The composition of seawater is harmful to pathogens and parasites, therefore, in general, the risk of contracting intestinal infections when accidentally ingested seawater is much less than if ingested fresh water. Bacteria living in seawater can be dangerous if they get into open wounds that can cause skin infections. Veronika Zaitseva, an endocrinologist at INVITRO-Ural, told socialbites.ca about this.
“The following factors contribute to potential infection: water temperature, since pathogenic microorganisms almost do not multiply in cold water, but their numbers increase significantly at temperatures above 24 degrees; The number of people swimming increases the risk of infection on crowded beaches, as a person can be a carrier of an infectious disease. Most microbes are close to the shore; risk of sewer ingress, for example due to an accident in sewer systems. Infection can occur both through the ingestion of contaminated water, and through damage to the skin, and through contact with the mucous membranes, microtraumas or conjunctiva of the eyes, ”said the doctor.
The danger is represented by cases of ingestion of sufficiently large quantities of salty, especially seawater, which is manifested in cases close to drowning or in psychiatric diseases, and sometimes with deliberate consumption of seawater by children. The official noted that in such cases, qualified medical care should be provided immediately.
“Sea water has a positive effect on the skin while bathing. When the water evaporates, salt crystals remain on the skin, causing dryness and can contribute to skin irritation. With prolonged exposure to the sun, this can worsen the effects of sunburn, so it is recommended to rinse with fresh water after bathing, ”the doctor emphasized.
It is better to swim in the sea when the water temperature reaches 23–24 °C. There is a risk of hypothermia at water temperatures below 18 °C. The best time for a beach holiday is in the morning (until 11:00) and in the evening between 16:00 and 19:00. At this time, the probability of sunstroke is lower. There is no need to stay in the water until hypothermia. If you are cold, it is better to get out of the water and warm up.
“Pay attention to the location of the beach: If there is a risk of escaping sewage into the sea, you should not go into the sea. You also need to pay attention to the color and transparency of the water, if the weather is cloudy, unnaturally colored and there is a lot of coastal algae, it can be unsafe to swim in such waters. It is recommended to avoid swimming in the presence of fresh open wounds. In case of minor skin damage and scratches, the possible appearance of signs of inflammation – swelling, redness, suppuration, and if any, treat them with hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine and seek medical help, ”said the endocrinologist.
used to be a doctor announcedIt is more dangerous than bathing in fountains.