YouTuber issues warning after getting 'swimmer's itch' parasite infection from jumping in water
A content creator has issued a message of warning to those looking to go open-water swimming after contracting something known as 'swimmer's itch'.
You may not have heard of the health condition before, but 'swimmer's itch' is something you're definitely going to want to avoid.
YouTuber Charlie Oliver Bates has warned people to 'think twice' about jumping into open water, after he and his girlfriend jumped into a plunge pool below a waterfall.
Known as Gnarly Charlie on the social media site, he recalled the chilling experience in a video.
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After adventurously jumping into the water on camera, Charlie explained that they went over to the waterfall tunnel but 'felt things nibbling on our bodies', causing them to climb up to the rocks, where they became quite itchy.
He then explained that a Google search showed that they had 'swimmer's itch', which is 'also known as parasites burrowing into our bodies'.
Both of them were deemed okay after medical checks, but what exactly is swimmer's itch, and how can you avoid contracting it?
What is swimmer's itch?
It is essentially an itchy skin rash that is caused by an allergic reaction to a type of tiny flatworm that is found in open water, such as lakes and ponds, according to Public Health Wales.
They are so tiny that you won't be able to see them, and they don't infect you, but they cause you to itch if they come in contact with your skin.
Though not contagious, any contact with these flatworms can cause swimmer's itch - luckily, they die when they burrow into your skin.
Symptoms of swimmer's itch
Swimmer's itch normally appears after one to 48 hours after being in the water and only affects skin that has come in contact with the water.
According to Mayo Clinic, the main symptoms include an itchy rash that looks like pimples or blisters, which starts off as a tingling, itching or burning feeling.
The itching can be quite intense, and your sensitivity to the condition can increase every time you expose your skin to the flatworms that cause it.
If your rash lasts more than a week, or you spot puss near your rash, see your GP and you may get referred to a dermatologist.
Swimmer's itch usually gets better on its own, going away in one to three weeks.
How to prevent getting swimmer's itch
It's important that you choose swimming spots with caution, water near the the shore where signs may have been posted warning of the risk are best being avoided.
Marshy areas, where snails are often found (as they produce the parasite), should also be avoided at all costs.
You should rinse your exposed skin with clean water after getting out, and dry off with the towel as soon as you're done.
The more you get swimmer's itch, the more sensitive you will become to the parasites, so it's always safest to do your research, or maybe avoid diving into open water where possible.
Joshua Nair