What is "swimmers itch" also known as?

"Swimmer's itch" is commonly known as schistosomiasis. This condition is caused by parasitic flatworms, often acquired through contact with freshwater bodies where the parasites are present, particularly in specific geographic regions. The parasites enter the skin of the swimmer, leading to an allergic reaction that manifests as an itchy rash, hence the name "swimmer's itch."

The association of schistosomiasis with swimmer's itch highlights how parasitic infections can present in a manner that can be confused with other dermatological or infectious diseases. This is distinct from leptospirosis, which is a bacterial infection typically associated with water contaminated with animal urine, and gastroenteritis, which refers to inflammation of the stomach and intestines usually due to viral or bacterial causes resulting in diarrhea and vomiting. Trichinosis is a parasitic infection caused by eating undercooked meat, commonly pork, which does not relate to swimming or aquatic environments. Therefore, recognizing that schistosomiasis is characterized by the condition of swimmer’s itch provides insight into the nature of parasitic infections and their transmission through water sources.