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Swimmer's Itch Research Paper

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What is Swimmer’s Itch & How to Treat It?
What is Swimmer’s Itch?
Cercarial dermatitis or swimmer’s itch is a skin rash which is caused due to an allergic reaction. The microscopic parasites that are stuck to snails are the reason behind this skin allergy. These infected snails are typically found in freshwater bodies like ponds and lakes which are also used for swimming. What Are The Symptoms of Swimmer’s Itch?
As soon as you come out from the infected water, you will see small red pimples appearing on your skin within 12 hours. These might cause you burning, tickling or itching sensation (but ensure that you do not scratch it). Depending on the sensitivity of the skin, these pimples may turn into small blisters and itching may last for a week or more, but soon both will go away. The more you swim in a contaminated water, more intense these rashes will be. …show more content…
The microscopic parasite breeds on the body of aquatic animals such as geese, swans, ducks and gulls. When these parasites release eggs, they land on the water surface and make the water contaminated. As soon as the eggs hatch, larva is released which gets stuck on the body of snail and undergo further development. The infected snail releases a different larva which gets buried on the swimmers’ skin causing an allergic reaction.
When You Are At Risk?
If you swim near the shoreline in such an infected pool, larvae is most likely to affect you and your children. Apart from this, if you do not towel dry yourselves after coming out of the pool, you are at high risk of contracting this itch.
Should The Infected Seek Medical Help?
In majority of the cases, self-medication is sufficient and there is no need to rush to the clinic for swimmer’s itch treatment. If you see rash on your body, you may use any of the following for instant relief

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