Definition

Noun: A skin condition characterized by an itchy rash, caused by an allergic reaction to the larvae (cercariae) of certain parasitic flatworms (schistosomes) penetrating the skin. This typically occurs after repeated exposure in freshwater.

Usage

This is a medical/biological term used to describe a specific type of skin inflammation. * Swimmer's itch is the common name for schistosome dermatitis. * The doctor diagnosed the rash as schistosome dermatitis from swimming in the lake. * Schistosome dermatitis is not a serious infection, as the parasites cannot mature in humans.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in public health and parasitology contexts when discussing waterborne diseases and recreational water quality.
• It describes a specific immunologic sensitization reaction, meaning the itching and rash become more severe with subsequent exposures.

Variants and Related Words

• Swimmer's Itch (noun): The common, non-technical name for this condition.
• Cercarial Dermatitis (noun): A more precise technical synonym, as it specifies the larval stage (cercariae) causing the issue.

Synonyms

• Cercarial dermatitis
• Swimmer's itch

Related Terms (Contextual)

• Schistosome (noun): The type of parasitic worm whose larvae cause the reaction.
• Cercariae (noun, plural): The free-swimming larval stage that penetrates the skin.
• Sensitization (noun): The process of developing an allergic response after initial exposure.

Noun

1. a sensitization reaction to repeated invasion of the skin by cercariae of schistosomes