August

Swimming Related Illnesses

Swimmer’s Ear
Swimmer’s Ear is an infection in the ear. It causes the ear to become inflamed and infected. The infection may include drainage of the ear and also pus. Swimmer's Ear is caused by a germ called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This germ is commonly found in water. All age groups are affected by Swimmer's Ear.

If you feel you have Swimmer's Ear be sure to always contact you doctor. Swimmer's Ear is often treated with antibiotic ear drops.

Prevent Swimmer's Ear:

• Avoid scratching the ear canal.
• Make sure the pool you swim in has good chlorine and pH control.
• Do not swim in areas that may have pollution such as ponds, lakes, and rivers.
• Always dry your ears after swimming or bathing. Apply alcohol ear drop products to your ears.

Swimmer's Itch
Swimmer's Itch, is an allergic reaction to specific parasites. Also known as cercarial dermatitis. Swimmer's Itch appears as a skin rash, the skin may also burn, or tingle. The rash can appear in a matter of minutes or can take several days to appear. This is a mild condition and often doesn't require a doctor's attention.

The parasite that causes Swimmer's Itch lives in the blood stream of infected birds such as, geese, ducks, swans, and sea gulls. The parasite produces eggs that are passed into the feces of the infected bird. Once the feces enters the water the water then becomes contaminated. The larvae can burrow in the human skin and may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Since the larvae can not live in a human they soon die and the itching goes away.

Symptoms of Swimmer's Itch:

• Small Red Pimples
• Small Blisters
• Tingling on the Skin
• Skin Burning
• Skin Itching

Treatment of Swimmer's Itch:

• Apply a Paste of Baking Soda on the Rash
• Apply Calamine Lotion
• Bathe in Epson Salts
• Bathe in Baking Soda
• Bathe in an Oatmeal Bath
• Apply Corticosteroid Cream
• Avoid Scratching

Always contact your doctor about severe cases of Swimmer's Itch. A prescription-strength lotion or cream may be required to aid in the healing of Swimmer's Itch.

Other Swimming/water illnesses
Swimming/water illnesses can cause respiratory, eye, skin, ear, and gastrointestinal problems. The most common illness is diarrhea. Illnesses related to swimming and water can occur in hot tubs, fountains, swimming pools, ponds, rivers, oceans, and even a bathtub.

Most swimming/water illnesses occur when an individual swallows water, or their skin comes in contact with water. Often a large amount of water is not required to cause illness. Chlorine doesn't kill all swimming/water illness causing germs right away. Some of the germs may take several days for the chlorine to kill.

Prevention of Swimming/Water Illnesses:

• Don't swim when you have diarrhea.
• Don't swim with anyone who has diarrhea.
• Wash your hands and take a shower or bath before you go swimming.
• Don't swallow the water while swimming.
• Always bathe thoroughly after swimming or in the water.