Swimmer’s itch is a rash caused by an allergic reaction to the larvae of certain parasites. The parasites can get under your skin when you swim in freshwater (such as lakes and ponds) and sometimes salt water. But you can’t get swimmer’s itch from swimming pools that are treated with chlorine.
Can you get swimmer’s itch from a pool without chlorine?
Swimmer’s itch is not related to chlorine exposure. Instead, it is an allergic reaction to a parasite that infected snails release into bodies of water. People develop swimmer’s itch after swimming in water that has not been chlorinated, as chlorine would kill the parasites. Many symptoms are similar.
How do you stop itching after swimming in a pool?
- Apply a cream or medication.
- Don’t scratch.
- Cover affected areas with a clean, wet washcloth.
- Soak in a bath sprinkled with Epsom salts, baking soda or oatmeal.
- Make a paste of baking soda and water, and then apply it to the affected areas.
Does chlorine help with swimmers itch?
Because the parasite can’t live in the human body, swimmer’s itch goes away on its own. You don’t get swimmer’s itch from swimming pools that are treated with chlorine.
Is swimmers itch bad?
Is swimmer’s itch dangerous? The rash and itch can be very irritating, especially for young children, but there should not be any serious danger. However, if a skin infection occurs from too much scratching, you should see your health care provider.
Is swimmer’s itch the same as chiggers?
It’s not chiggers
Swimmer’s itch is often incorrectly referred to as chiggers. However, chiggers are tiny earthbound mites that live amidst grass and weeds. They also cause itchy bumps on your skin. The parasite that causes swimmer’s itch is actually a tiny worm.
Why do I feel itchy after being in the pool?
Chlorine reactions may include itchy, red skin or hives (itchy bumps). This is not an allergy but is actually “irritant dermatitis” (like a chemical burn), caused by hypersensitivity to this natural irritant. Chlorine is also drying to the skin and can irritate existing dermatitis.
What kills swimmer’s itch?
Swimmer’s itch has historically been controlled by applying copper sulfate (CuSO4) to lakes as a way to eliminate snails that serve as the intermediate hosts for swimmer’s itch-causing parasites. CuSO4 is still sometimes applied specifically to areas of lakes where swimmer’s itch severity is high.
Does apple cider vinegar help swimmers itch?
If you get a bad case of swimmer’s itch, soak in a tepid oatmeal bath. For just a few spots, spritz on apple cider vinegar or swab with a damp washcloth dipped in baking soda.