What can be done to prevent or to reduce swimmers itch?
• Avoid swimming for long periods in shallow water • Avoid swimming in areas where swimmer’s itch is a problem and where there is an onshore wind • Towel off immediately after leaving the water may help reducing swimmer’s itch caused by cercariae of • A few species that enter only as the water dries on the skin • Post appropriate signs on beaches where swimmer’s itch is an annual problem • Do not encourage birds to stay in your area by feeding them • Avoid placing rip-rap on your shore. This provides an excellent surface for certain species of snails to attach their eggs. The higher the number of snails, the greater the chance for swimmer’s itch.
