Maridhel Rañon

BSN 1-A

I. Disease: SWIMMER'S ITCH

II. Description: Swimmer's itch is a skin rash produced by an allergic
reaction to particular tiny parasites that infect some birds and
mammals. Infected snails release parasites into both fresh and salt
water (such as lakes, ponds, and ocean).
III. Etiology: a parasite that lives in waterfowl and snails.
IV. Mode of transmission: not contagious
V. Causative agent: cercariae
VI. Signs and symptoms: Itching or burning of the skin
Within 1 or 2 hours, tiny red dots form. The patches show up when a parasite
has infiltrated the skin.
After 1-2 days, the spots grow into little red lumps.
For up to 7 days, the spots might be highly irritating. After two weeks, the rash
will gradually fade away.
VII. How to treat the disease:
Calamine lotion should be used.
Antihistamines can help....
Avoid scratching, apply cool compresses and take shallow, lukewarm baths with 3
teaspoons of baking soda in the water.