'Swimmer's Itch' Reported In Greenwich, Health Department Says: Here's What To Know

GREENWICH, CT — The Greenwich Department of Health has reported cases of Swimmer’s Itch at Greenwich Point Beach, warning beachgoers of the seasonal skin irritation caused by microscopic parasites found in natural waters.

Swimmer’s Itch, or cercarial dermatitis, results from an allergic reaction to parasites that are released by infected snails into both freshwater and saltwater environments. While humans are not the intended hosts, contact with the parasites can cause a rash in some individuals.

Health officials emphasized that the condition is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from person to person. It typically appears during summer months and is found in lakes, ponds, and coastal areas around the world.

Although not everyone exposed to the parasites develops symptoms, the risk increases with prolonged water exposure. Children are particularly vulnerable, officials said, due to their tendency to spend extended periods in shallow water and not drying off immediately after swimming.

The department did not indicate any closures at Greenwich Point.

"Many factors must be present for Swimmer’s Itch to become a problem in swimming water. Since these factors change and cannot be tested for, it is not known how long the water will be affected," the health department said in an announcement. "As a precaution, the Department of Health has requested that all Greenwich beaches be posted notifying residents of the possible risk of Swimmer’s Itch. If the problem intensifies, the Department of Health will consider closing a beach location to swimming."

Symptoms of Swimmer’s Itch may include:

• Tingling, burning or itching of the skin within minutes or days
• 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 health department said. Itching will subside in a short period of time, but relief measures should be considered.

Treatment

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

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

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

Prevention

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

• Towel dry and shower immediately after leaving the bathing 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 from the recreation swimming area and being posted at same beach locations as a precautionary measure.