A graduate of the University of Southern California with a bachelors in business, Tammy Olson has almost two decades of corporate management experience. Currently serving at Hixme as a strategic healthcare reform consultant, Tammy Olson advises large corporate clients regarding specific employee benefits with the goal of increasing employee satisfaction. Active during her free time, Ms. Olson enjoys swimming.
Swimming is an excellent way to keep physically fit. However, freshwater, and sometimes oceans and saltwater ponds and lakes may contain parasites and microorganisms that can cause allergic reactions such as swimmer’s itch. Swimmer’s itch is the common term for a rash caused by larvae and parasites.
Although not contagious and unable to survive in humans for more than a week, parasites found in water that burrow under the skin cause this reaction. Symptoms of swimmer’s itch include, but are not limited to, redness of the skin, an itching or burning sensation, and pimples or blisters. Diagnosis of the condition can easily be made through visual examination by a clinician.
In-home treatment of swimmer’s itch can include administering cool compresses, over the counter analgesic antihistamine creams, calamine lotion, or bathing with the addition of a handful of powdered oatmeal to the bath. If at all possible refrain from scratching the rash, as this will help prevent infection or more serious conditions.
Seek medical attention if the rash lasts longer than one week, pain or swelling increases, pus exudes from the rash, or fever develops.
