SHAWANO, WI – As families head to area beaches this summer, state officials are reminding swimmers to be aware of swimmer’s itch, a common and itchy skin reaction caused by a native parasite found in Wisconsin lakes.
Brenda Nordin, a lakes biologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, says swimmer’s itch is caused by larvae of a native parasite, not an invasive species. “It’s in all lakes all the time,” she explained, adding that the parasite goes through three life stages: egg, larva, and adult.
The condition is most active in June and early July, and this year’s wet summer and increased water movement may extend swimmer’s itch season a bit longer. “I anticipate our swimmer’s itch is going to be around for probably a couple more weeks yet,” Nordin said.
To help prevent irritation, Nordin recommends using sunscreen with SPF 80 or higher and showering after swimming. While uncomfortable, swimmer’s itch is not dangerous and typically clears up on its own.
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