News Release                   For Immediate Release

June 18, 2004

Protect Yourself from Swimmer’s Itch

The Public Health Unit reminds swimmers to protect themselves from Swimmer’s Itch, a temporary skin infection that is acquired by lake bathers when they accidentally become involved in the life cycle of the trematode worm. Swimmer’s Itch appears during warm weather in early June and peaks in July.

“With the school year ending, beach activity will increase and bathers should know how to prevent infection,” states Lou D’Alessandro, manager of Health Protection.

The infection penetrates the skin of bathers if the droplets are allowed to evaporate. As skin penetration occurs, a temporary, prickly, itching sensation occurs, sometimes followed by inflammation of the area. Areas most affected are the chest, stomach and back of the legs. Symptoms subside quickly and leave tiny red spots that will enlarge to form separated bumps. These itching lesions do not spread to other areas or from person to person.

Some ways that you can prevent Swimmer’s Itch are as follows:

·         Bathers should always rub down briskly with a coarse towel after swimming and the towel should be laundered before it is used again.

·         Calamine lotion may help to relieve the itch if you become infected.

·         Antihistimine medications may also be helpful, as may aspirin.

·         Rub a water repellent substance (petroleum jelly) on your skin prior to swimming.

For more information please call 376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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For more information:

Lou D’Alessandro, Manager of Health Protection

Jim Paton, Director of Health Protection

Grey Bruce Health Unit

376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 223