Swimmer’s itch has been reported from people swimming in the freshwater pond at Topsail Beach. To lower your risk of getting swimmer’s itch, please follow these steps:

• Avoid swimming on bright mornings with onshore wind.
• Keep moving while in the water.
• Avoid swimming for a long time in shallow water.
• Towel dry as soon as you leave the water.

Swimmer’s itch is an itchy rash caused by tiny worms (too small to see) that often live in snails, waterfowl, and animals such as beavers. These worms sometimes burrow into the skin of swimmers by mistake.

Recreational Water Awareness

What is Swimmer’s Itch?
Swimmer’s itch is a skin rash caused by tiny worms called Cercariae. They are found in ponds, lakes, and sometimes in the ocean. These worms are common throughout North America.

How do you get swimmer’s itch?
The worms that cause swimmer’s itch live in the gut of birds (such as ducks) and some animals (such as beavers). As the worm grows, it lays eggs in the water with the bird’s feces. Larvae hatch from the eggs and look for snails to grow in. After the larvae grow into baby worms, they leave the snail and try to burrow into other birds. Sometimes, they mistakenly get into the skin of swimmers, causing swimmer’s itch. Swimmer’s itch is not communicable, meaning you cannot catch it from someone else.

How can I avoid getting swimmer’s itch?
The best way to avoid getting swimmer’s itch is to avoid swimming where the worms are living. Check for a warning sign near the water, or ask the park owner if other swimmers have had swimmer’s itch. Avoid swimming in ponds or lakes with a lot of water plants, as these are great homes for snails and swimmer’s itch worms.

If you decide to swim in ponds or lakes, you should:

• Avoid swimming on bright mornings with onshore wind, as worms are more active at this time.
• Dry off well with a towel as soon as you leave the water. This will help remove any worms on your skin before they burrow in with the drying water.
• Avoid swimming for a long time in shallow water. Move around often while in the water.
• Note: Children are more likely to get swimmer’s itch because their skin is more sensitive, they play in shallow water, and they enter and exit the water more often.

What are the signs and symptoms?
You may not notice your first contact with swimmer’s itch worms, but if they attach to you again, your body may react with:

• Brief tingling on your skin.
• Mild swelling of the skin eight or ten hours later.
• Itchy red spots.
• Skin rash.

The swelling can last for about a week, but the itching usually lasts for a couple of days. These symptoms often go away on their own after about two weeks, but scratching could cause an infection.

What should I do if I get swimmer’s itch?
If you get swimmer’s itch, avoid scratching, which could make the rash worse. An anti-itch cream or lotion may provide some relief. If the itching lasts for more than three days, or if the rash worsens, see a doctor.

Questions?

For more information about swimmer’s itch, contact the nearest office of the Government Service Centre.