swimmer's itch
LowInformal, Medical
Definition
Meaning
A rash caused by a parasitic flatworm that burrows into the skin, typically acquired in fresh or salt water.
A specific medical condition (cercarial dermatitis) resulting from an allergic reaction to the larvae of certain parasites (schistosomes) that infect birds and mammals; sometimes used informally to describe any itchy rash after swimming.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is hyphenated ('swimmer's itch') when used as a modifier (e.g., swimmer's-itch outbreak). It refers specifically to a parasitic reaction, not general irritation from chlorine or cold water.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Term is identical in form and usage. 'Swimmer's itch' is standard in both.
Connotations
Neutral medical/descriptive term in both. No significant connotative difference.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, used only when the condition is discussed.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] got/caught/developed swimmer's itch (in/after [Body of Water]).Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in medical, parasitology, and public health contexts to describe the condition and its epidemiology.
Everyday
Used by individuals who frequent lakes or ponds to describe a specific itchy rash after swimming.
Technical
The precise medical term is 'cercarial dermatitis.' 'Swimmer's itch' is the common lay term.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Several holidaymakers were thought to have swum in water contaminated with swimmer's itch.
American English
- Kids often get swimmer's itch from playing in that weedy part of the lake.
adjective
British English
- The swimmer's-itch warning signs were posted along the lakefront.
American English
- We're dealing with a swimmer's itch outbreak at the campground.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My skin is red. I think I have swimmer's itch.
- After swimming in the lake, he developed swimmer's itch on his legs.
- Public health officials issued an advisory about swimmer's itch in the popular recreation area.
- Although swimmer's itch is an annoying allergic reaction, the parasite cannot mature or reproduce in humans.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SWIMMER ITCHing after parasites like tiny swimmers (cercariae) burrow into their skin.
Conceptual Metaphor
PARASITES ARE UNWELCOME INVADERS (The larvae 'invade' the skin).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'зуд пловца' as it's not a standard term. Use описательный перевод: 'зуд купальщика' or the medical term 'церкариальный дерматит'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with heat rash or chlorine irritation.
- Using 'swimmer's itch' to refer to any post-swim itch.
- Incorrectly pluralizing as 'swimmers' itches'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary cause of swimmer's itch?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not contagious. It is caused by a parasite from infected snails in the water.
Extremely unlikely. The parasite larvae are found in natural bodies of water, not properly maintained swimming pools.
The rash and itching typically peak within 1-2 days and can last up to a week or more, but will usually resolve on its own.
Generally, it is a self-limiting, minor nuisance. However, excessive scratching can lead to secondary bacterial infections.