What Is Swimmer's Itch?
Cercarial Dermatitis
Swimmer’s Itch is a skin infection caused by parasitic larvae known as cercariae come into contact with people. These parasites start as a flatworm that reproduces in waterfowl such as geese or ducks, and then find an intermediate host such as snails or mollusks to breed on again asexually. Usually, these parasites move on to infect a final host such as more waterfowl, which would fulfill it’s lifecycle. However, when things go wrong and the final host is a human is when we see cases of swimmer’s itch.
Keys to Prevention of Swimmer’s Itch
Swimmer’s Itch is an allergic reaction to microbes that cause serious skin infections to recreational swimmers.
Some easy markers to look for are shallow, warm waters, dense aquatic plant growth, and eutrophic conditions. These conditions all mark a higher likelihood of contracting swimmer’s itch.
Spending less time in water that display these conditions is an obvious way to protect yourself, but maybe not the most practical.
While there may not be one sure-fire way to eliminate Cerariae from a waterbody, all-around water management greatly reduces risk. Regular treatments in swimming areas, as well as maintaining a healthyaquatic ecosystem of plants, nutrients, and algae will greatly reduce odds of contracting Cercarial Dermatitis.
Getting your lake tested for nutrient levels and monitoring these throughout the season will allow you to understand the risks posed by your waterbody, and if any interventionwith molluskicides or biological augmentation is necessary.
If your lake or pond has problems with nutrients and bacteria, feel free to call us so we can help fix the issue! You can reach us at (810) 635-4400.
