How To Get Rid Of Swimmer's Itch

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Swimmer's itch is an uncomfortable, itchy skin rash that can develop after swimming or wading in natural bodies of water. The rash is actually an allergic reaction to a microscopic parasite that can live in the water. Like many other forms of allergic dermatitis, swimmer's itch treatments typically include antihistamines and soothing skin remedies like oatmeal baths.

Swimmer's itch is not harmful. The adult version of the parasite lives in the bodies of common water animals, including ducks, geese, gulls, muskrats, beavers and snails. The eggs of the parasite are released into the water, where they hatch into tiny larvae. The larvae can burrow into human skin, triggering an allergic reaction. However, the larvae can't survive in the human body. It's also not contagious. You cannot 'catch' swimmer's itch from another human. However, if two or more people spend time in water populated by the parasite, it's possible that multiple people will develop swimmer's itch.

Swimmer's Itch Symptoms

The symptoms of swimmer's itch can appear anywhere from a few minutes to a few days after spending time in contaminated water. Symptoms include:

Itching
Tingling or burning sensation
Small reddish pimples, which can develop into blisters

Symptoms usually only appear on skin that was directly exposed to water. Areas covered by swimsuits or other clothing are not typically affected.
Swimmer's itch can resemble other rashes, including poison ivy. A recent history of time in water frequented by birds and water mammals increases the likelihood that the rash is swimmer's itch.

Swimmer's Itch Treatment

The good news is that swimmer's itch goes away without treatment. However, it may take up to a week for symptoms to resolve. Treatment can ease skin irritation and discomfort.

Home remedies for swimmer's itch include:

Oatmeal baths: Blend one cup of oatmeal into a fine powder using a blender; then, dissolve in bathwater. If you prefer, you can buy oatmeal bath packets at most grocery and pharmacy retailers.
Epsom salt or baking soda baths: Dissolve the salt or soda in the bathwater and soak.
Baking soda paste applied directly to the rash: You can make your own by mixing together baking soda and water.
Cool compresses, to ease itching

You can also use over-the-counter anti-itch and cortisone cream to decrease inflammation and control itching. Calamine lotion is a good choice. If topical creams and lotions do not sufficiently control the symptoms, you can also take an oral antihistamine medication, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
Most people with swimmer's itch do not need medical attention. However, if the rash doesn't improve within a few days, see your healthcare provider. You should also seek medical attention if you develop any infected-looking areas—watch for redness, warmth or pus. (Infection can happen if the skin breaks open from scratching and bacteria enter the wound.)

How to Prevent Swimmer's Itch

The best way to avoid swimmer's itch is to not swim in areas frequented by animals that host the parasite. Check for signs and public warnings; if swimmer's itch is a known problem at a particular body of water, officials often post warnings. Public and private swimming pools are safe, as long as they are appropriately maintained and chlorinated.

When swimming in natural bodies of water, avoid spending time along the shore. That's where the animals that carry the parasite spend most of their time, so it's where you're most likely to come into contact with the larva that causes swimmer's itch.

Rinsing off with clean water immediately after time in the water can decrease your risk of developing swimmer's itch. So can toweling off vigorously.

For most people, swimmer's itch is an annoyance. Treatment can ease discomfort and simply rinsing and toweling off well after swimming may keep you from developing this skin condition in the future.