Swimming in pools, water parks, lakes, and coastal waters is a great way to beat the heat during the summer while enjoying some fun. But staying on top of safety recommendations is an important part of any excursion, especially due to the health risks associated with contaminated water.
Recreational water illness is an infection that occurs after exposure to infectious microorganisms or irritating chemicals in water. Swimmer’s ear, hot tub rash, pinkeye, and stomach illnesses are all common recreational water illnesses.
Understanding the risks and knowing how to treat recreational water illness can help you and your family stay healthier this summer.
How To Recognize Symptoms of Recreational Water Illness
Contaminated water can cause different types of illnesses. Learning the symptoms of recreational water illness can help you act quickly to resolve bigger health problems down the line.
Digestive issues
Infectious organisms such as Cryptosporidium (Crypto), Giardia, and E. coli can be present in any body of water. These microbes are most often spread via small amounts of fecal material that remains on the skin. They can survive for up to seven days, even in chlorinated pools.
Swallowing contaminated water can lead to gastrointestinal (GI) infections. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. They usually appear one to two days after exposure.
Eye irritation
Pools and natural bodies of water can harbor the organisms that cause viral and bacterial conjunctivitis. More commonly known as pinkeye, it results in redness, swelling, discomfort, and discharge from the eyes. Chlorine and other disinfecting chemicals in pools can also cause eye irritation, leading to pain, watery eyes, and difficulty keeping the affected eye open.
Ear problems
After swimming, water can become trapped in the ear canal. If it lingers there for more than a few hours, it can cause an outer ear infection known as swimmer’s ear or otitis externa. Unlike inner ear infections that are behind the eardrum, a swimmer’s ear causes swelling, redness, pain, or discharge in the space between the eardrum and the ear canal.
Skin irritation
Hot tub rash, also known as folliculitis, is a bumpy, red, itchy rash that appears after you spend too much time in contaminated water, especially in warm environments such as hot tubs. It can also cause pustules or blisters around hair follicles. It typically appears several days after exposure to bacteria in water. The chemicals used to disinfect pools can also irritate the skin, leading to itchy bumps or hives right after swimming.
At-home Treatment for Mild Recreational Water Illnesses
Water and sun safety for children and adults includes symptom treatment as much as prevention. While you want to avoid health issues altogether, they sometimes happen despite all the best practices in place. This is where knowing how to treat recreational water illness at home comes in handy.
- Gastrointestinal issues usually get better within a few days with rest and fluids. Since diarrhea or vomiting can cause dehydration, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids. Ice chips or popsicles can help provide fluids without aggravating symptoms.
- Rashes like folliculitis typically get better once the skin is no longer in contact with the irritants. Taking a shower or bath can rinse off the chemicals or organisms that are irritating the skin. A gentle, unscented skin lotion can soothe dryness. Over-the-counter remedies like anti-itch creams can also relieve discomfort.
- Mild eye irritation will resolve with artificial tears or lubricating eye drops. Placing a cool compress over your closed eyes may also ease any discomfort.
If symptoms don’t improve, you may need to visit your doctor or an urgent care facility for treatment.
When Symptoms Require Medical Attention
Not all recreational water illnesses will resolve on their own or with home treatments. A swimmer’s ear and pinkeye, for example, require medical care. Healthcare professionals will evaluate your issue and prescribe ear drops, eye drops, or oral antibiotics. Symptoms will begin to get better within a few days of starting treatment, but it’s important to use medications as long as directed. Ask your provider when it’s safe to go swimming again.
You should also visit urgent care for a GI illness if you experience high fever, bloody diarrhea, severe dehydration, and worsening symptoms. The team at Next Level Urgent Care can evaluate symptoms, provide IV fluids to help with dehydration, and prescribe any additional treatment so you start feeling better soon.
How To Reduce Your Risk During Future Swimming Trips
You can lower your risk of recreational water illnesses by staying alert to health and safety warnings. Check with local health agencies or the Texas Health Department for updates about water quality.
Adult and child safety tips to reduce the risk of skin irritation after swimming include:
- Remove swimsuits right after swimming.
- Shower with soap after getting out of the water.
- Wash your swimsuit after swimming.
To reduce the risk of swimmers’ ear:
- Keep your ears as dry as possible with a bathing cap or earplugs.
- Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or showering by dabbing with a clean towel.
- Use a hair dryer on the lowest heat to dry any lingering moisture.
To reduce the risk of contracting a GI infection, try to avoid swallowing any water. The following hygiene practices can help prevent the spread of the organisms that cause GI illness:
- Take a shower to rinse off before going in the water.
- Make sure babies and young toddlers wear well-fitting swim diapers.
- Take older kids on bathroom breaks.
- If you have recently had diarrhea, wait until symptoms are gone before going swimming.
Need Care for Recreational Water Illness Symptoms?
Quick action is key to preventing complications of recreational water illness. Next Level Urgent Care provides convenient evaluation and treatment for recreational water illnesses in adults and children. Our staff will go over your symptoms, conduct any necessary lab tests, and provide prescription treatment as needed.
With locations across Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, it’s easy to find care when you need it. All of our locations are open seven days per week, from 9 AM to 9 PM.
We welcome walk-in visits, or you can use our mobile app to check in online and skip the wait.
