Swimmer's Itch

Swimmer's itch is a temporary skin irritation caused by a fresh water parasite. The parasite digs (burrows) under the skin as the water dries from your body after you get out of the water. You may feel a tingling and a burning sensation with red spots appearing at the burrow sites. A few hours later you will feel itchy and the red spots will get bigger (about 6mm or ¼ in). How bad it gets, depends on how sensitive your skin is and how much of your skin has been affected. It usually is more of a problem when the weather is hot. It does not mean the water is dirty.

Prevention:

• Always dry off quickly with a rough towel after getting out of a lake, pond, or river.
• The parasites like shallow water, so it is better to swim in deep water.

Treatment:

• Use an antihistamine (Benadryl, Chlorotripolon) to help with the itching. Check with the pharmacist if you are unsure of how much or how often to take the medication.
• An antihistamine lotion may make your skin feel better.
• Apply cool compresses.
• Take shallow (3 inches) lukewarm baths with 3 tablespoons of baking soda in the water.

Return to the Emergency Department or see your doctor IF:

• The rash is really bad and you cannot control the itching.
• The symptoms last more than 3 days.
• You are not sure if the rash is caused by swimming in fresh water.