Backcountry Emergencies
Swimmer's Itch (Cercarial Dermatitis)
This page presents some basic information on Swimmer's Itch (Cercarial Dermatitis) which can afflict some who choose to swim in certain natural pools in canyon country.
Caution: Medical and other health related information found on this page is intended as basic information and should be viewed as a starting point for further investigation by the visitor. Please do further research and speak to a licensed physician prior to using any of this medical advice.
The major, although not the only, cause of swimmer's itch are trematode parasites of aquatic, migrating birds. The life cycles of these parasites involve snails as the first host and aquatic birds or some mammals as the final host.
Swimmer's itch is a patchy red pinpoint skin rash associated with itching on the parts of the body that have been in the water. Swimmer's itch is usually not severe. After the initial transient itching it will disappear without treatment. The itching occurs within 48 hours and may last up to 7 days. Rarely, it can be severe if a large proportion of the body is affected.
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