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Swimmer’s Itch is an allergic reaction to a parasite that can live in fresh water. The Minnesota DNR and Conservation Corps state that swimmer’s itch is “a common ailment that plagues swimmers” in almost all lakes in central and northern Minnesota.
Seasonal Frequency
Typically begins in late May or early June, peaking through July and early August when water is warm and parasite release is highest. Outbreak patterns vary year-to-year: one summer might see a single concentrated outbreak, while another could bring multiple weeks of activity.
Ducks, Geese, or Snails?
The parasites live in freshwater snails and waterfowl that gather among lake weeds. The parasite infects snails and waterfowl that often live in or feed in shallow fresh water. The larval form of the parasite is released into the water. This larva doesn’t cause an infection in humans, but it can burrow under the skin. As part of their life cycle, these parasites are released on warm sunny days and migrate through the water. They then attach to swimmers and eventually burrow into the skin. Humans are not good hosts so the parasites soon die while still under the skin. The dying larva causes an allergic reaction, which leads to Itching. It can be hard to tell the difference between bug bites, hives, heat rash, and Swimmer’s Itch.
Can Swimmer’s Itch Parasites be controlled?
Some sources indicate that Copper Sulfate is toxic to snail hosts. While this is true in some lakes, its effectiveness is limited to a small population. According to the Higgins Lake Foundation, “Since only about 2% of the snail population is infected with the Swimmers’ Itch parasite as opposed to 80-90% of the merganser duck population, it is not a particularly good use of resources nor an effective means of treatment for the parasite.”
Moreover, the amount of copper sulfate required would be impractical (not to mention possibly an environmental disaster). Controlling merganser ducks on any scale is unfeasible, but avoiding feeding waterfowl may help reduce their numbers. Physical removal of lake weeds and muck where snails gather is not feasible due to the extensive spread of weeds on Fish Hook Lake and River. Administering praziquantel to hatchling waterfowl is suggested but not practical in our environment where waterfowl nesting is widespread.
Symptoms:
• Onset: The rash usually starts within 1 to 2 hours of swimming. You’ll notice Itching or burning before the rash appears.
• Location: The rash usually occurs on areas of skin exposed to lake water. In other words, you won’t get it under a bathing suit.
• Appearance: Small red, violet, or skin-colored spots or bumps that get bigger over 1 to 2 days. They can turn into blisters, and may crust over if you scratch them.
• Timeline: Itching lasts about 1 week before it starts to get better.
• Repeat exposure: Because Swimmer’s Itch is an allergic reaction, the rash can be more severe every time you get it.
Treatments
• Baking soda: Mix baking soda with water until you get a paste consistency. Then apply this directly to the rash.
• Anti-Itch lotions: Calamine lotion is another great option. This over-the-counter (OTC) medication made from powdered calamine mineral is cheap and has been used to treat Itchy skin for thousands of years.
• Hydrocortisone: Apply OTC topical steroid cream directly to the rash to help with inflammation and Itchiness. Prolonged use of steroid cream can thin out the skin, so don’t use it for longer than a week.
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): Benadryl is a medication you take by mouth, up to every 6 hours. It’s an antihistamine that can help reduce Itching. This medication tends to make people sleepy, so it might be better to take it before you go to sleep.
Swimmer’s Itch Prevention
There is no immediate cure for Swimmer’s Itch, but it can be prevented by following these tips:
• Avoid swimming in areas where symptoms of Swimmer’s Itch have been reported. If someone in the same water develops Swimmer’s Itch, there is a chance it could affect you as well.
• The larvae are more likely to penetrate skin that is exposed to water. Therefore, covering more skin can reduce the risk.
• If you experience Itching after swimming, avoid returning to the same water, as the allergic reaction can worsen with additional exposure.
• Swimmer’s Itch is not contagious between individuals. Thus, there is no need to worry about contracting it from an affected person.
• Do not allow water to evaporate off the skin, dry skin with a towel. Launder towels before reuse.
• Consider using:
o Topical application of a water-resistant insect repellent with DEET.
o A water resistant sun cream with .1-1% niclosamide
o Pre-swim creams that are specially formulated for Swimmer’s Itch prevention.
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