Health risks to watch out for this summer in pools, rivers and lakes

It won't be long before crowds of Canadians start descending on public pools,rivers, lakes and watering holes.

Summer is the season for playing in the water, but it's also breeding season for parasites and bacteria which can lead to infections, rashes and other unsightly ailments.

"If you're unlucky enough to be in the pool when that toddler barfs or poops in the pool, there's very good chance you're going to get whatever made that toddler barf or whatever," said Calgary doctor and CBC health contributor,Raj Bhardwaj.

And that'snot the only nasty thing you can pick up in the water.

Swimmer's Itch

That tingling, burning, itching feel you sometimes get after swimming in open water can be caused by algae blooms or a parasite.

The latter, also known as ducklice, lives in waterfowl and snails.

"Every once in awhile, if you're in the water, that little parasite will think you're a good target and it will burrow under your skin," said Bhardwaj.

Once that happens, they die (eeeek!) and that's what causes the "itch."

Bhardwaj said it will usually go away on its own after two to five days. During that time, he suggest you treat it with antihistamine cream.

He said the risk of contracting the parasite is higher in shallow water, but you can reduce that risk by rinsing off after you go for a dip.

Swimmer's Ear

This is a "painful but not very serious" bacterial infection, said Bhardwaj, caused by water and germs getting into your ear canal.

"Bacteria love to grow where it's warm and moist and if you're in swim camp all week your ears are warm and moist all week."

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Symptoms include sore, swollen, plugged and sometimes pus-filled ears.

Bhardwaj said it can be easily treated with over-the-counter painkillers andantibiotic ear drops. If that's not working, then you should have your doctor take a look inside your ear with an otoscope.

Dr. Raj Bhardwaj on swimmer's ear treatment

8 years ago

Duration 0:42

Calgary doctor and CBC health contributor Dr. Raj Bhardwaj tells us about some of the nasty things you can pick up in pools, rivers and lakes this summer.

E. coli

Because of their rigorous protocols for water testing, Bhardwaj said the risk of getting E. coli from a public pool is low.

He said the bacteria is more common in lakes and rivers situated near ranches and farms, where runoff could occur.

"It's more likely to happen to kids because they're the ones who swallow water more. Adults are better at keeping the water out of their mouths," he said.

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Hot tub folliculitis

This infection of the hair follicles is caused by a bacteria that grows in hot tubs that haven't been properly maintained with chemicals.

The result is an itchy rash that, Bhardwaj said, usually can usually be treated with antibiotic cream or oral antibiotics.

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With files from the Calgary Eyeopenerand CBC Calgary News at 6