3/20/2024 0 Comments Minnesota swimmer's itch![]() ![]() The parasites that cause swimmer's itch live in the blood of waterfowl and in animals that live near ponds and lakes. Swimmer's itch isn't contagious from person to person, so you don't need to worry about catching swimmer's itch from someone who has this itchy rash. These snails live near the shoreline, which explains why infections occur most often in shallow water. Before infecting birds, animals or people, the hatched parasites must live for a time within a type of snail. The parasite's eggs enter the water via their hosts' feces. ![]() You might be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin conditions (dermatologist). If you notice pus at the rash site, consult your doctor. Talk to your doctor if you have a rash after swimming that lasts more than three days. Signs and symptoms of swimmer's itch typically worsen with each exposure to the parasites. Swimmer's itch usually affects only exposed skin - skin not covered by swimsuits, wet suits or waders. It may appear within minutes or days after swimming or wading in infested water. The itchy rash associated with swimmer's itch looks like reddish pimples or blisters. ![]() In the meantime, you can control itching with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Swimmer's itch is uncomfortable, but it usually clears up on its own in a few days. Humans aren't suitable hosts, so the parasites soon die while still in your skin. These parasites can be released into the water. The parasites that cause swimmer's itch normally live in waterfowl and some animals. Swimmer's itch is a rash usually caused by an allergic reaction to parasites that burrow into your skin while you're swimming or wading in warm water. Also known as cercarial dermatitis, swimmer's itch is most common in freshwater lakes and ponds, but it occasionally occurs in salt water. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has more information on swimmer's itch.Swimmer's itch is an itchy rash that can occur after you go swimming or wading outdoors. To report an occurrence of swimmer’s itch at one of the Three Rivers Park District beaches, please call the visitor center at the beach location you visited. One way to reduce your chances of contracting swimmer’s itch is to rinse off and/or vigorously towel off after exiting the water. Once the area is safe, the beach is re-opened to the public. While a beach is closed due to swimmer’s itch, a treatment of copper sulfate is applied to the swimming area which kills the snails and the parasites. Swimmer’s itch is a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to a microscopic parasite released in the water by snails.
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