What Is Duck Itch?

Duck Itch, commonly known as Swimmer's Itch and medically known as cercarial dermatitis, is a rash caused by an allergic reaction to a water-borne parasite. This condition, while uncomfortable and possibly painful, is generally not serious. Persons with Duck/Swimmer's Itch generally do not need to seek medical attention, as over-the-counter treatments effectively treat the condition.

Cause

• Duck Itch is an allergic reaction caused by a microscopic waterborne parasite released by a certain type of aquatic snail used as a host. It is not limited to any one region: the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology states that duck Itch affects people all over the world. If the parasite comes into contact with a swimmer, it will burrow into the skin. This can cause the skin to react by breaking into the rash. The longer a swimmer is exposed to infected water, the greater the likelihood of symptoms.

Symptoms

• Symptoms may develop only minutes after contact with infected water, but can sometimes take days to develop. The United States Centers for Disease Control says that the symptoms of Duck Itch may include tingling, burning and itching of the skin. Small reddish pimples and small blisters are also symptoms to look out for.

Treatment

• Human beings are not a suitable host for the parasite that causes the condition, so Duck Itch does not normally require medical attention. Symptoms will eventually go away on their own. However, the CDC does recommend the use of corticosteroid cream, cool compresses, baking soda, and anti-itch lotion. These measures will help to alleviate the symptoms to some degree.

Transmission

• Duck Itch cannot be spread by person-to-person contact. Swimming pools are no danger as long as they are well-maintained, because the presence of the host snails is required for the parasite to exist. Water will not always be unsafe after an outbreak of the parasite, but infected snails will continue to release the parasite for their duration of their lives.

Prevention

• The CDC says that to reduce the risk of contracting the Duck Itch parasite, swimmers should avoid areas where there are known problems with the water quality or wherever warning signs have been posted. Bathers should avoid marshy areas where snails tend to live and towel themselves dry immediately after leaving the water. It is a bad idea to attract birds to water areas by feeding them, because birds can spread the parasite to the snails. Lastly, residents should notify health officials in areas where Duck Itch is an issue.