swimmer’s itch treatment

Swimmer’s itch is also known as cercarial dermatitis. It shows up in the form of a skin rash, which is an allergic reaction to microscopic parasites released from infected snails into ponds, lakes and oceans (fresh and salt water). While these parasites most often infect birds and mammals, they can burrow into human skin before dying.¹

This parasite often lives in the blood of ducks, geese, swans, gulls, raccoons, and muskrats. In turn, the parasites lay eggs that are passed on in the feces of the infected animals. If those eggs make it into the water, they hatch and release larvae that seek aquatic snails, which release cercariae larvae. In turn, this larvae swims around looking for a suitable host to start the cycle of life all over again.¹

Symptoms of swimmer’s itch may include:¹

• Itchy, burning or tingly skin (within minutes to days of infection)
• A rash of tiny red pimples (within twelve hours of infection)
• Small blisters (within days of infection)

If you have swimmer’s itch, be careful not to scratch the rash, as it will lead to secondary bacterial infections. The itching will go away within a week or more. As cercarial dermatitis is caused by an allergic reaction to the infection, you may develop more intense symptoms the more that you swim in contaminated water.¹

Is Swimmer’s Itch Contagious?

No. It cannot be spread from one person to another person.

When Should I Get Medical Attention for Swimmer’s Itch?

While most cases of swimmer’s itch don’t require medical attention, if your symptoms last longer than two weeks, become more intense or you develop a fever, you may need to see a medical provider.

For your convenience, we accept most major insurance. To verify that your insurance is in-network, visit the Plan Your Visit page. We also offer a discount to those patients who choose to pay in full for their visit at the time of service. Self-pay services are $199.

How to Manage the Symptoms of Swimmer’s Itch (Cercarial Dermatitis)

If you think that you have contracted swimmer’s itch, take a shower immediately after getting out of the water. Also, if you dry yourself with a towel instead of simply air drying, you may remove the cercariae from your skin.³

If you do get a rash and find it irritating, the following methods may help you get some relief:³

• Apply an over-the-counter corticosteroid cream or anti-itch lotion, like Calamine.
• Lay a cool compress on your rash.
• Sit in a bath with baking soda, Epsom salts or colloidal oatmeal.
• Make a paste by stirring water and baking soda together, then apply to your rash.
• Take an antihistamine like Benadryl.

What Is a Chlorine Rash?

As long as your swimming pool is properly chlorinated and well-maintained, there is no risk of swimmer’s itch. However, there may be a risk of chlorine rash, otherwise known as swimmer’s rash.

A chlorine rash takes the form of red skin or hives. It is not an actual allergy, but instead is an irritant dermatitis caused by your skin being hypersensitive to chlorine. This pool chemical may keep water safe to swim in, but it can also dry out your skin and possibly irritate any existing dermatological condition.³

This is treated by washing the impacted skin with clean water. In some cases, you may need a prescribed corticosteroid cream or an over-the-counter antihistamine like Benadryl.³

If your skin is frequently bothering you while you swim, you may need to see an allergist. As always, if you have a severe allergic reaction, seek emergency care immediately.

Protecting Yourself from Swimmer’s Itch

Any person who enters infested water or is active near the shoreline is at risk. In general, you should avoid swimming in marshes or shallow water, as more infected snails accumulate in those areas. Keep alert for posted signs that warn of the potential of swimmer’s itch.³

Children are most often infected by swimmer’s itch as they tend to swim in more shallow water where more larvae may accumulate. They are also less likely to dry themselves with a towel after water activity.²

While the only foolproof way to avoid swimmer’s itch is to not swim in infected water, you can add a layer of protection by wearing waterproof sunscreen. You should also avoid feeding birds near infected water.³

Swimmer’s itch and chlorine rash aren’t the only skin conditions to watch out for when you’re playing outside. Learn more about a variety of skin conditions, rashes and bug bites. If your skin is bothering you, stop all the itching and scratching. Visit your neighborhood MedExpress location to get back to feeling your best.

References: 

1 CDC. About Swimmer's Itch. Last updated April 30, 2024 . Accessed August 5, 2024.
2 National Capital Poison Center. Identifying, Treating and Preventing Swimmer's Itch. Accessed April 9, 2024.
3 American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. Chlorine “Allergy.” Accessed April 9, 2024.