Bumps From Being In Lake

LakeLackey · 06-27-2005, 08:23 PM

Wondering if anyone has any experience or info with the following. Spent several hours in the water off Bear Island last two weekend days putting in dock. Both days ended up with loads of very itchy red bumps (looked similar to ant bites) on legs. Legs were basically underwater entire time. Did not appear to be hives as did not go away. Figure must be something in the water. Never happened other years. Obviously know could go to doctor, but figure it will go away. But, wondering what is different in water this year if anyone has any ideas.

sum-r breeze · 06-27-2005, 08:44 PM

Sounds like you have a case of what is known as DUCK ITCH .Welcome to the warm weather season at the lake. It's probably worse this year because of all the rain in April & May. It's said to be caused by a parasite (found in duck dung ) that reacts with an itchy blotch type rash. It usually goes away in a couple of days

The Breeze

Lexxi · 06-27-2005, 09:33 PM

Those ducks will get you every year, just take benadryl and the antihistamine in it will help with the itch, buy the CVS Brand it's cheaper !!
Good Luck and DON'T SCRATCH !!!!!

KonaChick · 06-27-2005, 09:36 PM

It seems as though my kiddies have it too. I thought it was mosquito bites at first but each red "blotch" is about the size of a dime with several little pimple looking things inside each blotch. They are itching real bad. Good advice is to make sure you spray off with the hose after getting out of the lake and also drying off immediately when you get out. I'm across from Bear Island , Kona Shore area. I wonder if for some reason it's bad there. We usually don't get it much because of the wind wich usually sweeps that nasty stuff out! Oh well glad I at least have some benadryl. Good Luck.

ApS · 06-28-2005, 06:25 AM

It's also known as "swimmer's itch".
Ducks, geese, mergansers, and sea gulls can transport the little critters.

While all waterfowl can be affected, the condition requires snails which are also affected -- which will pass it back to the waterfowl. Lakes without the "correct" snails will not have a duck itch problem.

Snails require growing algae to feed on, and algae require nutrients (fertilizer). Bathing in, washing the boat, or maintaining a lakefront lawn increases the nutrients in Winnipesaukee. Algae is a growing problem. I cannot recall a single case of duck itch when I went to a Lake Winnipesaukee summer camp. ("Camp Jurassic"

)

As already stated, toweling off immediately after getting out is the best prevention. The water, as it evaporates, concentrates the little skin-burrowing critters responsible for the itch.
http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/955152713.html

A day or two of a favorable wind direction will also concentrate the itch problem into shallow waters.

.

Lakewinniboater · 06-28-2005, 07:30 AM

I also have my kids rinse off with the shower on the back of the boat and bath as soon as we get home. We haven't seen any of that horrible itch yet.

However, I have heard it is a nasty bugger.

Rattlesnake Gal · 06-28-2005, 12:03 PM

Duck Itch or Swimmers Itch

Preventive measures can be taken to either reduce exposure or attempt to prevent the penetration. Swimming rather than playing or wading in shallow water will reduce exposure. If swimmer’s itch is known to be present, avoid swimming when winds are likely to be carrying cercariae into the beach. Swim offshore if possible. Brisk and vigorous toweling immediately after leaving the water can crush the cercariae before they can penetrate the skin. Some recreationists have noted that some sunscreens and lotions reduce the infections, and a professional aquatic biologist reports applying a waterproof sunscreen before swimming has personally been successful to prevent swimmer's itch. Once the irritation has developed, various soothing lotions or ointments may be applied to relieve the itching. For severe cases, prescription antihistamines and topical steroid creams may be prescribed by a physician.

Frdxplorer · 06-28-2005, 12:59 PM

Swimmer's itch is no fun at all. I know from experience. Luckily, the last several years I have avoided it in our area of Winter Harbor. It is one of the reasons many towns have made it illegal to feed ducks off public property.

Last year, we were at the cabin after a family with young children had rented. They had made friends with the ducks who would not leave us alone. My cousin took things into his own hands. (literally)

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...cat=500&page=1

(No duck was harmed, just shaken up, in the taking of this photo)

Pine Cove · 06-29-2005, 07:53 AM

My whole family has duck itch. Not quite as bad as fire ants so not complaining too much!

MWSP · 06-29-2005, 11:42 AM

This is why restaurants with lake frontage have "Do not feed the ducks" signs posted, or so I've been told.

Deb2005 · 06-30-2005, 02:06 PM

I spent last weekend at the lake on Long Island. Came home on Sunday and by Monday was covered in itchy red bumps. 2 other people that were with me over the weekend have the same thing. We were swimming off shore and also from the boat in the middle of the lake. Not sure if I want to spend this weekend in the water!! Any ways to prevent it?

