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Enjoying Michigan's lakes could lead to a rash. What to do about swimmer's itch

With temperatures warming up in Michigan, residents might be tempted to take a dip in a lake, but there's a chance you could end up itching later. Swimmer's itch is a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to microscopic snail parasites that then complete their life cycle in some birds and mammals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People can pick up the parasites if they come in contact with contaminated water — by swimming or spending time in a contaminated freshwater or saltwater lake or public pool. Luckily, most swimmer's itch cases don't require medical attention, according to the CDC, and can be treated with corticosteroid creams and cold compresses, among other things. Here's what to know about swimmer's itch and how to avoid it in Michigan waters if you're considering a chilly swim this Memorial Day weekend: Swimmer's itch is not contagious. Swimmer's itch is a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to microscopic parasites that infect some birds and mammals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The parasites are released from infected snails into fresh and salt water (such as lakes, ponds, and oceans). While the parasite's preferred host is the specific bird or mammal, if the parasite comes into contact with a swimmer, it burrows into the skin causing an allergic reaction and rash. Swimmer's itch is found throughout the world and is more frequent during summer months. Swimmer's itch is often incorrectly attributed to E. coli exposure, according to the Clean Lakes Alliance. Symptoms of swimmer's itch can include: Tingling, burning or itching of the skin Small reddish pimples Small blisters Swimmer's itch typically clears up on its own within a week. If the itching is severe, your health care provider may recommend prescription-strength lotions or creams, the Mayo Clinic said. Some home treatments may provide relief until it goes away: Apply an over-the-counter corticosteroid cream or an anti-itch lotion, such as those that contain calamine. Take an oral nonprescription antihistamine (Benadryl) or one with loratadine (Alavert, Claritin, others). Avoiding scratching the rash. Cover affected areas with a clean, damp washcloth. Soak in a bath sprinkled with Epsom salts, baking soda or an oatmeal-based bath product (Aveeno, others). Make a paste of baking soda and water, and then apply it to the affected skin. More: Is it safe to swim at the beach? How to check E. coli levels in Michigan More: Memorial Day grilling: Our best recipes, tips and advice for 2025 The EGLE map lists information for beaches in Michigan, including water quality sampling results and beach advisories and closures. The website also includes information on combined or sanitary sewer overflows, which lead to partially treated or untreated sewage being released into rivers and streams. Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Swimmer's itch: Causes, treatments for summer annoyance