Leaving the pond with a new rash? It might be swimmer's itch

CBC

2 days ago

If you take a dip in a Newfoundland and Labrador pond this summer, you might take home a bumpy red souvenir.
St. John's dermatologist Wayne Gulliver says swimmer's itch is common in the province's swimming destinations, but isn't a cause for great concern.
The itch is the skin's reaction to tiny larvae or worms that live in snails in and around bodies of water. They typically infect ducks and other birds, but often wiggle their way into the skin on the arms and legs of innocent human swimmers.
"The inflammatory reaction can be quite extensive and very uncomfortable," Gulliver said, but "the larvae die and eventually the patient gets better."
People with a history of eczema and allergies tend to have a more prolonged and severe reaction, according to the dermatologist.
Swimmer's itch is self-limited, said Gulliver, which means it will typically go away without treatment. It's also restricted to areas exposed to those microscopic creatures.
Fixing the itch
Gulliver says swimmer's itch isn't tracked, and the best way to avoid it is by avoiding ponds that have infected other people.
"It's all by local knowledge and word of mouth," he said.
The rash comes in the form of red lesions and of course, an itch. It typically lasts for two to three days. Gulliver recommends seeing a medical professional if it lasts longer or presents more seriously.
When swimmer's itch was reported in the freshwater pond at Topsail Beach last summer, the town of Conception Bay South advised people to avoid swimming on bright mornings with onshore wind, keep moving while in the water and avoid staying in shallow water.
The best way to deal with the discomfort is by using some antihistamines, moisturizers, and sometimes hydrocortisone, said Gulliver.
"The lesson is: don't go swimming in that pond again," he said.