Prevention

The parasites that cause swimmer's itch live in the blood of waterfowl and in mammals that live near ponds and lakes. To reduce the risk of swimmer's itch:

• Choose swimming spots carefully. Avoid swimming in areas where swimmer's itch is a known problem or signs warn of possible contamination. Also avoid swimming or wading in marshy areas where snails are commonly found.
• Avoid the shoreline, if possible. If you're a strong swimmer, head to deeper water for your swim. You may be more likely to develop swimmer's itch if you spend a lot of time in warmer water near the shore.
• Rinse after swimming. Rinse exposed skin with clean water immediately after leaving the water, then vigorously dry your skin with a towel. Launder your swimsuits often.
• Skip the bread crumbs. Don't feed birds on docks or near swimming areas.
• Apply waterproof sunscreen. This has been reported to protect the skin from the parasite that causes swimmer's itch.