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Swimmer’s itch

Swimmer's itch is an itchy skin reaction after larvae of animal blood flukes briefly enter the skin in natural water and die there. The rash is not contagious and usually clears within days, but severe breathlessness, swelling of the mouth or throat, or collapse are not ordinary swimmer's itch and require Ambulance 912.

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Swimmer's itch is an itchy skin reaction after larvae of animal blood flukes briefly enter the skin in natural water and die there. The rash is not contagious and usually clears within days, but severe breathlessness, swelling of the mouth or throat, or collapse are not ordinary swimmer's itch and require an ambulance.

  • Tingling, stinging, burning or itching may start while swimming or within minutes to hours.
  • Small red bumps, or bumps of a different colour on dark skin, develop mainly on skin directly exposed to the water.
  • Leave the water, remove wet clothing, rinse with clean water if possible and gently pat or dry the skin.
  • Do not scratch; keep nails short and cover broken areas with a clean dressing to prevent bacterial infection.
  • Make an appointment if the rash has not clearly improved after about a week, is very widespread or the diagnosis remains uncertain.
  • For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.

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