In search of an intermediate host, one of four species of snail that inhabit shallow waters in Minnesota. The adult worm sheds its eggs into the feces of the host, and the eggs are released into the water where they hatch into free-swimming “miracidiae.” The miracidiae swim Swimmer’s itch comes from a microscopic flatworm parasite (schisosome cercariae) that lives as an adult in aquatic birds or mammals, usually waterfowl. If you clear debris, watch the wind direction, don’t feed waterfowl, and most importantly, teach them to dry o ff thoroughly each time they come out of the water, you’ll minimize your children’s risk of getting swimmer’s itch.
#SWIMMERS ITCH CAUSE FREE#
It can be especially difficult to keep children free of swimmer’s itch, because they frequently play in the shallows and often wear their swimming suits for hours as they play in and out of the water. Waterfowl are an important adult host for the parasites and swimmer’s itch outbreaks seem to be associated with people feeding ducks. Don’t feed geese and ducks or allow them to congregate near your beach.Don’t swim when there has been an onshore breeze that may have carried parasites to your beach.Harbor the snails that are host to the swimmer’s itch parasite. Clean beaches of weeds or other debris that have washed up on shore.Swimming from a raft or pontoon minimizes your exposure. Don’t wade or play in shallow water, especially in weedy areas.Shower with soap and fresh water as soon as possible after swimming.Be sure to dry underneath waistbands and around leg openings of swimming suits.
#SWIMMERS ITCH CAUSE SKIN#
Rub your skin briskly to remove water drops before they begin to evaporate. Dry off as soon as you leave the water.Although even careful adherence to the recommendations may not be 100% successful in preventing an outbreak, you can minimize the extent of irritation and itching. You can reduce the likelihood of suffering swimmer’s itch by following these simple guidelines. There are no reported long-term effects from swimmer’s itch and the parasite that causes it will not survive in humans. About 30-40% of people who come in contact with the parasite are sensitive and experience irritation.
The irritation may last from a few days to several weeks, depending on an individual’s sensitivity. It appears on your skin as red, itchy, bite-like welts within several hours of leaving the water. Swimmer’s Itch, technically known as schistosome dermatitis, is a common malady around Minnesota’s lakes during midsummer.
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