![]() ![]() Since humans aren’t a suitable host for the parasite, the larvae that cause swimmer’s itch will burrow into human skin and then die without spreading. When people swim in infested waters, the larvae can enter their skin. Developed larvae will then seek out a suitable host in birds and mammals living in shallow parts of the lakes, ponds, and oceans. ![]() The larvae search for a host in certain aquatic snails where they undergo further development. They form and mature in the blood of these animals and spread when the parasite’s eggs-found in the fecal matter-are released in water, where the microscopic larvae then hatch. The parasites that cause swimmer’s itch come from infected birds and mammals such as ducks, geese, gulls, swans, muskrats, and raccoons. ![]() Although it’s not as common in Utah as in other states, cases and reports of infected lakes continue to increase enough to warrant caution. The parasite responsible lives in ponds, lakes, and even oceans. Swimmer’s itch is an allergic reaction and rash caused by microscopic parasites burrowing into your skin. Before you go, check whether that lake is infected with cercarial dermatitis, better known as swimmer’s itch. Summertime has arrived, and you’re looking forward to a day out on the lake. Be cautious of lakes and ponds that have snails and waterfowl.Several Utah waterways have had positive cases of swimmer’s itch.Swimmer’s itch is an allergic reaction from parasites that may cause irritated skin.Keep anti-itch creams handy if your family is prone to allergies or if welts occur.Swimmer’s Itch What is it and how can you treat it? July 20, 2022.Change out of your wet bathing suit as soon as possible after exiting the water.Thoroughly and briskly towel-off or shower as soon as you leave the water to help prevent swimmer's itch organisms from entering the skin.Apply waterproof sunscreen or baby oil to help prevent swimmer's itch organisms from entering the skin.Since swimmer's itch can be reintroduced to the water through goose droppings, please do not feed or attract geese while near lakes or ponds! To Reduce the Chance of Getting Swimmer's Itch Only 30% to 40% of the population is sensitive to swimmer's itch, and very few of those will ever develop welts. Incidences of swimmer's itch are most common in late June and mid-July, especially after heavy winds. These itchy bumps are no more serious than an insect bite and can be treated with anti-itch creams. ![]() Our body reacts to the intrusion by treating the organism as a mild allergy and produces histamines that can cause a red itchy welt. Humans are not suitable hosts for the parasite, so it dies and is dissolved. Once they mature, they enter the water again to seek out birds, but sometimes select a human by mistake. The parasite's eggs are passed out of the bird and develop into larvae that seek out snails. The welts are caused by a tiny parasitic organism which normally lives in the blood of waterfowl. The skin irritation appears as small itchy welts resembling a rash or mosquito bites. It is a temporary skin irritation caused by an invisible parasite found in lakes and ponds. Swimmer's itch is a natural phenomenon that occurs in many water bodies in Michigan. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |