A swimmers itch is a skin reaction that a person may get, when the larval forms of certain flatworms, enter the epidermal layer of their skin, due to exposure to lake water. Once the parasite enters the skin, it dies, resulting in dermatitis. Within minutes after being exposed to the parasites, the person affected, experiences a tingling, itching or burning sensation in the infected area.


Within the next twelve hours, reddened spots will begin to form on the person’s body. These spots are known as papules and they could itch severely, for many days, before eventually subsiding. They can even develop into small and itchy blisters.


The papule does not spread; it only forms at the place that the cercaria enters the person’s skin. These spots last for about a week, after which, the reaction disappears. However, in case the condition is severe, the person infected can feel nauseous, develop fever and suffer sleepless nights, because of the intense itchy feeling. There are a few species of schistosomes, leading to the swimmers itch that can just be toweled off. However, in most cases, trying to towel them off is not effective at all, as the cercaria may have already entered the skin. This condition is quite common in children too.

In case the condition is restricted to a few itchy spots, no treatment may be required. However once the itchiness intensifies, it is a good idea to clean the affected area, using isopropyl alcohol, coating it with calamine lotion. A mild corticosteroid cream could also be used for the itching. However, it is important to avoid itching too much or too hard, in order to avoid infections or abrasions In case of extreme or severe cases of a swimmers itch, oral steroids or antibiotics may be prescribed by a doctor.

You could also try a few home remedies for relief from the itch. You could, try to keep the affected areas covered with a clean and damp cloth. Take a bath with saltwater, mixed with vinegar and household ammonia. Try an Epsom salt bath. Alternately, you could also try a bath, sprinkled with baking soda or oatmeal. Make a paste out of water and baking soda and just apply it on the affected areas and leave it on for a while, before rinsing it off.

In case the itchy feeling intensifies instead of abating, please consult a doctor for some medication to ease the condition and its symptoms.