Care Advice
- What You Should Know About Swimmer's Itch:
- Swimmer's itch is caused by a small parasite found in many lakes. It is less common in salt water. The parasite normally only attacks water birds.
- The main symptoms are itching and a rash.
- For swimmers, the rash can be widespread.
- For children who wade, the rash may occur only on the legs.
- No specific medicine is needed. Reason: The parasites die once they pass into the skin. The itching is a temporary allergic reaction.
- Here is some care advice that should help.
- Steroid Cream for Itching:
- To help with the itch, put 1% hydrocortisone cream (such as Cortaid) on the rash. No prescription is needed. Use 3 times per day.
- Baking soda paste is another option. Make this by putting baking soda into a cup. Slowly, stir in water until it reaches a thickness like paste. Put it on the itchy spots as needed.
- Cold Pack for Itching:
- Put a cold pack on the most itchy spots. You can also use ice wrapped up in wet washcloth.
- Do this for 20 minutes 4 times a day.
- Allergy Medicine for Itching:
- If itching becomes severe, give a dose of Benadryl.
- No prescription is needed. Age limit: 1 and older.
- Try Not to Scratch:
- Help your child not to scratch.
- Cut the fingernails short.
- Reason: Prevents a skin infection from bacteria.
- What to Expect:
- The spots turn into small red lumps over 1 to 2 days.
- The spots can be quite itchy for up to 7 days.
- The rash gradually fades away over 2 weeks.
- Return to School:
- The rash cannot be spread to others.
- Prevention of Swimmer's Itch:
- Avoid swimming in areas where swimmer's itch has been a known problem.
- Towel yourself dry right after swimming or wading. Reason: Wipe off parasites before they get under the skin.
- The rash is usually worse with each exposure. So, it's very important to try to prevent recurrences.
- Call Your Doctor If:
- Rash becomes infected
- Itching becomes severe
- Rash lasts over 2 weeks
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Your child becomes worse
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.