What You Need to Know About Swimmer's Itch

There's little better than splashing in the surf and laying out on the beach on a hot summer day. Unfortunately, swimmers itch can dampen the fun. This simple infection strikes indiscriminately, but, thankfully, it’s a common ailment, and there are a few simple ways to achieve relief.

1. What is Swimmer’s Itch?

Clinically known as cercarial dermatitis, swimmer’s itch is an allergic reaction to a parasitic worm that resides is both fresh and saltwater bodies. When the worm encounters human skin while looking for a host, it can cause some uncomfortable symptoms. Luckily, the condition is mostly an annoyance and should resolve itself after a short time.