One thing we hear every summer is “stay out of the lake, you’ll get swimmers itch!” Some adhere to the warning, others ignore it. But what IS “swimmers itch” and is it that serious?
Swimmer’s itch, also called cercarial dermatitis, appears as a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to certain microscopic parasites that infect some birds and mammals. These parasites are released from infected snails into fresh and salt water (such as lakes, ponds, and oceans).
The truth is symptoms aren’t quite as dramatic as you may have heard. While the word parasite might give you the creeps, the itchiness and bumps are not caused by a parasite living under your skin. These parasites cannot survive inside humans at all. The allergic reaction that we have to swimmer’s itch is a reaction to the parasite, not the result of the burrowing itself.
Symptoms of swimmer’s itch include small, red bumps that itch, similar to a mosquito bite. Although it is uncomfortable, swimmer’s itch is not contagious or fatal. Like poison ivy, some people are fortunate enough to have no reaction at all.
One way to prevent swimmers itch is to avoid swimming in shallow, shoreline areas where snails gather in greater numbers. When exiting the water, rinse off with clean water and dry off with a towel immediately. Some people have luck protecting their skin by creating a barrier with a water repellent substance like sunscreen.
Avoid feeding the ducks and birds in swimming areas because it can lead to higher concentrations of hosts for the parasite.
While there is a chance swimming in our beautiful lakes you COULD get the itch, you could also be fine, and spend a gorgeous summer day in the water with your family and friends. That reward is worth the risk.
