District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) is raising awareness of Cercarial Dermatitis, also known as swimmer’s itch, they shared in a press release. While you, your friends and family head out to your favorite lakes, rivers and ponds, DHD#10 wants you to be aware of swimmer’s itch and how to avoid it.

Swimmer’s itch 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 saltwater (such as lakes, ponds and oceans).

Anyone who swims or wades in infested water may be at risk. Larvae are more likely to be present in shallow water by the shoreline. Children are most often affected because they tend to swim, wade and play in the shallow water more than adults. They are also less likely to towel dry themselves when leaving the water.

To reduce the likelihood of developing swimmer’s itch do not swim in areas where swimmer’s itch is a known problem or where signs have been posted warning of unsafe water, do not swim near or wade in marshy areas where snails are commonly found, towel dry or shower immediately after leaving the water and do not attract birds (e.g., by feeding them) to areas where people are swimming.

Signs and symptoms of swimmer’s itch are tingling, burning or itching of the skin, small reddish pimples and small blisters. Most cases do not require medical attention. If you have a rash, try using corticosteroid cream, applying cool compresses to the affected areas, bathing in Epsom salts or baking soda, soaking in colloidal oatmeal baths, applying baking soda paste to the rash (made by stirring water into baking soda until it reaches a paste-like consistency) or using an anti-itch lotion.

While swimmer’s itch is not contagious, scratching the areas may result in secondary bacterial infections. Itching may last up to a week or more, but will gradually go away. If the itching is severe, your healthcare provider may suggest prescription-strength lotions or creams to lessen your symptoms.

For more about swimmer’s itch, visit https://www.cdc.gov/swimmers-itch/about/.