Itchy rash, redness, swelling, sometimes fever — all these unpleasant symptoms can appear after trying to escape the heat in ponds and lakes where ducks live. We figure out how to prevent this disease and what to do if «duck fleas» overtook you. src=»/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/ab571b62e2c5ba07a379128ee8ae4198.jpg» />
What is cercariasis and where does it come from?
This is an acute parasitic disease that occurs when the skin is damaged by cercariae — floating larvae of flatworms that «live» on waterfowl, most often ducks. Since human skin has chemical compounds (cholesterol, ceramides) similar to those found in the legs of ducks, cercariae can attach to the surface of our soft tissues and invade inside. In other words, these parasites «confuse» us with ducks. Fortunately, cercariae cannot live in our body and die very soon.
Where can I get infected with «bather's itch»?
High-risk areas primarily include areas of stagnant water bodies or those with a slow current that are polluted or abundantly overgrown with aquatic vegetation. It is in such places that ducks and freshwater mollusks (for example, snails) live, which are intermediate «hosts» of parasites. That is, you can get infected in almost any pond or lake, where crowds of townspeople, stunned by the heat, bathe.
It is noteworthy that in one reservoir there can be zones of high and low risk of infection and even safe places — you can swim where there is no aquatic vegetation, and the bottom is sandy and clean. But it is worth moving literally 50-100 meters away, where there is dense vegetation — infection will be inevitable, especially in shallow water. That is why children who swim near the shore often become infected with cercariasis.
How does cercariasis manifest itself?
A rash like urticaria and severe itching appear already in the first 30-40 minutes after infection.This is the result of the action of the poisonous secretion of the glands of parasites on the nerve endings. Various bacteria can also penetrate the affected areas, so there is a risk of secondary infection.
After a few hours, red spots form with red dots in the center, which can then turn into painful blisters.The boundaries of the affected areas will exactly correspond to the level of immersion in water: for example, if a person just walked on the water, the rash will be on his feet, if he bathed, other parts of the body will also be affected. As a rule, the largest number of cercariae are embedded in the skin of the legs and thighs. The palms and soles of the feet are not affected.
The temperature rises up to 38-40°. After two to four days, if the infection was massive, dizziness, dry cough and insomnia may appear.
As a rule, itching disappears after 7-10 days, but pigmentation remains for another 2-3 weeks.
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How to treat?
It is important to remember that «bather's itch» is primarily an environmental problem, and then a medical one, albeit a very unpleasant one. As already mentioned, parasites do not take root in the human body and die very quickly.
To relieve the symptoms of cercariasis, it is recommended:
- soothing ointments and lotions, for example , containing menthol;
- cool compresses, baking soda baths, and oatmeal baths;
- over-the-counter antipyretics to relieve fever — for example , ibuprofen.
And try not to comb the affected areas, even if you really want to — this can aggravate the itching.
If suppuration appears on the inflamed areas or symptoms worsen, this is a reason to immediately contact a dermatologist, as these signs may indicate accession of a secondary infection.
How to prevent this disease?
Choose your bathing areas carefully. Avoid stagnant overgrown pools, and definitely don't go into water where ducks live.
Don't swim in shallow water. If you are a good swimmer, try to swim as far as possible.
Rinse exposed skin thoroughly with clean water after swimming. And wash your swimsuits and swimming trunks frequently.
< strong>Use waterproof sunscreen. This can protect your skin from parasites.
Do not feed the ducks. It is the high concentration of waterfowl near the shore that greatly increases the risk of infection.