Health & Fitness
Swimmer's Itch Complaints Leads To Advisory For Main Beach
A contamination advisory has been issued for the Crystal Lake beach following the recent reports.
CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — The McHenry County Department of Health has issued a contamination advisory for Main Beach in Crystal Lake after swimmers reported developing swimmer's itch after recently swimming at the beach, health officials said Tuesday.
The health department and Crystal Lake Park District will be monitoring the situation, and anyone who experiences swimmer’s itch symptoms can contact the health department by calling 815-334-4585.
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The swimmer's advisory has been posted at the beach and will remain in place until there are no additional complaints for at least 10 days, health officials said Tuesday.
Anyone who swims or wades in infested water may be at risk. Children are most often affected because they tend to swim, wade and play in shallow water more than adults.
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Swimmer’s itch, also called cercarial dermatitis, appears as a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to certain microscopic parasites that infect some birds and mammals, according to a news release from the health department.
These parasites are released from infected snails into the water. If the parasite comes into contact with a swimmer, it burrows into the skin causing an allergic reaction and rash, according to the news release.
Swimmer’s itch, which is not contagious, is found throughout the world and is more frequent during summer months.
To reduce the likelihood of developing swimmer’s itch, swimmers are encouraged to towel dry or shower immediately after leaving the water, health officials said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends taking the following steps if you develop symptoms: Apply a cool compresses to the affected area, bathe in Epsom salts or baking soda, soak in colloidal oatmeal bath, apply baking soda paste to the rash and use an anti-itch lotion, according to health officials.
More information on beach advisories and closures can be found on the McHenry County Health Department website.
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