Wing Nut · 06-30-2005, 02:06 PM

Hmmm...I was kind of hungry when I started reading this thread. Not any more. The picture really did it to me. But I do have to say that the information everyone makes available in this forum is top notch!

Hmmm...maybe when I get my appetite back I'll have some duck with a nice orange sauce!

Frdxplorer · 06-30-2005, 02:13 PM

Do we know if this year is particularly bad regarding duck itch. I plan to stay out of the water if people all over the lake are getting it. Any help would be much appreciated.

cabinfever · 06-30-2005, 02:17 PM

Yep, got swimmer's itch on Pine Island, too....

wildwoodfam · 06-30-2005, 03:46 PM

30 years never one case of the itch for any of the family members! Being on an island should protect you as the currents and winds push the waters around and carry the parasites away - or so we figured. The Bear Island cases are peculiar indeed. Which side of the island were you swimming off when you developed the itch? Like I said - 30 years of lake loving and never an itch - now poison ivy is a whole other story!!!! OUCH!

KonaChick · 06-30-2005, 04:43 PM

We look over at Bear Island from Cooks Point area

LakeLackey · 06-30-2005, 07:12 PM

East side of BI between Pine Is and camps, looking at Moultonborough.

gravy boat · 06-30-2005, 09:03 PM

I am fortunate...haven't had it yet. My husband got a case of it last summer.
Personally, I swear by the following:

1. use as much sunblock as you want, but right before going into the water, slather on oil -- suntan oil with sunblock if you need it. But the point is, don't be shy with oiling up.
2. towel off IMMEDIATELY after getting out of the water.
3. don't feed the ducks where you typically swim and don't swim in areas that are frequented by ducks.

That's it. Simple. And it's worked. I've never had duck itch.

Although I've probably just jinxed myself

Gravy

SIKSUKR · 07-01-2005, 08:55 AM

I think that some people are allergic to it and others are not.I am constantly wet from being on the PWC,never towel off,swim in every area of the lake and have never had a hint of a reaction in 25 years here.Oh boy,now I did it.I can feel myself getting itchy as I write this. SS

Zee · 07-01-2005, 09:16 AM

I too have had duck itch each summer for the past five years. I swim every weekend and have found that when I get it is when I have been nearest the shore where it is rocky. I have never gotten it when swimming out from the shore or off a boat. It is my understanding that the parasite clings to rocks. I am very susceptible to it although my husband has never had a problem with it and we swim in the same areas. Then again he doesn't get affected by poison ivy either.

Bear Islander · 07-01-2005, 05:32 PM

Twenty years on Bear Island near Pine and never a case of duck itch. In the last few days 3 out of 4 family members have it bad, The 4th never went in the water.

I think it is especially bad this year.

Lakewinniboater · 07-06-2005, 01:14 PM

I am thinking it might be an allergy thing. I have never gotten it and I frequent many of the sandbars, islands and out and about on our PWC.

upthesaukee · 07-06-2005, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gravy boat

13. don't feed the ducks where you typically swim and don't swim in areas that are frequented by ducks.

Gravy

Gravy ... I did the emphasis above as I agree with all that you say, but we need to avoid feeding any of the waterfowl. Coming out of West Alton Marina Monday PM, there were 4-5 ducks on the rocks on the west side of the channel, probably 8-10 sitting on logs near the shore, and a few more swimming around the "sand bar". Why were they there???? 'Cause they get fed. Sooooo, I agree with what you say, but simply put, don't feed the ducks. (scratch, scratch....)

ApS · 07-06-2005, 06:22 PM

These ducks swam over to me when a nearby boat that was feeding them left the scene.

They cuddled so closely, I couldn't focus the camera on them!

jerseyonbear · 07-07-2005, 12:06 AM

50 years of stays on Bear Island and never a duck itch. Will be there soon with Grandchildren who love the water for a few weeks. Any suggestions except not to feed the ducks?

Lady Di · 07-07-2005, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerseyonbear

50 years of stays on Bear Island and never a duck itch. Will be there soon with Grandchildren who love the water for a few weeks. Any suggestions except not to feed the ducks?

I have heard that Vicks vaporub will help before swimming.....and an immediate shower and vigorous towel rubbing after, will help.

NOthing would keep me out of the lake......so I would be prepared. Benadryl cream.....baking soda baths......

I would treat it the same as "sea lice" bites, here in Florida. They are really stings from Jelly Fish larvae. But, the feeling is the same. Big, itchy welts.

