Swimmer’s Itch Prevention

by | Jul 18, 2024 | Education, Guardian Tips, News

50 years of trial and error, plus the latest research have shown our best and most cost-effective defense against Swimmer’s Itch is prevention, not control.

What can you do to prevent the itch?

  • Cover your skin with full-body swimwear, such as a “rash guard” suit (swimmer’s itch rarely affects a person’s hands, feet, and face)
  • Towel off vigorously after swimming
  • Swim in the afternoon or early evening vs. morning
  • Do not swim when an onshore wind is present
  • Do not swim or wade in shallow water without prevention measures
  • Install a swim baffle (float) in your swim area to block the itch
  • Use a parasite skimmer to remove the itch from the surface of the lake
  • Use a kid-friendly wading or “kiddie pool” for small kids vs. swimming near or at the shoreline
Photo by Rob Karner