Preventing Swimmer’s Itch
The warmer-than-usual summer has led more of us than usual to hit the water on inland lakes and Lake Superior.
And even trying to cool off is becoming a threat to swimmers.
Swimmer’s itch is being reported.
The skin rash is becoming common here in the U.P. this summer.
Patrick Jacuzzo of the Marquette County Health Department says that early in the season, Teal Lake was a prime location for it, but now there’s word of it also being near Presque Isle.
Swimmer’s itch is caused by an allergic reaction to specific parasites found in certain birds and mammals.
The reaction causes the skin to tingle, burn and itch.
Most cases do not require medical attention, but there are some simple steps you can take to avoid the uncomfortable rash.
The Marquette County Health Department has more information about swimmer’s itch on it’s website, which you can find here.