I never had them, either, when we lived there. I hope the little ones can enjoy without being miserable.

Rattlesnake Gal · 07-07-2005, 07:33 AM

Preventive measures can be taken to either reduce exposure or attempt to prevent the penetration. Swimming rather than playing or wading in shallow water will reduce exposure. If swimmer’s itch is known to be present, avoid swimming when winds are likely to be carrying cercariae into the beach. Swim offshore if possible. Brisk and vigorous toweling immediately after leaving the water can crush the cercariae before they can penetrate the skin. Some recreationists have noted that some sunscreens and lotions reduce the infections, and a professional aquatic biologist reports applying a waterproof sunscreen before swimming has personally been successful to prevent swimmer's itch.

Lakegeezer · 07-08-2005, 11:26 AM

One of our guests got the itch last weekend - is there any quick fix to getting rid of it?

sum-r breeze · 07-08-2005, 09:43 PM

We had some itch from the weekend of 6/25 . We read the posts about toweling off and it worked GREAT! None to report over the three day weekend of the 4th

Stay well, Wave to me I'll wave back!
The Breeze

sum-r breeze · 07-08-2005, 09:50 PM

LG,
Sorry about not answering your question about treatment once you have it.
Benadryl or a like kind of antihistamine(sp?)seem to help with the itch.
The bumps usually go away in a couple of days. Some real specific info is listed earlier in this thread. Good Luck and DON'T SCRATCH!

The Breeze

06-27-2005, 08:23 PM	#1
LakeLackey Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Bumps From Being In Lake Wondering if anyone has any experience or info with the following. Spent several hours in the water off Bear Island last two weekend days putting in dock. Both days ended up with loads of very itchy red bumps (looked similar to ant bites) on legs. Legs were basically underwater entire time. Did not appear to be hives as did not go away. Figure must be something in the water. Never happened other years. Obviously know could go to doctor, but figure it will go away. But, wondering what is different in water this year if anyone has any ideas.

06-27-2005, 08:44 PM	#2
sum-r breeze Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Burlington Ma / Laconia NH Posts: 396 Thanks: 155 Thanked 201 Times in 97 Posts	Duck Itch Sounds like you have a case of what is known as DUCK ITCH .Welcome to the warm weather season at the lake. It's probably worse this year because of all the rain in April & May. It's said to be caused by a parasite (found in duck dung ) that reacts with an itchy blotch type rash. It usually goes away in a couple of days The Breeze

06-27-2005, 09:33 PM	#3
Lexxi Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Merrimack, NH Posts: 44 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Duck Itch...UGH !!! Those ducks will get you every year, just take benadryl and the antihistamine in it will help with the itch, buy the CVS Brand it's cheaper !! Good Luck and DON'T SCRATCH !!!!! __________________ Lexxi

06-28-2005, 06:25 AM	#5
ApS Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Florida (Sebring & Keys), Wolfeboro Posts: 5,941 Thanks: 2,214 Thanked 778 Times in 554 Posts	Bumps? Stay 150-feet — No, wait...never mind. It's also known as "swimmer's itch". Ducks, geese, mergansers, and sea gulls can transport the little critters. While all waterfowl can be affected, the condition requires snails which are also affected -- which will pass it back to the waterfowl. Lakes without the "correct" snails will not have a duck itch problem. Snails require growing algae to feed on, and algae require nutrients (fertilizer). Bathing in, washing the boat, or maintaining a lakefront lawn increases the nutrients in Winnipesaukee. Algae is a growing problem. I cannot recall a single case of duck itch when I went to a Lake Winnipesaukee summer camp. ("Camp Jurassic" ) As already stated, toweling off immediately after getting out is the best prevention. The water, as it evaporates, concentrates the little skin-burrowing critters responsible for the itch. http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/955152713.html A day or two of a favorable wind direction will also concentrate the itch problem into shallow waters. . __________________ Is it "Common Sense" isn't.

06-28-2005, 07:30 AM	#6
Lakewinniboater Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Westford, MA and Alton Bay, NH Posts: 225 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Yuck. I also have my kids rinse off with the shower on the back of the boat and bath as soon as we get home. We haven't seen any of that horrible itch yet. However, I have heard it is a nasty bugger. __________________ Wendy "Wasn't Me!"

06-27-2005, 09:36 PM	#4
KonaChick Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 518 Thanks: 19 Thanked 62 Times in 15 Posts	It seems as though my kiddies have it too. I thought it was mosquito bites at first but each red "blotch" is about the size of a dime with several little pimple looking things inside each blotch. They are itching real bad. Good advice is to make sure you spray off with the hose after getting out of the lake and also drying off immediately when you get out. I'm across from Bear Island , Kona Shore area. I wonder if for some reason it's bad there. We usually don't get it much because of the wind wich usually sweeps that nasty stuff out! Oh well glad I at least have some benadryl. Good Luck.

