After a swim in the sea to the doctor?

Christine Albert studied German linguistics and literature as well as Scandinavian studies at the Albert Ludwigs University in Freiburg. She is currently doing a traineeship at Hubert Burda Media and is writing, among other things, for

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Anyone who spends their vacation on the North or Baltic Sea should watch their skin after bathing. If small injuries suddenly become very painful or inflamed, those affected should see a doctor.

Infection with bacteria

After bathing in the North or Baltic Sea, small wounds and open skin areas can become infected. Those affected should then immediately have the areas examined by a doctor. This is the advice of the Center for Travel Medicine (CRM). It is advisable to see a doctor immediately, especially if there is also severe pain.

Because then it can be an infection with non-cholera vibrions. These bacteria live in salty water. They multiply rapidly in warm water temperatures above 20 degrees and a salt content of around 0.5 to 2.5 percent. They can penetrate the body through barely visible wounds or injuries sustained in the water.

Healthy people rarely get sick

According to CRM, healthy, young people rarely get sick. The infection with non-cholera Vibrios is usually mild in them. Nevertheless, those affected should take pain and skin inflammation seriously after bathing. The incubation period, i.e. the time between the penetration of the vibrions and the first signs of illness, is between four hours and four days.

Because in the further course fever and chills can occur. Blood poisoning (sepsis) can also result. If the infection is not treated properly, tissue can die in severe disease. In addition, skin ulcers can develop - in the worst case, limbs have to be amputated.

Fast, adequate treatment usually successful

For high-risk patients, infection with non-cholera vibrios can even be fatal. These include older, immunocompromised people with previous illnesses such as diabetes mellitus as well as liver, heart or cancer diseases. Recognized in good time and responding quickly, according to CRM, the treatment is usually successful even with high-risk patients.

If a Vibrionen infection is suspected, the doctor first takes a swab from the affected area of ​​skin. He then immediately prescribes antibiotics that work against vibrions - usually doxycycline and ceftriaxone. Since March 20, there has been an obligation to report an infection by name in Germany.

In warm summers, the salt content in the Baltic Sea is around 0.8 percent, explains Professor Tomas Jelinek from CRM. The salt content of the North Sea is higher - but here too there are ideal conditions for the bacteria at estuaries. (approx / dpa)

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