Be careful of swimmers itch

You may be spending some time in the water this holiday, but you need to be mindful of swimmer’s itch.

A Facebook post says that kids had confirmed cases of swimmer’s itch after being at The Cable Factory in Rexburg. It’s caused by a parasite and usually found in shallow, stagnant water.

A good way to prevent it is to avoid swimming or playing in shallow areas, and once you get out of the water to dry off or shower right away.

“It’s not passed from person to person. Usually, it doesn’t require medical or to see a doctor but it can cause severe itching and ways to relieve that itching would be anti-itch lotions, Epsom salt baths, oatmeal baths, baking soda pastes,” says Ken Anderson, Epidemiologist with Eastern Idaho Public Health.

It may be hard not to but try not to scratch. If you scratch too hard, that may cause secondary infections, which will require medical attention.