Swimmer's Itch
Cases of Swimmer's Itch (Schistosome cercarial dermatitis) are starting to appear across lakes in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and other U.S. states. Swimmer's itch is a reaction of the skin to water-borne parasites, found in many lakes across the nation. The parasites are found in vertebrates and snails.
The red, itchy welts caused by the parasite can be treated with calamine lotion. Swimmer's can reduce risks by toweling off when leaving the water, and avoiding shallow parts of lakes.
July 6, 2009 9:07 AM | Category: Beaches