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Swimmer itch produces a mild reaction in which the skin becomes red and raised. Itchy areas, sometimes resembling small pimples or blisters, appear. The skin may also tingle or burn. In most cases, only areas of skin not covered by swimsuits, wet suits or waders are affected.

Symptoms of burning, tingling or itching can appear within minutes to days of exposure, while pimples develop about 12 hours later and eventually turn into small blisters. Symptoms tend to disappear within a few days to a week of exposure. Patients who scratch excessively may cause a secondary bacterial infection.

The reaction associated with swimmer itch is allergic in nature. As a result, any subsequent exposures to swimmer itch can cause more significant symptoms than the initial case. Skin reaction may be more severe and persistent, including blistering of the affected skin. Symptoms may also develop more quickly with subsequent exposures.