Swimmer's itch is a series of small itchy welts resembling mosquito bites which some people get when they go swimming in area lakes. The welts are caused by a tiny organism which usually lives harmlessly in waterfowl and aquatic mammals. If it accidentally enters a person's skin, it dies and is dissolved. However, some people are sensitive to natural agents like pollen, insect bites, and plants. Their immune system treats the organism as a mild allergy and produces histamines which can cause a red itchy welt. These itchy bumps are no more serious than an insect bite and can be treated with anti-itch creams. Incidences of swimmer's itch are most common in late June and mid July, especially after heavy winds. Only 30 to 40 percent of the population is sensitive to swimmer's itch. But very few of those will ever develop welts. Since swimmer's itch can be reintroduced to the water through goose droppings, please do not feed or attract geese while near lakes. Swimmer's itch is:

• Not a disease
• Not caused by poor water quality
• Not contagious
• Not dangerous to humans
• Not found on everyone

To reduce the chance of getting swimmer's itch:

A good waterproof sunscreen or baby oil may prevent swimmer's itch organisms from entering the skin.

Thoroughly toweling off or showering as soon as you leave the water will help prevent swimmer's itch organisms from entering the skin.

Change out of your wet bathing suit as soon as possible after exiting the water.

Keep anti-itch creams handy if your family is prone to allergies or if welts occur.