further develop. If those eggs reach water, they hatch and release tiny, microscopic larvae. The parasites lay eggs in the infected animal’s blood and then the eggs are passed through the infected animal’s poop. The parasites that cause swimmer’s itch originate from infected birds that live near water, such as ducks, geese and gulls, and mammals like beavers, muskrats and raccoons. The parasite larvae that cause swimmer’s itch are known as cercariae. What kind of parasites cause swimmer’s itch (cercarial dermatitis)? The rash usually gets better after a few days, but it can last for up to two weeks. The parasites cannot survive in human skin, so they die shortly after burrowing into your skin. Your body has an allergic reaction to it, causing a rash. If you swim in water that’s infested with the parasite, it can burrow (dig) into your skin. Swimmer’s itch (cercarial dermatitis) is a temporary, non-contagious itchy rash that appears on your skin and is caused by a certain parasite found in fresh water (lake or pond water) or salt water (ocean water). Avoid swimming in marshy areas where snails are commonly found.What is swimmer’s itch (cercarial dermatitis)?.This may attract more of these birds to the area and increase contamination of the water and shoreline. Stay immersed in the water-wading creates the highest risk for swimmer's itch.Shower immediately if these facilities are available.Briskly dry off with a towel as soon as you come out of the water, including the skin under the swimsuit.There is evidence that this may provide some protection. Liberally apply a waterproof sunscreen prior to swimming.Tips for reducing the risk of swimmer's itch The parasites then move into snails where they mature, eventually coming out to re-infect more waterfowl, and sometimes people. The parasite that causes swimmer's itch is deposited into lakes via goose and duck droppings. Signs of infection are increased redness, pain, swelling, warmth, and possibly fever. Affected individuals should consult with their health care provider if the symptoms become severe or if the rash worsens or appears to become infected. The parasites can not be spread from person to person. The itching and rash generally go away within about 5 - 6 days. Although the rash can be very uncomfortable, it is not serious and affects only the skin, not the rest of the body.Īfter burrowing into the skin, the parasite dies and the body reacts by forming red itchy bumps. If water contaminated with parasites dries on a swimmer's skin, the microscopic parasites can burrow into the skin. Swimmer's itch (cercarial dermatitis) is an itchy rash caused by a parasite in lake water.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |