"Swimmer's Itch": A doctor from the Zainsk Central District Hospital explained how to protect yourself from cercarial dermatitis.

      Epidemiologist of the State Autonomous Healthcare Institution "Zainsk Central District Hospital" Rezeda Abzalova informed the residents of Zainsk about the prevention of cercarial dermatitis — a parasitic disease that can be contracted while swimming in freshwater bodies.

      In the summer, many residents spend their free time by the water. However, swimming in unregulated areas can pose dangers not only due to the risk of drowning but also because of the possibility of contracting parasitic diseases. One of them is cercarial dermatitis, known as "swimmer's itch."

      How the disease occurs

      Cercarial dermatitis is caused by cercariae — larvae of flatworm parasites called schistosomes. They can be found in freshwater bodies, especially those with stagnant or slow-moving water. Warm summer months create favorable conditions for their development. Infection is more likely in bodies of water inhabited by waterfowl, particularly ducks. Birds are part of the parasite's life cycle, and cercariae, leaving the body of the intermediate host — a mollusk — can enter the water. According to epidemiologist Rezeda Abzalova, special caution should be exercised when swimming in non-flowing water bodies and in shallow areas.

      — When choosing a place to swim, it is important to prefer equipped beaches where water quality is regularly monitored. It is not advisable to swim near waterfowl and to enter overgrown, shallow areas of the water body, — notes Rezeda Abzalova.

      What symptoms should raise concern

      Cercariae penetrate human skin. Redness, small blisters, and other skin lesions may appear at the site of penetration. The main symptom is pronounced itching.

      At the same time, cercariae cannot develop in the human body and die in the skin within a few hours. Despite this, unpleasant manifestations of the disease can persist for up to two to three weeks. It is important to know: cercarial dermatitis is not transmitted from person to person.

      How to reduce the risk of infection

      Experts recommend following several simple rules while relaxing by the water:

      Choose equipped beaches. It is safest to swim in designated areas where regular laboratory monitoring of water quality is conducted.

      Do not come into contact with waterfowl. It is advisable not to swim near ducks and other birds, nor to feed them directly in the swimming area.

      Avoid shallow water. The well-warmed coastal zone is the most favorable environment for mollusks and cercariae. If possible, choose deeper areas for swimming.

      After swimming, dry off thoroughly. Intense drying of the skin with a towel can help remove cercariae that have not yet penetrated the skin. After returning home, it is recommended to take a shower with soap and a washcloth.

      Use protective clothing. If it is necessary to be in the water in an unregulated area — for example, during fishing or work — it is better to wear a wetsuit or tight-fitting clothing that reduces the area of exposed skin.

      Resting by the water should be safe

      Following simple preventive measures will reduce the risk of infection and preserve pleasant impressions from summer recreation. If pronounced itching, redness, rashes, or blisters appear on the skin after swimming, it is advisable to seek medical help and inform the specialist about recent contact with freshwater.

      Photo by the author

      Aigul Yarullina

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