06-28-2005, 12:03 PM	#7
Rattlesnake Gal Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Central NH Posts: 5,252 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 1,451 Thanked 1,349 Times in 475 Posts	Swimmers Itch or Duck Itch - Yuck! Duck Itch or Swimmers Itch Preventive measures can be taken to either reduce exposure or attempt to prevent the penetration. Swimming rather than playing or wading in shallow water will reduce exposure. If swimmer’s itch is known to be present, avoid swimming when winds are likely to be carrying cercariae into the beach. Swim offshore if possible. Brisk and vigorous toweling immediately after leaving the water can crush the cercariae before they can penetrate the skin. Some recreationists have noted that some sunscreens and lotions reduce the infections, and a professional aquatic biologist reports applying a waterproof sunscreen before swimming has personally been successful to prevent swimmer's itch. Once the irritation has developed, various soothing lotions or ointments may be applied to relieve the itching. For severe cases, prescription antihistamines and topical steroid creams may be prescribed by a physician.

06-28-2005, 12:59 PM	#8
Frdxplorer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: York, PA Posts: 234 Thanks: 2 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts	Swimmer's itch is no fun at all. I know from experience. Luckily, the last several years I have avoided it in our area of Winter Harbor. It is one of the reasons many towns have made it illegal to feed ducks off public property. Last year, we were at the cabin after a family with young children had rented. They had made friends with the ducks who would not leave us alone. My cousin took things into his own hands. (literally) http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...cat=500&page=1 (No duck was harmed, just shaken up, in the taking of this photo)

06-29-2005, 07:53 AM	#9
Pine Cove Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Duck Itch on Bear Island My whole family has duck itch. Not quite as bad as fire ants so not complaining too much! Last edited by Pine Cove; 06-29-2005 at 07:58 AM.

06-29-2005, 11:42 AM	#10
MWSP Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 48 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	This is why restaurants with lake frontage have "Do not feed the ducks" signs posted, or so I've been told. __________________ The Miss Winnipesaukee Scholarship Program A Lakes Region Tradition since 1925

06-30-2005, 02:06 PM	#11
Deb2005 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I spent last weekend at the lake on Long Island. Came home on Sunday and by Monday was covered in itchy red bumps. 2 other people that were with me over the weekend have the same thing. We were swimming off shore and also from the boat in the middle of the lake. Not sure if I want to spend this weekend in the water!! Any ways to prevent it?

06-30-2005, 02:06 PM	#12
Wing Nut Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Maynard, MA/Whortleberry Island Posts: 12 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hmmm...I was kind of hungry when I started reading this thread. Not any more. The picture really did it to me. But I do have to say that the information everyone makes available in this forum is top notch! Hmmm...maybe when I get my appetite back I'll have some duck with a nice orange sauce! __________________ Wing Nut

06-30-2005, 02:13 PM	#13
Frdxplorer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: York, PA Posts: 234 Thanks: 2 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts	Do we know if this year is particularly bad regarding duck itch. I plan to stay out of the water if people all over the lake are getting it. Any help would be much appreciated.

06-30-2005, 02:17 PM	#14
cabinfever Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 35 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Pine Island Duck Itch Yep, got swimmer's itch on Pine Island, too....

06-30-2005, 03:46 PM	#15
wildwoodfam Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: North Andover, MA & summers up at the BIG lake Posts: 285 Thanks: 5 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Guess we are lucky! 30 years never one case of the itch for any of the family members! Being on an island should protect you as the currents and winds push the waters around and carry the parasites away - or so we figured. The Bear Island cases are peculiar indeed. Which side of the island were you swimming off when you developed the itch? Like I said - 30 years of lake loving and never an itch - now poison ivy is a whole other story!!!! OUCH!

06-30-2005, 04:43 PM	#16
KonaChick Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 518 Thanks: 19 Thanked 62 Times in 15 Posts	We look over at Bear Island from Cooks Point area

06-30-2005, 07:12 PM	#17
LakeLackey Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	East side of BI between Pine Is and camps, looking at Moultonborough.

