The site of skin penetration of schistosomal cercaria can result in a dermatitis called swimmer's, Kabure or pelican itch.
The dermatitis tends to occur in non-immune individuals. It is rarely reported in a person living locally.
Clinical features:
(1) onset within minutes to days of water exposure
(2) prickly sensation followed by intense pruritis
(3) followed by an area of erythema or a urticarial, papular or vesicular rash
(4) duration usually 2-3 days
Cercariae from non-human schistomiasis die after penetration. Cercariae associated with human schistosomiasis continue on to cause schistosomiasis.
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Specialty: Infectious Diseases, Gastroenterology, Urology
