![]() Over-the-counter medication will normally help control itching.įirst outbreaks usually occur in late May or early June and last up to one month. Swimmers Itch is uncomfortable but usually short-lived and will clear within a few days. The irritated raised papule, which reaches its maximum size after about 24 hours, may continue itching for several days. An initial tingling sensation may be felt associated with penetration of the parasite into the skin. Symptoms may appear within 1-2 hours of exposure. Repeated exposure increases a person’s allergic sensitivity to the parasite and increases the likelihood of rash development. Children are most often infected due to their habit of swimming or wading in shallow water and playing on the beach, allowing lake water to evaporate.Īn individual may get the infection by swimming or wading in infested water and then allowing water to evaporate off the skin rather than drying skin with a towel. Humans are not good hosts so the parasites soon die while still under the skin, which may cause an allergic reaction.Īll age groups and both sexes can get swimmers itch. They then reattach to swimmers by burrowing into the skin. ![]() Swimmers Itch (also known as Cercarial dermatitis, Lake Itch and Duck Itch) is an itchy rash that is caused by a certain type of parasite ( shistosomes) that live in freshwater snails and waterfowl that gather among lake weeds.Īs part of their life-cycle, these parasites are released on warm sunny days and migrate through the water.
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