Taxing Long Island
News12 New York
Download the App
Where to Watch
Local
Crime
Weather
beWell
The East End
Crime Files
Stony Brook Medicine

Greenwich Department of Health warns of ‘swimmers itch’ skin rash at several beaches

The Greenwich Department of Health has warned the public about cases of a skin rash known as “swimmers itch” occurring at several beaches.

News 12 Staff

Jul 31, 2023, 12:03 PM

Updated

Share:

More Stories

The Greenwich Department of Health has warned the public about cases of a skin rash known as “swimmers itch” occurring at several beaches.

The condition, also known as cercarial dermatitis, is caused by “an allergic reaction to microscopic parasites that are released from snails into fresh and saltwater."

The department says the condition is found throughout the world and usually surfaces during the summer months.

Symptoms of swimmer’s itch include tingling, burning or itching of the skin, small reddish pimples and small blisters that form within a short period of time.

The department urges residents to pay attention to signs that note reports of swimmer’s itch at recreational swimming areas.

“Using topical Benadryl, perhaps alternating with topical 1% hydrocortisone for symptom relief and really watching and waiting,” says Dr. Howard Selinger, with the School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University.

Health officials say you can cut the chances of getting swimmers itch by taking a shower and toweling off.

More Stories

Top Stories

newark bay

Dead whale found floating in busy Newark Bay

02:13
LD WEEKEND

Pleasant spring sunshine for New Jersey, big warm up coming next week

NOLAN SCREENSHOT

Driver in fatal Toms River crash issued multiple summonses as investigation continues, prosecutor says

00:31
HelicopterStorySubAM_2026-04-10-10-04-42

Lawmakers push tougher sightseeing helicopter rules, commemorate Hudson River tragedy 

02:15
Screenshot 2026-04-10 072825

Residents in Middlesex County frustrated due to large crack leading to months long street closure

00:23
deadly crash investigation

Piscataway woman killed, 3 injured in deadly I‑80 crash in Wharton

00:52
AP26097509348086

Artemis II's grand moon finale is almost here with a Pacific splashdown to cap NASA's lunar comeback

00:21
AP23059525541475

New Jersey invests $7.3 million to upgrade runways, lighting, and safety at local airports

02:03
Screenshot 2026-04-10 052353

Route 1 reopens after overnight crash disrupts early commute in Middlesex County

00:19
CANNABIS_2026-04-10-05-29-41

New Jersey expands support for small cannabis businesses with new $15 million loan fund

02:13
REchristinefwc48_2026-04-08-22-14-21

NJ Transit commuters to be blocked from trains on FIFA game days

00:29
410vitaminrecall_2026-04-10-09-07-51

More than 350,000 iron-containing supplements recalled for lacking child‑resistant packaging

01:45
REAmandafire49_2026-04-09-22-15-08

3-alarm fire in Ironbound section of Newark rips through warehouse

02:15
REcamdendnajim_2026-04-09-17-31-50

DNA advanced technology helps solve two cold case murders in Camden County 

02:39
Screenshot 2026-04-09 125952

SD Jewelry in Perth Amboy was wiped out of $1M in merchandise following a smash-and-grab

01:41
REEastorangesos_2026-04-09-22-17-11

East Orange City officials crack down on illegal basement apartments

01:44
RETomufc49_2026-04-09-22-18-59

From Lacey High to the UFC: Luke Fernandez fights for New Jersey

PLAINSBORO MUG FULL

West Windsor man exposed himself, peered into Plainsboro apartment window, police say

00:18
Baby Brown Bear

Adorable brown bear cub 'JJ' welcomed at Six Flags Great Adventure's Wild Safari

01:37
Screenshot 2026-04-09 171523

Matthew Morrison brings Bobby Darin to life in 'Just In Time'

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices