Warning! Swimming in Crystal Reservoir may result in swimmer’s itch.

Swimmer’s Itch or schistosome cercarial dermatitis is a skin reaction caused by the penetration of the larval stage of certain flatworms that can be picked up while swimming. It is neither dangerous nor contagious, but is very uncomfortable.

Symptoms:

The site of penetration in humans is apparent by a small red welt. The degree of discomfort and bodily reaction varies with the sensitivity of the individual and the degree of infestation. In some persons the reaction may be hardly noticeable. Others have considerable pain, fever, severe itching and swelling. The swelling will usually subside within a week, but the red coloration can persist longer. It tends to occur in individuals who have been previously sensitized and it usually gets worse with subsequent exposures.

Swimmer’s itch organisms are most commonly noted in early summer for a period of six weeks. However, the warm waters of Ash Meadows may allow the organism to persist longer.

USFWS Photo

Treatment:

After the flatworms have penetrated the skin,
there is little that can be done in the way of
treatment. Some relief may be obtained through
the use of soothing lotions such as calamine or
lotions that have additives such as antihistamines
and/or local anesthetics.

Prevention: www.hope.edu (external link)

Currently, prevention of swimmer’s itch can only be accomplished by avoidance of all aquatic activities in area’s where swimmer’s itch is known.

For more information, see www.cdc.gov (external link).