Swimmers itch (cercarial dermatitis)

Skin | Dermatology | Swimmers itch (cercarial dermatitis) (Disease)


Description

Swimmers itch, also known as cercarial dermatitis, itchy rash is caused by a parasite that lives normally on waterfowl or freshwater snails. On warm days, sunshine, especially in quiet waters of freshwater lakes or ponds, these parasites can be released into the water.

Swimmers itch is characterized by red areas, elevated, itchy skin level. Swimmers itch usually affects only exposed skin not covered by the suit, swimming, fishing boots or armor. It affects the face, palms and plants. The rash may occur up to 48 hours after swimming in infested waters. If there is a rechallenge with the same parasite, the rash can be severe.

Causes and Risk factors

While swimming, the parasite can penetrate. They die very quickly and produce an itchy rash. Swimmers itch has been reported in countries worldwide, with different names with national or regional changes. Swimmers on the coast of People from Asian countries use the term rice chain itching. Although uncomfortable, swimmers itch is short. The rash clears itself within days.

Swimmers itch is caused by a parasite that migrate from snails to ducks, geese, gulls, swans, rats and beavers. Then water is parasite through infected feces and eggs. Swimmers itch is not contagious. No need to worry that you will get the disease from someone who presents such eruption. Your risk of swimmers itch depends on a number of environmental factors: Air and water temperatures are warm enough for snails to reproduce and grow, for example in the late summer months in many parts of the world. Return of migratory birds infected with parasites. Regions water containing parasites, especially along the shore or shallow areas. The more time you spend in contaminated water, the more there is a greater risk of contracting swimmers itch. Children most at risk because they tend to spend more time in shallow waters and using a towel to dry. Some people are more susceptible to swimmers itch than others. However, sensitivities can increase with each exposure to the parasite that causes swimmers itch.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Itching can be controlled with medicines without medical prescription.

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