


Each time the body is exposed, the more intense the reaction will be. Swimmer's itch is the body's allergic reaction to the parasite.Repeat Contact (Exposure) and the Body's Reaction Their normal life cycle involves birds and snails. The parasites get into the lakes from the droppings of water birds.It is less common in salt water (called clam digger's itch).In the US, Michigan and other Great Lakes region states are most involved. It is also found in lakes in Canada and over 30 other countries. This parasite can be found in lakes in every state (US).The rash and itching are the body's allergic reaction to parasites in the skin.
Severe swimmers itch skin#
It gets into the skin of humans by mistake. Swimmer's itch is caused by a very tiny parasite.The rash gradually fades away over 2 weeks. The spots can be quite itchy for up to 7 days.The spots turn into small red lumps over 1 or 2 days.The spots appear at sites where a parasite has gotten into the skin. Then small red spots appear within 1 or 2 hours.The first symptom is itching or burning of the skin.The rash only occurs on areas exposed to the lake water.It can also occur in salt water, although this is less common. Begins within 2 hours of swimming in a fresh water lake.Less commonly occurs in salt water (called clam digger's itch).An itchy harmless rash caused by tiny parasites in fresh water lakes.
