Be aware of the aggravating itch you could get from swimming in Minnesota lakes and how to prevent the scratching from spreading.
After an afternoon of adventure snorkeling in Lake Mille Lacs my entire body felt on fire. It was a typical Minnesota fourth of July weekend I was used to spending on one of the 10,000 lakes here. For three years now, we have gone to our family cabin to escape the Twin Cities. I had suggested early that day to my friends that we should go swimming in the lake; little did I know that we would get what was known as "Swimmer's Itch." The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources explains this itch is a "temporary skin rash that is caused by an allergic reaction to microscopic parasites that are carried by waterfowl, semi-aquatic mammals and snails." Shortly after getting into the shallow water, I noticed that I was becoming a bit scratchy, however, at the time I didn't think anything of it.
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We swam and walked farther and farther out into the lake. The illusion with this lake is you can go a far distance and still be able to touch the bottom, that is if you are at least 5'3". We were really enjoying having this time to relax and be carefree on this holiday weekend. During our adventure in the water I found various stones and crystal-looking agates. As I got deeper into the water where I could still touch, I noticed the outline of something white and heavy looking. I was getting really excited to see what I found when it turns out this bizarre "treasure" if you will was the top of a Coleman cooler with cup holders.
After a while, we became hungry and swam to shore. Immediately after leaving the water the itchy sensation continued all over my body. I developed a red spotted rash mostly on my arms and legs. We tried all the typical ways to try and relieve this itchiness. After using multiple topical ointments and medication, my body was still left unbearably irritated from these microscopic creatures. At last, after a quick google search the best solution for this rash was two simple ingredients: water and baking soda. After placing this pasty mess on my limbs and doing a little jig to make the substance dry, the mixture started and continued to relieve the endless itchy, scratchy irritation this simple and inexpensive solution offered.
My suggestions on how to avoid this itchy non-sense:
1. Watch where you are swimming in the water to avoid these so called snails (this means stay out of the seaweed and cloudy pools in the lake).
2. Listen to you body. If you start to itch, leave the water immediately otherwise you could have the same reaction as I did.
3. Directly after leaving the water rinse off your body and whatever attire that was worn in the water (I would advise lathering your body with extra soap to make sure you get the lake water off your skin).
With my suggestions and warning, I am not saying to avoid Minnesota lakes, however, take precautions so you do not experience the same results as I did. One of the great wonders of Minnesota is our lakes. To learn more about staying itch-free this summer from the lake water you can visit MNDNR's website.
