Protect Yourself From Swimmer’s Itch

Don’t Let the Itch Crash Your Splash!!

What is Swimmer’s Itch?

Swimmer’s itch (cercarial dermatitis) is an itchy skin rash caused by tiny parasites found in some lakes and ponds. The parasite normally infects birds and mammals, not people. They cannot survive in humans and swimmer’s itch is not contagious.

How Does It Happen?

  • Tiny parasites in the water come into contact with your skin.
  • You spend time swimming or wading in shallow, weedy areas.
  • Water birds and freshwater snails are present, allowing the parasite’s life cycle to continue.

Prevention:

  • Dry off with a towel immediately after leaving the water
  • Shower after swimming
  • Avoid swimming in areas where swimmer’s itch has been reported
  • Avoid shallow, marshy, or weedy area when possible
  • Do not feed ducks, geese, or other water birds near swimming areas

Watch For:

  • Itching, tingling, or burning skin
  • Small red bumps
  • Small blisters
  • Symptoms that begin within minutes to a few days after swimming

See a healthcare provider if your rash becomes severe, shows signs of infection, or does not improve.

Call SRPMIC Public Health at 480-362-2603 or go to http://cdc.gov/swimmers-itch for more information.

File: swimmers-itch
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