Cases Of 'Swimmer's Itch' Reported At Several Greenwich Beaches

GREENWICH, CT — Cases of "Swimmer's Itch" have been reported at several Greenwich beaches, according to the town's health department.

Also called Cercarial Dermatitis, Swimmer's Itch is a skin rash that's caused by an allergic reaction to microscopic parasites that are released from snails into fresh and saltwater, such as lakes, ponds and oceans, the Greenwich Department of Health said Monday.

Michael Long, the director of environmental services within the Greenwich Department of Health, said the department has specifically received reports of Swimmer's Itch from Greenwich Point and Byram, but he believes all beaches have been posted by the town's parks and recreation department.

Swimmer's Itch is found throughout the world and surfaces mainly during the summer months, and it's not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.

Not every person who comes in contact with a parasite can develop the skin condition, but prolonged exposure to bodies of water increases the risk.

The health department noted that children are more susceptible to Swimmer's Itch since they wade in recreational waters for longer periods of time than adults, and often do not towel dry themselves after coming out of the water.

Many factors must be present for Swimmer’s Itch to become a problem in swimming water, the health department added.

Since these factors change and cannot be tested for, it's not known how long the water will be affected.

As a precaution, the Greenwich Department of Health has requested that all Greenwich beaches notify residents of the possible risk of Swimmer’s Itch.

If the problem intensifies, town health officials said they will consider closing a beach location to swimming.

The following symptoms of Swimmer’s Itch may include:

• Tingling, burning or itching of the skin within minutes or days.
• The appearance of small reddish pimples on the skin within about 12 hours.
• Small blisters may occur at the site of the small pimples within a short period of time.

The urge to scratch will present itself, however, scratching can lead to infection. The itching will subside in a short period of time, but relief measures should be considered, the health department said.

Treatment

Most cases of Swimmer’s Itch do not require medical attention, but if a rash develops, the following may provide relief:

• The use of corticosteroid cream.
• The application of cool compresses to the affected area.
• Bathe in Epsom salts or baking soda.
• Soak in colloidal oatmeal baths.
• The application of a baking soda paste to the rash.
• The use of anti-itch lotion.

If scratching the rash develops an infection, contact your health care provider immediately.

The following measures should be taken to reduce the risk of Swimmer’s Itch:

• Towel dry and shower immediately after leaving the water. This includes thoroughly rinsing areas beneath the bathing suit.
• Decide on whether to swim in the water noting that signs have been posted about Swimmer’s Itch being reported in a recreation swimming area.