Swimmer's itch is one type of parasitic skin infection caused by swimming in lakes, ponds and oceans that have been infected by parasites that live in and are released into the water by snails. If you swim in infected water, the parasite digs into your skin and causes an allergic reaction that includes symptoms such as burning and itching, small red pimples and blisters on the skin. Because this is allergy-related, the more you swim in infected waters, the more prone you become to a more serious skin infection.
Swimmer's itch is treatable by over-the-counter anti-itch creams and lotions, cool compresses, and bathing in colloidal oatmeal and Epson salts. This condition is not contagious and affects more children than adults.
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