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Living with Cutaneous schistosomiasis

An unusual form of schistosomiasis causing an itchy bumpy rash near the genitals or belly button.

Understanding Cutaneous schistosomiasis

Cutaneous schistosomiasis is an unusual form of schistosomiasis with an itchy, bumpy rash around the genitals or the belly button.

The rash is an allergic reaction to schistosoma (parasite) eggs deposited in the skin.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list a full symptom list for this condition. Its summary mentions an itchy, bumpy rash.

  • Itchy bumpy rash
  • Rash around the genitals or belly button

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
How is the diagnosis confirmed?
What treatment will clear the infection and rash?
How can I avoid reinfection?

Quick facts

It is caused by an allergic reaction to schistosoma eggs deposited in the skin.

Also known as: cercarial dermatitis; clam digger's itch; clam-digger's itch; duck itch; infection by cercariae of schistosoma; lake itch

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Cutaneous schistosomiasisGARD ID 9747 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Cutaneous schistosomiasis.

Explore the Cutaneous schistosomiasis blog

Explore research for Cutaneous schistosomiasis

Explore actively recruiting Cutaneous schistosomiasis studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Cutaneous schistosomiasis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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