Treatment of Cercarial Dermatitis

Cercarial dermatitis is a patchy red pinpoint skin rash that is associated with itching on the parts of the body that have been exposed in water. Usually, this condition is not severe. The itchiness and the rash stays for just a short time then disappear without treatment. After exposure, itching occurs within 48 hours and may last up to 7 days. It is a rare case of dermatitis that can be severe if a large portion of the body is affected.

Birds and mammals and other than humans are the normal hosts of certain species like schistosomes which causes cercarial dermatitis. The cercariae are not as host-specific as other types of schistosomes and they seem to have a chemotrophic reaction to secretions from the skin. Cercariae attempt to and sometimes may actually enter human skin. The penetration in the skin causes a kind of dermatitis which is usually accompanied with intense itching. In the human body, the cercariae do not mature into adults. Cercarial dermatitis occurs worldwide and is more frequent during summer months.

In both fresh and brackish water environments cases of cercarial dermatitis can occur. Cercarial dermatitis can also occur on the exposed skin outside of close-fitting garments. Cercarial dermatitis is also called Swimmer’s itch. Some animals are known to have a parasite that causes allergic reactions that appears as a skin rash and this is it.

Signs of Cercarial Dermatitis

The signs or symptoms of the condition are a tingling, burning or itching sensation of the skin and small reddish pimples and small blisters appear in the skin. The pimples may develop into small blisters soon afterwards. Secondary bacterial infections may result when scratching the affected areas. Itching will gradually go away but can last up to two weeks or more. Cercarial dermatitis is caused by an allergic reaction to infection. You develop more serious symptoms if you swim often and wade in contaminated water.

Treatment of Cercarial Dermatitis

You can use corticosteroid cream on the affected areas and apply cool compresses. Bathe in Epson salts or baking soda and soak in colloidal oatmeal baths. You can also apply baking soda paste to the rash. For the itch, you can use Calamine which is an anti-itch lotion. It is really difficult for us not to scratch the rash but try your best not to scratch it since an infection may occur if you scratch the affected areas. You can ask your doctor for medication and remedies if itching is severe and he may suggest prescription-strength lotions or creams to lessen the symptoms. Cercarial dermatitis is not contagious and cannot be spread from one person to another.