We have been made aware of recent cases regarding a skin irritation after swimming in Bangs Lake, including at Phil’s Beach. This is commonly referred to as Swimmer’s Itch, which is a condition that is not contagious and is common in lakes, ponds, and oceans. It is advised when swimming in all natural bodies of water, the following guidelines should be followed to reduce the risk of swimmer’s itch:
– Before swimming: Apply waterproof sunscreen. This has been reported to protect the skin from the parasite that causes swimmer’s itch.
– After swimming: Rinse exposed skin with clean water immediately after leaving the water, then vigorously dry your skin with a towel. Launder your swimsuits often.
Swimmer’s Itch, also called cercarial dermatitis, appears as a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to certain microscopic parasites that mistakenly penetrates a person’s skin rather than its rightful hosts, primarily waterfowl. To further lean about its causes, and the treatments should a reaction occur, visit these resources:
CDC – Cercarial Dermatitis – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Swimmer’s Itch – American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD)
Swimmer’s itch – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
The Wauconda Park District posts signage with prevention steps. Also, the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology states: “it is important that the vegetation in the pond or the lake be kept to a minimum so that the snails do not have the ideal environment to grow”, and accordingly Wauconda Park District works to rake and reduce vegetation in EPA approved methods.
If participants not wish to swim and yet want to enjoy the facility, Phil’s Beach offers many more activities such as getting wet on our kiddie splash pad, playing in the sand, picnic & play in the grass, Baggo court, game tables, and lunching on our plaza or under gazebo. We have the bean bags, chess pieces, and checkers to loan you – inquire at the Lifeguard office.
