Summer is right around the corner, and many of us will be heading to beaches, pools, water parks, hot tubs, rivers and lakes to cool off. While enjoying the water is a great way to relax and stay active, it’s important to be aware of potential health risks and how to prevent water-related illnesses.
Common Water-Related Rashes
One of the most common issues people experience during the summer months is water-related skin irritation or rashes.
Swimmer’s itch is caused by a reaction to tiny parasites found in contaminated water, often from infected snails. These parasites can briefly burrow into exposed skin but do not survive in humans. It is most commonly found in lakes, ponds, and rivers. Symptoms may include itching, burning, tingling, and small red bumps.
Hot Tub Rash (Folliculitis): This rash is caused by bacteria that thrive in warm, moist environments like hot tubs. It affects hair follicles and can appear as red, itchy bumps, or pus-filled spots, often on areas covered by a bathing suit such as the buttocks or underarms.
Sea lice: These are the larvae of small jellyfish that become trapped under bathing suits or in hair while swimming in the ocean. They can cause itchy, red rash, typically under swimwear or along the neck, chest, abdomen, groin, and buttocks.
Even treated water can cause irritation. While chlorine helps keep pools clean, it can strip the skin of its natural oils. This may lead to dry, red, and itchy skin, especially with prolonged exposure.
In natural bodies of water, Algae blooms (Cyanobacteria): Also known as blue-green algae, these blooms can form in warm, still water, and may float on the surface or be present below it. These algae blooms produce toxins, which can be harmful to humans and pets. Contact with contaminated water can irritate the skin, causing redness, swelling, soreness, or even blistering and gastrointestinal symptoms, so residents are asked to avoid the water if it looks discolored or has blue-green algae.
Legionnaires Disease: this is a serious type of pneumonia caused by bacteria that can be inhaled through mist or steam from contaminated water sources, such as hot tubs. Symptoms may include fever, cough, muscle aches, shortness of breath, and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms. This illness can be severe and requires medical attention.
Another common concern is Illnesses that cause diarrhea, which is often spread by swallowing contaminated water. Cryptosporidium (Crypto) and Giardia are parasites that can live in water and cause gastrointestinal illness, even if only a small amount of contaminated water is swallowed. Shigella, Norovirus, and E. coli are other germs that can spread through contaminated water or food and may cause illness. Norovirus is highly contagious and can also be linked to raw or undercooked shellfish, like oysters. Additionally, eating raw or undercooked oysters can also cause other gastrointestinal illnesses like Vibriosis (bacteria) and Salmonella.
Protection is Key
Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your family:
- Avoid swallowing water from pools, lakes, or oceans, as many illnesses are spread this way.
- Shower before and after swimming to help reduce the spread of germs, remove bacteria from your skin and protect pool water quality. Rinsing off with soap and water removes sweat, body oils, and fecal matter from your skin. This helps in preventing waterborne illness.
- Do not swim if you are sick, especially if you have diarrhea. This is one of the most common ways germs spread in recreational water.
- Check the water conditions before swimming. Avoid water that looks cloudy, has a strong odor, or shows signs of algae blooms.
- Wash hands after using the restroom or changing diapers and take children on frequent bathroom breaks.
- Change out of wet bathing suits promptly to help prevent skin irritation and rashes.
- Use properly maintained pools and hot tubs. Make sure facilities are clean and well cared for, as proper chlorine and pH levels help kill harmful germs.
- Protect your skin. Rinse off after swimming and apply moisturizer if your skin becomes dry or irritated.
How We Help
The Westford Health Department plays an important role in keeping our community safe. It conducts routine inspections of public pools and recreational water facilities to ensure proper safety and sanitation standards are met. During the summer months, weekly beach testing is performed, and the beach data is uploaded on the Health Department website. It also monitors water quality, responds to community concerns, and works closely with state agencies to stay informed about potential risks such as harmful algae blooms or waterborne illnesses. Through education and outreach, the Health Department helps residents make informed decisions so everyone can safely enjoy the water.
By staying aware and taking a few simple precautions, you can reduce your risk of illness and make the most of a safe, healthy, and enjoyable summer.
