However, an infected snail will continue to produce cercariae throughout the remainder of its life. Larvae are generally infective for 24 hours once they are released from the snail. However, there is no way to know how long water may be unsafe. Since these factors change (sometimes within a swim season), swimmer’s itch will not always be a problem. Many factors must be present for Swimmer’s Itch to become a problem in water. Once Swimmer’s Itch has occurred at a beach, will the water always be unsafe? The larvae cannot develop inside a human and they soon die. Although humans are not a suitable host, the larvae burrow into the skin of swimmers, which may cause an allergic reaction/rash. This larval form then searches for a suitable host (bird, muskrat) so they can start the lifecycle over again. Infected snails release a different type of larvae (cercariae) into the water. If the larvae find one of these snails, they infect the snail and undergo further development. These larvae swim in the water in search of a certain species of aquatic snail. Eggs hatch, releasing small, free-swimming larvae. If the eggs land in the water, the water becomes contaminated. The parasites produce eggs that are passed in the feces of infected birds or mammals. The adult parasite lives in the blood of infected animals such as ducks, geese, gulls, swans, as well as certain aquatic mammals such as muskrats and beavers. How does water become infested with the parasite? Do not attract birds by feeding them to areas where people are swimming.Towel dry or shower immediately after leaving the water.Avoid swimming near or wading in marshy areas where snails are commonly found.Avoid swimming in areas where Swimmer’s Itch is a known problem.What can be done to reduce the risk of Swimmer’s Itch? Also, they do not usually towel dry themselves when leaving the water. Children are most often affected because they swim, wade, and play in the shallow water more than adults. Larvae are more likely to be swimming along shallow water by the shoreline. If symptoms persist, consult a physician.Īnyone who swims or wades in infested water may be at risk. If itching is severe, your healthcare provider may prescribe lotion or creams to lessen your symptoms. Scratching may cause the rash to become infected. antihistamine medication (consult a physician or pharmacist).corticosteroid cream (consult a pharmacist).anti-itch lotion (consult a pharmacist).If you have a rash, you may try the following for relief: What do I do if I think I have Swimmer’s Itch? The greater the number of exposures to contaminated water, the more intense and immediate the symptoms of Swimmer’s Itch will be. Itching may last up to a week or more, but will gradually go away.īecause Swimmer’s Itch is caused by an allergic reaction to infection, the more often you swim or wade in contaminated water, the more likely you are to develop more serious symptoms. Small reddish pimples appear within 12 hours. Within minutes to days after swimming in contaminated water, you may experience tingling, burning, or itching of the skin. Swimmer’s Itch generally occurs during summer months. These microscopic parasites swim in fresh and salt water, such as lakes, ponds, and oceans used for swimming and wading. Swimmer’s Itch is a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to infection with certain parasites of birds and mammals.
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