For some ten year's now, the number of epidemic breakouts in swimmer's dermatitis has both surged and spread, across all European countries, and during the past decade (1990-2000), with one or two breakouts identified in France.
When exposure is repeated, the lesions can be heightened by a hypersensitive reaction (allergic phenomenon).
To relieve swimmer’s dermatitis, no individual protection measures intended to prevent larval skin penetration have officially been validated. The use of a repellent used in certain anti-mosquito products is reported to be effective against the larvae. To reduce risk, taking a shower after bathing, and briskly drying the body with a towel after a bath are also reputed to reduce risk, as it would appear that the larvae remain at the skin’s surface for some time before entering.
Should swimmer’s dermatitis symptoms appear, seek a doctor’s advice or go to a pharmacy to ask for appropriate symptom treatment: local anti-inflammatory creams (dermocorticoids) or, in the event of additional infection, fusidic acid. Applying ice to the affected areas, as soon as the first signs appear, can relieve pain immediately.
