This is how it arises, how you protect yourself from it

If itchy pustules form on the skin after swimming in the bathing lake, this can be caused by bathing dermatitis. Read here how this arises and what you can do about it.

Suction worms live not only in tropical waters, but also in German ones Bathing lakes. As larvae they are called cercariae. The parasite, which cannot be seen with the naked eye, normally affects waterfowl, but occasionally it also bores into the skin of humans. In them, he can trigger the so-called bath dermatitis (cercaria dermatitis).

Bad dermatitis: these are the symptoms

Swimmers usually don’t notice the first skin contact with cercariae. The immune system quickly kills the intruders. However, this results in a sensitization that unites with a second contact skin rash, partly on the whole body. Children and allergy sufferers are particularly at risk. According to the Federal Environment Agency, the rash is very uncomfortable because of the strong itching, but is usually harmless. If the wheals are scratched, infections can occur.

Symptoms of bath dermatitis include:

• The skin tingles, burns and itches (immediately after bathing or a few days later). The skin reaction is comparable to that of a mosquito bite.
• Small, red spots appear within twelve hours of bathing.
• Blisters and wheals form on the following days.
• Nausea, fever and vomiting can occur in hypersensitive people – in this case, an emergency doctor should be called, advises the Environment Ministry of the State of Brandenburg.

Treatment: This can help with bath dermatitis

The skin changes are very uncomfortable at the beginning, but heal after 20 days at the latest. Anti-itch and anti-inflammatory ointments, gels or lotions help in the acute phase. Cold compresses can also provide relief. Oral antihistamines can be taken if there is severe itching. Affected people should contact a doctor or pharmacist.

It should not be scratched on the affected areas of the skin, otherwise they can easily become infected.

Cercariae are mostly on the water surface

Cercariae occur in practically all regions of Germany, if the conditions for propagation are favorable, the Federal Environment Agency explains on request from t-online.de. According to the Ministry of Environment, Health and Consumer Protection of the State of Brandenburg, the first cercariae can appear in early summer. Long-lasting summer weather with water temperatures above 20 degrees promote the development of the larvae. Depending on the weather, there are accordingly bathing seasons in which many cercaria occur, but also those with few.

The frequency of water birds (end host) and water snails (intermediate host) also contributes to the spread of cercariae, according to the Federal Environment Agency. Because the life of the causative agents of bath dermatitis follows a cycle: The Parasites initially attack waterfowl. The worm eggs then enter the water through the bird droppings. There they in turn infect snails, in which the cercariae develop. They are released into the water and look for their way to infest water birds.

Cercariae can survive in the water for two to three days. Usually they are on the surface of the water.

Cerciferous dermatitis: how to protect yourself

To protect yourself from cercaria dermatitis, the Federal Environment Agency and the Ministry of the Environment of the State of Brandenburg advise:

• Avoid flat bank areas and reed-rich areas, since this is where the snails from which the cercariae are released. If possible, go into the water via jetties.
• Apply water-repellent sunscreen. This complicates the entry of the cercariae.
• Do not feed water birds in the bathing area.
• Take a shower after bathing, rub yourself well with a bath towel to remove cercariae that have not yet penetrated the skin, and change your swimwear.
• Pay attention to information and warning signs on site.

These diseases also lurk in the outdoor pool and at the swimming lake.

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