Grey Bruce Public Health is sharing ways to help prevent swimmer’s itch after receiving reports of people getting the skin infection, which typically causes minor, but unpleasant, symptoms.

Swimmer’s itch is caused by microscopic parasites, released into bodies of water by infected snails. The parasites can burrow into the skin of a person who is swimming, wading, or playing in the contaminated water. The parasites soon die after burrowing in the skin, as humans are not a suitable host, and this can provoke an allergic reaction and rash.

“While swimmer’s itch cannot spread from person to person and is not an infection reportable to public health, it can cause symptoms that can last up to two weeks and scratching affected areas may result in secondary bacterial infections. Because of this, we are hoping to spread awareness about swimmer’s itch and strategies for preventing it,” says Senior Public Health Manager Andrew Barton.

The parasites that cause swimmer’s itch are most often found in shallow water, close to shorelines with many aquatic plants.

Children tend to be more at risk of developing the infection as they typically spend more time than adults playing, wading, and swimming in shallow water.

To reduce the likelihood of developing swimmer’s itch:

• Do not swim in areas where swimmer's itch is a known problem.
• Do not swim near or wade in marshy areas where snails are commonly found.
• Towel dry or shower immediately after leaving the water. Using a dry and clean towel to rub your skin dry vigorously will kill most of the parasites.

Swimmer’s itch can cause the skin to tingle, burn, or itch. This can begin minutes to days after exposure. Small reddish pimples can appear on the skin within 12 hours. The pimples can develop into small blisters or a rash. The condition can last from a few days up to two weeks.

The severity of the symptoms varies from person to person. As swimmer's itch is an allergic reaction, symptoms can develop faster and more intensely each time a person is exposed to contaminated water. 

Most cases of swimmer’s itch do not require medical attention. Try not to scratch, as scratching may cause the rash to become infected. 

People with swimmer’s itch may find relief from symptoms by:

• Using calamine lotion;
• Applying cool compresses to affected areas;
• Bathing in Epsom salts or baking soda;
• Soaking in colloidal oatmeal baths; or
• Applying a baking soda paste to the rash (made by stirring water into baking soda until it reaches a paste-like consistency).

If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare provider.