Dermatológia pre prax 1/2024

Skin manifestations associated with the aquatic environment

Water is all around us. Including all its forms and states, which are closely interconnected, it creates one integrated system covering almost three quarters of the earth›s surface. Despite its necessity for human life, it can also be considered as a potential threat in some cases. Skin manifestations linked to the aquatic environment include a wide range of diverse cutaneous changes, from infectious complications caused by aquatic microorganisms, to toxic, allergic or other immune-mediated reactions. With the growing interest in various leisure water activities, there is a higher need for dermatologist›s awareness of various skin manifestations associated with the direct influence of water or as a result of agents contained in it. It is expected that with the increase in tourism, these dermatoses will continue to rise in population. In addition to manifestations caused by micro- and macroscopic biotic agents present in all types of aquatic environments, this article also provides a basic overview of non-biotic skin diseases caused by direct contact with salt water and fresh water.

Keywords: water, sea, aquatic environment, aquatic dermatoses, infections