Rising seawater temperatures in Antalya! Increased itching and burning complaints

İrem GÜNEYBAZ/ANTALYA,(DHA)

Created: August 23, 2025 10:41

As seawater temperatures in Antalya rise, intense pollution has entered the sea from coastal areas. Waste from points such as Belek, Acısu, Beşgöz Creek, Aksu, and Kopak Stream have affected the marine ecosystem. Due to the heat and pollution, some organisms have proliferated rapidly. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Gökoğlu from the Ankara University Faculty of Fisheries stated that a significant amount of waste has reached the sea, particularly through streams flowing through residential areas such as Belek, Acısu, Beşgöz Creek, Aksu, and Kopak Stream. He said, "Due to the increase in water temperature and pollution, some organisms have proliferated rapidly in the sea. This proliferation has recently caused an increase in complaints such as itching and burning in some people who have bathed in the sea. There is no serious marine pollution in the Gulf of Antalya, but even heat and low-level pollution can facilitate the growth of some organisms. This can sometimes lead to adverse effects."

'YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY TAKE A SHOWER BEFORE AND AFTER THE SEA'

Prof. Dr. Ayşe Akman, a faculty member in the Dermatology Department at AU Faculty of Medicine, discussed possible disease symptoms. She said, "Organisms that emerge with increasing seawater temperature can cause redness and itching. They can even lead to shortness of breath. Scratching disrupts skin integrity, which can lead to infectious diseases. If a patient has a history of this, they should be prepared for the sea. They should use medications prescribed by their dermatologist before entering the sea. Showering is essential before and after swimming. If you experience such a condition, consult a doctor immediately."