What is swimmer's itch?
Swimmer's itch is a skin rash caused by certain parasites of birds and mammals. These parasites are released from infected snails and migrate through waters including those used for recreational swimming. Cases of swimmer's itch have been reported from all parts of New York State.
People who swim or wade in infested water may experience this itching rash. All age groups and both sexes can be involved, but children are most often infected due to their habits of swimming or wading in the water and playing on the beach as the water evaporates from the skin.
The victim may get the infection by swimming or wading in infested water and then allowing water to evaporate off the skin rather than regularly drying the skin with a towel. Person to person spread does not occur.
Whenever infested water is allowed to evaporate off the skin, an initial tingling sensation may be felt associated with the penetration of the parasite into the skin. The itching will subside for 10-15 hours and may then become extremely intense. This itching stage usually disappears within a week.
A victim's first exposure to infested water may not result in the itchy rash. Repeated exposure increases a person's sensitivity to the parasite and increases the likelihood of rash development. Symptoms may appear within one to two hours of exposure.
While all cases do not require treatment, some people may seek relief by applying specific skin lotions or creams to minimize the itching.
Toweling off after swimming or wading in infested water can be very helpful in preventing rash development. Communities may apply through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for a permit to apply specific chemicals to kill the migrating snails. Copper sulfate or copper carbonate materials can be applied by boat around popular bathing areas. If properly timed, these applications may prevent the annual migration of infested snails into swimming areas.
Source: NY State Department of Health