06-30-2005, 09:03 PM	#18
gravy boat Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Gilford year round, West Alton summers Posts: 592 Thanks: 601 Thanked 202 Times in 101 Posts	Dreaded Duck Itch I am fortunate...haven't had it yet. My husband got a case of it last summer. Personally, I swear by the following: 1. use as much sunblock as you want, but right before going into the water, slather on oil -- suntan oil with sunblock if you need it. But the point is, don't be shy with oiling up. 2. towel off IMMEDIATELY after getting out of the water. 3. don't feed the ducks where you typically swim and don't swim in areas that are frequented by ducks. That's it. Simple. And it's worked. I've never had duck itch. Although I've probably just jinxed myself Gravy

07-01-2005, 08:55 AM	#19
SIKSUKR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,075 Thanks: 215 Thanked 903 Times in 509 Posts	I think that some people are allergic to it and others are not.I am constantly wet from being on the PWC,never towel off,swim in every area of the lake and have never had a hint of a reaction in 25 years here.Oh boy,now I did it.I can feel myself getting itchy as I write this. SS __________________ SIKSUKR

07-01-2005, 09:16 AM	#20
Zee Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Union Wharf, Tuftonboro Posts: 173 Thanks: 0 Thanked 5 Times in 1 Post	I too have had duck itch each summer for the past five years. I swim every weekend and have found that when I get it is when I have been nearest the shore where it is rocky. I have never gotten it when swimming out from the shore or off a boat. It is my understanding that the parasite clings to rocks. I am very susceptible to it although my husband has never had a problem with it and we swim in the same areas. Then again he doesn't get affected by poison ivy either.

07-01-2005, 05:32 PM	#21
Bear Islander Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bear Island Posts: 1,764 Thanks: 32 Thanked 441 Times in 207 Posts	Twenty years on Bear Island near Pine and never a case of duck itch. In the last few days 3 out of 4 family members have it bad, The 4th never went in the water. I think it is especially bad this year.

07-06-2005, 01:14 PM	#22
Lakewinniboater Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Westford, MA and Alton Bay, NH Posts: 225 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	hhhhmmmm I am thinking it might be an allergy thing. I have never gotten it and I frequent many of the sandbars, islands and out and about on our PWC. __________________ Wendy "Wasn't Me!"

07-06-2005, 06:22 PM	#24
ApS Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Florida (Sebring & Keys), Wolfeboro Posts: 5,941 Thanks: 2,214 Thanked 778 Times in 554 Posts	These ducks swam over to me when a nearby boat that was feeding them left the scene. They cuddled so closely, I couldn't focus the camera on them! __________________ Is it "Common Sense" isn't. Last edited by ApS; 12-21-2005 at 11:03 AM.

07-07-2005, 12:06 AM	#25
jerseyonbear Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 97 Thanks: 94 Thanked 7 Times in 6 Posts	50 years of stays on Bear Island and never a duck itch. Will be there soon with Grandchildren who love the water for a few weeks. Any suggestions except not to feed the ducks?

07-07-2005, 07:33 AM	#27
Rattlesnake Gal Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Central NH Posts: 5,252 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 1,451 Thanked 1,349 Times in 475 Posts	Try These Measures Preventive measures can be taken to either reduce exposure or attempt to prevent the penetration. Swimming rather than playing or wading in shallow water will reduce exposure. If swimmer’s itch is known to be present, avoid swimming when winds are likely to be carrying cercariae into the beach. Swim offshore if possible. Brisk and vigorous toweling immediately after leaving the water can crush the cercariae before they can penetrate the skin. Some recreationists have noted that some sunscreens and lotions reduce the infections, and a professional aquatic biologist reports applying a waterproof sunscreen before swimming has personally been successful to prevent swimmer's itch.

07-08-2005, 11:26 AM	#28
Lakegeezer Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Moultonboro, NH Posts: 1,679 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 354 Thanked 640 Times in 291 Posts	Getting rid of the itch One of our guests got the itch last weekend - is there any quick fix to getting rid of it? __________________ -lg

07-08-2005, 09:43 PM	#29
sum-r breeze Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Burlington Ma / Laconia NH Posts: 396 Thanks: 155 Thanked 201 Times in 97 Posts	Itch We had some itch from the weekend of 6/25 . We read the posts about toweling off and it worked GREAT! None to report over the three day weekend of the 4th Stay well, Wave to me I'll wave back! The Breeze

07-08-2005, 09:50 PM	#30
sum-r breeze Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Burlington Ma / Laconia NH Posts: 396 Thanks: 155 Thanked 201 Times in 97 Posts	check threads LG, Sorry about not answering your question about treatment once you have it. Benadryl or a like kind of antihistamine(sp?)seem to help with the itch. The bumps usually go away in a couple of days. Some real specific info is listed earlier in this thread. Good Luck and DON'T SCRATCH! The Breeze