Swimmer's Itch

Overview

Swimmer's itch is a rash that can occur after spending time swimming or wading outdoors, usually in freshwater lakes and ponds. It results from a reaction to tiny parasites, called schistosomes, that burrow into your skin while you're in warm, calm water. These parasites can't survive in people, so they soon die. The rash usually affects skin not covered by swimsuits, wetsuits, or waders, and your sensitivity to swimmer's itch can increase with each exposure to the parasites. Symptoms include an itchy rash that may resemble pimples or blisters. Swimmer's itch usually clears on its own within a few days, and itching can be controlled with medicine.

Understanding the disease

Symptoms

Swimmer's itch symptoms include an itchy rash that looks like pimples or blisters. The rash usually affects skin that's not covered by swimsuits, wetsuits, or waders. Symptoms may begin within minutes or as long as two days after swimming or wading in contaminated water. The rash is not contagious from person to person.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for developing swimmer's itch include spending time in water that's infested with certain parasites, forgetting to dry off with a towel after getting out of the water, and being sensitive to the parasites that cause swimmer's itch. The condition is not contagious from person to person.

Development

Swimmer's itch develops due to an allergic reaction to tiny parasites in the water that burrow into the skin while swimming or wading in warm, calm water. These parasites can't survive in people, so they soon die. The rash appears as an itchy skin reaction to the parasite's presence. Swimmer's itch can occur in both freshwater and saltwater, but it's more common in freshwater lakes and ponds. Factors that can increase the risk include spending time in water infested with certain parasites, not properly drying off after swimming, and having a sensitivity to the parasites. The rash usually clears on its own within a few days, but medication can be used to control itching. The condition is not contagious from person to person.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Triage

You should see a doctor if swimmer's itch symptoms last more than a week or if you notice pus at the rash site. Additionally, if the rash becomes infected, you should seek medical attention. Symptoms that may indicate an infection include increased pain, redness, swelling, drainage, fever, or decreased hearing. In such cases, it is important to consult your healthcare provider to receive proper treatment and advice.

Diagnosis

To diagnose swimmer's itch, your health care provider will likely examine your skin and ask about your activities and symptoms. Swimmer's itch can resemble other skin conditions, such as poison ivy rash, so it's essential to provide a detailed description of your rash and any other relevant information. There are no specific tests to diagnose swimmer's itch. If the itching is severe, your health care provider may recommend prescription-strength lotions or creams.

Management and Treatment

Complications

Swimmer's itch usually isn't serious and doesn't lead to long-term complications. However, there is a risk of your skin becoming infected if you scratch the rash, which can cause bacterial skin infections. It's important to avoid scratching the rash to prevent this from happening.

Prevention

Swimmer's itch can be prevented by following these tips:

1. Choose swimming spots carefully: Avoid being in water near the shore where swimmer's itch is a known problem or where signs have been posted warning of the risk. Also, avoid being in marshy areas where snails are often found.
2. Rinse after swimming: Rinse exposed skin with clean water right after leaving the water. Then, dry the skin with a towel.
3. Skip the bread crumbs: Don't feed birds on piers or near swimming areas. By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing swimmer's itch.

Home Remedies

Home remedies to alleviate swimmer's itch include:

1. Rinse with clean water: After being in the water, rinse your skin with clean, fresh water. This can help remove any lingering parasites and reduce the risk of infection.
2. Apply cold compresses: Use a cold compress, such as a bag of ice or a cold, damp towel, on the affected area to help reduce itching and inflammation.
3. Take an oatmeal bath: Colloidal oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe itchy skin. Add 1-2 cups of oatmeal (uncooked or ground into a powder) to a cool bath and soak for 15-20 minutes.
4. Apply over-the-counter anti-itch creams or lotions: Products containing hydrocortisone, calamine lotion, or antihistamines can help relieve itchiness. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging and avoid using these products for more than a few days unless advised by a healthcare professional.
5. Moisturize: Keeping the affected skin moisturized can help protect against further dryness and itching. Apply a fragrance-free, gentle moisturizer to the rash and surrounding skin.
6. Avoid scratching: Resist the urge to scratch the rash, as this can lead to skin infections or worsen the itching. Keep fingernails trimmed short to reduce the risk of scratching. If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you develop a fever or signs of infection, consult your healthcare provider.

Treatment

For swimmer's itch, the symptoms can be managed with medication to help control itching. Treatments may include over-the-counter anti-itch creams, calamine lotion, or oral antihistamines. It is also recommended to avoid scratching the rash as it can lead to infection. To prevent swimmer's itch, it is important to choose swimming spots carefully, rinse with clean water after swimming, and dry off with a towel. If the rash lasts more than a week or shows signs of infection, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider.

Preparing for medical consultation

To prepare for an appointment for swimmer's itch, you should gather information about your symptoms, when they occurred, and how long they lasted. Make a list of any medications, vitamins, or herbs you are taking, including dosages and directions. Additionally, prepare a list of questions to ask your healthcare provider, such as:

• What is likely causing my symptoms?
• Are tests needed to confirm the diagnosis?
• What are other possible causes for my symptoms?
• Is my condition likely short-term or long-term?
• What is the best course of action?
• How can I manage other health problems along with this condition?
• What are the alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting?
• Do I need prescription medication, or can I use nonprescription products to treat the condition?
• What results can I expect?
• Can I wait to see if the condition goes away without treatment? By being well-prepared for the appointment, you can help your healthcare provider determine the best course of action for managing your swimmer's itch.