Duck Itch this year?

[KonaChick]

I hate to even start this thread but has anyone noticed the dreaded duck itch so far this year? My daughter looked like she had a few spots yesterday after this weekend in the water. We're across from Bear Island, Kona area.

[RamJet]

what is Duck Itch?

[LIforrelaxin]

Have been swiming several times this year and no sign of Duck itch. (on the north side of Long Island)

Duck itch is a Rash brought on by the presence of Ducks and imparticularly there waste or poop......some people are more susceptible than others.......

[Hermit Cover]

but if you do a Forum Search for "duck itch" you'll find a clinical description and even photos of what this dread parasite....shistosome cercaria....and it's resulting cercarial dermatitis and that it comes from ducks (commonly Mergansers) and snails. Very common on many lakes across the U.S.

[Deb2005]

I got Duck Itch last year really bad and was in the lake the week of July 4th and didn't get any signs of it. Ways to prevent it are use a lot of sunscreen, don't swim near shore and towel dry off or shower as soon as you get out of the water.

[Island Life]

We have it at our place, which faces East and is in a bit of a cove (i.e. plenty of still water). The same kids and adults seem to get it year after year, regardless of who's hanging out in the shallow water.

[ApS]

"...Ways to prevent it are use a lot of sunscreen, don't swim near shore and towel dry off or shower as soon as you get out of the water."
I have my water intake quite far out in the lake in about 20' of water.
Hmmm.

My existing water intake is 100 feet from shore.

If, at the dock, I plumb an outdoor showerhead that draws water from that distant intake, the water coming from the showerhead should be free of those nasty, itchy, critters.

:) I'll let you all know how this works out.

[welch100]

YES - definitely worse this year. I have one child who is totally miserable with it. I've been told that only a wet suit will provide real protection.

[Mink Islander]

It's been worse than usual this year. Wear lots of sunscreen which is said to offer some level of protection. The only other prevention is to towel off briskly and immediately after leaving the water. Those little buggers burrow into your skin as the water dries and then die, causing the skin reaction. Towelling off kills them before they dig in. And don't let the kids hang around in wet bathing suits either. Wading/swimming in shallow, still, warm water -- especially if there is water vegetation in the area that supports snails -- is sure to put you at risk. That's why little kids seem to get it more than adults. A good reason why having a raft in deeper/cooler water for the kids to swim to and play on is a worthwhile investment!

[wildwoodfam]

I have yet to have any member of our family/friend group/etc find that they have been attacked by the dreaded itch!! Maybe its our location - water is never standing. We do have ducks resident to our beach area, and there are certainly snails that my daughter finds in the shallow waters....but no itch!! Quick -- find me some driftwood to knock on! :D