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Health · 27 August 2026

Wild swimming in lakes and rivers doubles the risk of skin rashes

Wild swimming in lakes and rivers doubles the risk of skin rashes

Image by explorewithinfo on Freepik

A trial tested 2,368 people at four freshwater spots in Hungary, with experts confirming the results apply directly to Britain. University of East Anglia scientists found 2.7% of bathers developed skin complaints, compared to just 1.3% of those staying on land. Stomach bugs also surged in water with high E coli, prompting calls for the World Health Organization to keep tracking the bacteria.

Reported by The Guardian · How we write briefs

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