4/27/2024 0 Comments Minnesota swimmers itch![]() This larval form then swims about searching for a suitable host (bird, muskrat) to continue the lifecycle. Infected snails release a different type of microscopic larvae (or cercariae, hence the name cercarial dermatitis) into the water. If the larvae find one of these snails, they infect the snail, multiply and undergo further development. These larvae swim in the water in search of a certain species of aquatic snail. If the eggs land in or are washed into the water, the eggs hatch, releasing small, free-swimming microscopic larvae. The parasites produce eggs that are passed in the feces of infected birds or mammals. The adult parasite lives in the blood of infected animals such as ducks, geese, gulls, swans, and certain mammals such as muskrats and raccoons. Transmission How does water become infested with the parasite? ![]() If itching is severe, your health care provider may suggest prescription-strength lotions or creams to lessen your symptoms. Scratching may cause the rash to become infected. Apply baking soda paste to the rash (made by stirring water into baking soda until it reaches a paste-like consistency).Apply cool compresses to the affected areas.If you have a rash, you may try the following for relief: Most cases of swimmer's itch do not require medical attention. The greater the number of exposures to contaminated water, the more intense and immediate symptoms of swimmer's itch will be.īe aware that swimmer's itch is not the only rash that may occur after swimming in fresh or salt water. Itching may last up to a week or more, but will gradually go away.īecause swimmer's itch is caused by an allergic reaction to infection, the more often you swim or wade in contaminated water, the more likely you are to develop more serious symptoms. Scratching the areas may result in secondary bacterial infections. Small reddish pimples appear within 12 hours. Within minutes to days after swimming in contaminated water, you may experience tingling, burning, or itching of the skin. Tingling, burning, or itching of the skin.Swimmer's itch is found throughout the world and is more frequent during summer months. While the parasite's preferred host is the specific bird or mammal, if the parasite comes into contact with a swimmer, it burrows into the skin causing an allergic reaction and rash. These parasites are released from infected snails into fresh and salt water (such as lakes, ponds, and oceans). ![]() "It's something that's natural and it happens, so it definitely shouldn't deter you from enjoying a nice summer.Swimmer’s itch, also called cercarial dermatitis, appears as a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to certain microscopic parasites that infect some birds and mammals. "It's just a reminder that the lake is not a city pool, so this is just one of those things that you have to deal with," he said. He added that lake-goers and lakeshore property owners should avoid feeding ducks, which also carry the parasites throughout the lake. If lake-goers choose to dive in anyway, Olson said that they should rinse off and dry off with a towel immediately after exiting the lake. Now that you know it's here, I would give it at least a week before heading out." "Not everyone is sensitive to swimmer's itch but, if it's really something that bothers you, wait it out. "Depending on how many of the little parasites are out there, it could take a week or so for this to work its way out of the system," he explained. Olson said that, after the first large bout of swimmer's itch hits the lakes, the remainder of the summer should be fairly safe. Those affected by swimmer's itch are encouraged to avoid scratching the blemishes.ĭon't let the fear of swimmer's itch put a damper on the summer, though. Small reddish pimples appear within 12 hours of exposure and, while some of the pimples may develop into small blisters, symptoms typically go away on their own within three to seven days.Īccording to the Mayo Clinic, the uncomfortable symptoms of swimmer's itch can be relieved by over-the-counter antihistamines or anti-itch creams that contain calamine. Symptoms of swimmer's itch include burning, tingling and itching of the infected skin. Your body's immune system detects it as a foreign protein, then attacks and kills it shortly after it penetrates your skin." "The good news is the organism that causes swimmer's itch cannot complete its life history in the human body. "As a part of their life cycle, these parasites are released by infected snails into the water, where they may come in contact with people and burrow into their skin," the Minnesota DNR website explains.
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