The cercariae are weak swimmers and are blown about by the wind. Swim in areas with an off-shore breeze.Near shore is where the cercariae tend to concentrate. Swim in deeper waters, not the shallow areas near shore.
INFECTED SWIMMERS ITCH SKIN
If cercariae are on the skin they will try to penetrate the moment you emerge from the water.
![infected swimmers itch infected swimmers itch](https://i.imgur.com/OmRfnCw.jpg)
The Cercariae find a host (aquatic birds, mammals or humans).The miracidia penetrate snails and further develop into cercariae, minute free-swimming, fork-tailed colorless animals that are then released by the snails.The eggs hatch and free swimming animals called miracidia are released into the lake water.The eggs are deposited on the bottom of the lake through droppings.
![infected swimmers itch infected swimmers itch](https://www.natural-health-news.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Swimmers-Itch.jpg)
The adult worms are parasites in the blood of aquatic birds and mammals.Itching can be mild to severe and can last several days.ĭucks are the most common host of the worm but other birds and mammals that spend their life in or around the water may also be a host. Small red dots appear at the site of penetration.
![infected swimmers itch infected swimmers itch](https://www.drthindhomeopathy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Homeopathic_doctor_chandigarh_swim.jpg)
As penetration occurs a prickly, or itching sensation occurs followed by gereral inflammation of the affected area. Cercariae penetrate the skin of bathers as water droplets dry. Swimmers itch (Schistosome dermatitis) is a temporary skin infection acquired by bathers in some lakes when they accidentally become involved in the life cycle of the trematode worm.