How can I avoid swimmers (Duck) itch?
If the organism is already present in your lake, the following steps can be taken to reduce the chances of encounter.
- Avoid swimming in the area of reported encounters. The cercariae are weak swimmers and generally remain in the area of infected snails, although the wind may distribute them around smaller lakes.
- Swim in deeper water. The cercariae are usually found in shallow waters and most easily attach to relatively inactive bodies. Babies sitting along the shore are most vulnerable.
- Vigorously towel your entire body immediately upon leaving the water. This will brush off any cercariae that may be on the skin and which frequently don't attempt to penetrate the skin until they begin to dry out. If available, taking a quick shower will accomplish the same thing.
- Use a waterproof sunscreen. This forms a chemical barrier that may discourage the cercariae.
*From the NH Department of Environmental Services