Parasites that causeswimmer’s itchare one of the most common reasons for this jot down of irritating rash.
However, otherinsect bitesas well asbacteriamay also be to blame.
Itchy rashesthat develop after swimming in the ocean are usually easily treatable and preventable.
Merlas / iStock / Getty Images
In some cases, people who develop swimmer’s itch aren’t swimming.
Swimmer’s itch isnt contagious from person to person.
The rash is best treated withtopical corticosteroidcreams and oralantihistamines.
Still, swimmer’s itch will occasionally need treatment with oral or injected corticosteroids.
Your healthcare provider may prescribeantibioticsif a secondary bacterial infection is present.
Swimmer’s itch can occur in waters throughout the United States.
Hot temperatures increase the risk of getting the infection.
Symptoms often start while the person is still in the ocean but may occur many hours after exposure.
Taking off the contaminated swimwear and washing it before reuse may prevent additional rash and symptoms from developing.
Seabather’s eruption most commonly occurs along the East Coast of the United States.
aeruginosa.The rash is common on the buttocks and armpits.
Most cases of bikini bottom folliculitis will go away on their own in a week or two.
If not, bikini bottom infection is treated with oral antibiotics.
The infection may linger in people diagnosed with diabetes and other chronic health issues.
Bikini bottom folliculitis can be prevented by changing out of wet swimwear promptly and showering immediately.
Some studies find thatP.
aeruginosabacteria found in swimming pools can be resistant to antibiotic treatment.
Ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone, is often effective.
These different causes mean that the appropriate treatments are different, too.
Some conditions, like bikini bottom folliculitis, will go away on their own with most people.
Others require antibiotic treatment and disinfection of swimming and diving gear.
Talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions about these rashes or experience ocean rash symptoms.
2024 Mar 13;17(1):126. doi:10.1186/s13071-024-06218-4.
Tracz ES, Al-jubury A, Buchmann K, Bygum A.Outbreak of swimmer’s itch in Denmark.Acta Derm Venereol.
2022 May 16;11(5):587. doi: 10.3390/pathogens11050587.
2024 Feb 15;19(2):e0288948.
Sridhar SC, Deo SC.Marine and other aquatic dermatoses.Indian Journal of Dermatology.
2017;62(1):66-78. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.198052
National Capital Poison Center.Seabather’s Eruption Symptoms and Treatment.
2023 Jun 22;19(6):e1011386.
2022 May;109(5):255-260. doi: 10.12788/cutis.0522.
2020 Sep 23;12(9):e10623.