What is schistosome dermatitis?
Cercarial dermatitis (also called clam-digger’s dermatitis, schistosome dermatitis, sedge pool itch, swimmer’s itch) is caused by the infestation of the skin by cercariae (larvae) of nonhuman schistosomes whose usual hosts are birds and small mammals.
What fluke causes swimmers itch?
Cercarial dermatitis (“swimmer’s itch”, “clam-digger’s itch”, “duck itch”) is caused by the cercariae of certain species of schistosomes whose normal hosts are birds and mammals other than humans.
What are avian schistosomes?
Simple Summary: Avian schistosomes are a group of parasites responsible for most of the reported cases of cercarial dermatitis outbreaks. Among others, Trichobilharzia is considered the largest genus of avian Schistosomatidae, and it infects more than 40 avian species.
Which are the main aetiological agents of Cercarial dermatitis caused by human schistosomes?
In particular, the genus Trichobilharzia has achieved notoriety as the primary etiological agent for dermatitis outbreaks around the world.
Are there any parasites that look like hair?
Horsehair worms, part of the taxonomic phylum Nematomorpha, are parasitic worms that resemble long thin strands of hair (hence their nickname). The worms have largely featureless bodies because they’re essentially a single “gonad,” as Hanelt puts it.
What organism causes swimmer’s itch?
Swimmer’s itch is caused by the larvae (immature stage) of certain flatworms that can be picked up while swimming. Technically known as schistosome dermatitis, swimmer’s itch appears as red itching, bite-like welts within several hours of leaving the water.
What gets rid of swimmer’s itch?
Swimmer’s itch typically clears up on its own within a week. In the meantime, you can control itching with over-the-counter antihistamines or anti-itch creams, such as those that contain calamine. If the itching is severe, your doctor may recommend a prescription medication.
How do you get rid of cercarial dermatitis?
Management and Treatment
- Apply a corticosteroid cream to the affected area.
- Apply a cool compress to the affected area.
- Use an anti-itch lotion (like calamine) on the affected area.
- Soak in a colloidal oatmeal bath or an Epsom salts bath.