SWIMMER’S ITCH

Swimmer’s itch, also known as “duck itch” or “sea lice” is a dermatitis contracted by swimming in some lakes, rivers and ponds.  It is an itchy rash which can appear anywhere on the body.  The rash is bumpy and sometimes blisters.  It is caused by the larvae of certain worms when it penetrates the skin. The worms are carried by various water birds, ducks and geese.  These worms produce eggs which then invade snails or other molluscans.  They then are shed into the water where humans can be exposed.

They do not produce any further disease in humans.  The treatment is symptomatic, with oral antihistamines or topical anti-itching medications.



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