Every year the Big Star Lake Association (BSLA) receives a few questions/concerns about swimmer's itch at Big Star Lake. While we have not had widespread outbreaks, as with all inland lakes, there is the opportunity for pockets to emerge. An overpopulation of Canadian Geese is a contributing factor to the spread of swimmer's itch. With the introduction of the BSLA's Nuisance Geese Management Program, we will reduce our risk of these outbreaks. We offer the information below as a resource.

Swimmer’s itch, also called cercarial dermatitis, appears as a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to certain parasites that infect some birds (ducks, geese, gulls, swans, etc.) and mammals. These microscopic parasites are released from infected snails into fresh and saltwater (such as lakes, ponds, and oceans). 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. Because these larvae cannot develop inside a human, they soon die. Swimmer’s itch is found throughout the world and is more frequent during summer months. Most cases of swimmer’s itch do not require medical attention.

Symptoms of swimmer’s itch may include: tingling, burning, or itching of the skin; small reddish pimples; or small blisters. Within minutes to days after swimming in water containing swimmer’s itch parasites, you may experience tingling, burning, or itching of the skin. Small reddish pimples appear within twelve hours. Pimples may develop into small blisters. Scratching the areas may result in secondary bacterial infections. Itching may last up to a week or more, but will gradually go away.  Swimmer’s itch is not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another.

Anyone who swims or wades in water containing swimmer’s itch parasites may be at risk. Larvae are more likely to be present in shallow water by the shoreline. Children are most often affected because they tend to swim, wade, and play in the shallow water more than adults. Also, they are less likely to towel dry themselves when leaving the water.

Helpful tips on preventing and treating swimmer’s itch:

• Cover your skin with full body swimwear (swimmer’s itch rarely affects hands, feet and face).

• Swim in the afternoon or early evening, risk of acquiring swimmer’s itch is greatest in the morning.

• Avoid swimming when there is, or recently has been, an onshore wind.

• Swim in deeper water, as wind and waves may concentrate the cercaria in the shallows or close to the shore.

• Apply waterproof sunscreen or other products that may provide a barrier to the cercaria.  Allow the product to dry before entering the water.

• If using sunscreen and also showering, reapply before re-entering the water.

• Have small children swim in a kiddy pool filled with well water rather than the lake.

• Immediately after swimming, rinse and towel off very well.

• If you contract a severe case of swimmer’s itch, ask a pharmacist about anti-itch creams or antihistamines.