 |
Healthy
Swimming
Swimmer's Ear &
Swimmer's Itch |
SWIMMER'S EAR
(Otitis Externa)
Swimmer's Ear
(ear ache) is an infection of the ear and/or outer ear canal.
It can cause the ear to itch or become red and inflamed so that
head movement or touching of the ear is very painful.
There may also be pus that drains from the ear. |
SWIMMER'S ITCH
(Cercarial Dermatitis)
Swimmer's itch is a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to infection
with certain parasites of birds and mammals. These microscopic
parasites are released from infected snails to swim in fresh and salt water,
such as lakes, ponds and the ocean. Swimming pools are generally safe
as long as they are maintained and chlorinated. Swimmer's itch
generally occurs during summer months and is found throughout the world.
Signs and symptoms of Swimmer's itch that occur within minutes to days after
swimming in contaminated water are tingling, burning or itching of the skin.
Small reddish pimples appear within 12 hours. Pimples may develop into
small blisters. Itching may last up to a week or more, but will
gradually go away.
Because 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 will
develop more serious symptoms.
Most cases of Swimmer's itch do not require medical attention. If you
have a rash, you may try the following for relief:
*corticosteroid cream
*cool compresses
*bathe with baking soda
*baking soda paste to the rash
*anti-itch lotion
*Calamine lotion
*colloidal oatmeal baths
Do not scratch. Scratching may cause the rash to become infected.
Swimmer's itch cannot be spread from person-to-person. Children are
most often affected because they swim, wade and play in the shallow water
more than adults, and children do not towel dry themselves when leaving the
water.
Reducing Risks:
*Avoid swimming in areas where Swimmer's itch is a known problem.
*Avoid swimming near or wading in marshy areas where snails are commonly
found.
*Towel dry or shower immediately after leaving the water.
*Do not attract birds by feeding them to areas where people are swimming. |
