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Swimmer's itch has probably been around as long as humans. In addition, bathing in oatmeal, baking soda, or Epsom salts can also provide relief of symptoms. Orally administered hydroxyzine, an antihistamine, is sometimes prescribed to treat swimmer's itch and similar dermal allergic reactions. There are no permanent effects to people from this condition.
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People repeatedly exposed to cercariae develop heavier symptoms with faster onset. The intense itching, which peaks after 48–72 hours, is associated with pain and swelling of the affected areas.
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The papules disappear in 1–2 weeks but secondary effects from scratching can continue longer. Within 10–12 hours these turn into very itchy papules that reach their worst by the second or third day. Initially, wheals develop quickly, then turn into maculae in about half an hour. The main symptom is itchy papules (raised skin) that commonly occur within 2 days of infection. Nevertheless, the condition has been regarded as an emerging infectious disease. Incidence may be on the rise, although this may also be attributed to better monitoring. It is common in freshwater, brackish and marine habitats worldwide.
#Swimmers itch michigan skin
Swimmer's itch, cercarial dermatitis or schistosome dermatitis is a short-term allergic immune reaction occurring in the skin of humans that have been infected by water-borne schistosomes, a type of flatworms. Cercarial dermatitis on lower legs, four days after spending a day in the shallows of a lake
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