Received a Case of Swimmer’s Itch? Right here’s What to Do

Swimmer’s ear, swimmer’s shoulder–it looks like there are at the very least just a few points that avid swimmers must be careful for to remain wholesome and in good swimming form. Have you ever ever heard of swimmer’s itch earlier than? This itchy rash is attributable to parasitic larvae, generally known as cercariae, burrowing into the pores and skin and inflicting an allergic response. It may be present in each recent and saltwater. All you must do is expose your pores and skin to contaminated water and you may get a case of swimmer’s itch. So what do you do after getting it?

As a result of the larvae can’t survive within the human physique, swimmer’s itch often goes away by itself in a couple of week. Keep in mind, swimmer’s itch is an allergic response. As such, there isn’t actually something you are able to do to eliminate the rash itself. The one factor you are able to do is to be affected person and belief your physique to heal itself. That mentioned, you’ll be able to take steps to alleviate the itching you could expertise.

Topical therapies may give you some aid from the irritating rash. A corticosteroid cream or anti-itch lotion might assist. It’s possible you’ll discover a cool compress over the affected space soothing as effectively. Some discover aid in a colloidal oatmeal or Epsom salt tub. You can additionally strive making a paste from baking soda and water and making use of it. The secret is to handle the itching so that you don’t scratch it an excessive amount of–that will increase your danger of growing an an infection.

You don’t usually must see a physician for swimmer’s itch. That mentioned, if the itching is insufferable, your physician might prescribe a stronger anti-itch cream. It’s necessary to keep in mind that swimmer’s itch isn’t the one factor you may get from swimming in freshwater or saltwater. In case your rash lasts longer than two weeks or when you develop pus-leaking blisters, make an appointment to see a physician.

Swimmer’s itch is disagreeable, however there’s some excellent news. It isn’t contagious and you may’t get it from a correctly handled, well-maintained pool. There are additionally issues you are able to do to cut back your danger of getting swimmer’s itch. Rinse with clear water after swimming, don’t feed any close by birds or animals, and be choosy about the place you swim. Keep away from marshy areas, shallow water, and the shoreline as a lot as doable. Whereas they aren’t utterly foolproof, these steps will help you scale back your danger of getting swimmer’s itch.

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