Цerkarioz – Itching bathers

Swimmer’s Itch (Cercarial Dermatitis; Duck Fleas; Duck Itch; Duckworms; Sea Lice; Clam Digger’s Itch)

What is swimmer's itch?

Церкариоз – это кожная сыпь, that may occur after swimming in polluted water in natural reservoirs. Most often there is swimmer's itch after bathing in warm fresh water (lakes and ponds), but sometimes it can occur after swimming in salt water.

Causes of swimmer's itch

Церкариоз это аллергическая реакция на церкарии – личинки паразитических плоских червей класса трематод. The parasite enters the waste water through the birds and snails. When the parasite gets on your skin, it can penetrate under it and cause an allergic reaction.

Risk factors for swimmer's itch

Factors, which increase the risk of swimmer's itch, They include:

• Bathing or being in warm fresh water or salt water;
• Bathing or being in warm shallow water near the shore;
• Being in the water for a long time;
• Episodes of swimmer's itch in the past;
• Bathing in places with strong coastal winds;
• Bathing in regions with a large number of birds.

Swimmer's itch is also more common in children, as they often are in shallow water.

Symptoms of swimmer's itch

Symptoms of swimmer's itch can occur fairly quickly. In most cases, the irritation, itchy skin felt even before the rash appears. Symptoms may include:

• Itch;
• Burning or tingling;
• Small red bumps, blisters or pimples.

Diagnosis of swimmer's itch

For the diagnosis of swimmer's itch do not perform any blood tests and skin tests. The doctor makes the diagnosis based on the updated location information and the time the rash appears.

Treatment of swimmer's itch

The rash disappears on its own within a few days without treatment.

But scratch scratching itchy places can lead to further damage the skin and increase the risk of infection. To remove the itch apply:

• Soothing baths and cold compresses;
• The-counter cortisone creams and relieves itching drugs;
• Оральные антигистаминные препараты – при очень сильным зудении кожи.

Severe rash may require treatment to the doctor and medication, prescription.

Preventing swimmer's itch

To reduce the likelihood of swimmer's itch:

• Apply skin lotion or sunscreen, before you go into the water;
• Avoid swimming or stay in the contaminated water. Besides, Avoid ponds with lots of birds and wetland areas, where there are lots of snails;
• After a swim in the water or wipe from finding themselves and wipe dry with a towel child.