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Swimmer’s Itch Advisory Issued for Lake Pleasant

Published 1:30 am Thursday, June 25, 2026

Photo by Lonnie Archibald Lake Pleasant was a popular spot for swimmers and other recreational enthusiasts on June 14 at the Clallam County Park located along West Lake Pleasant Road. On June 18, the Clallam County Health and Human Services Environmental Health Department issued an advisory regarding Swimmer’s Itch detected in the lake’s waters.

Photo by Lonnie Archibald

Lake Pleasant was a popular spot for swimmers and other recreational enthusiasts on June 14 at the Clallam County Park located along West Lake Pleasant Road. On June 18, the Clallam County Health and Human Services Environmental Health Department issued an advisory regarding Swimmer’s Itch detected in the lake’s waters.

Health officials are advising visitors to Lake Pleasant to take precautions after several recent cases of swimmer’s itch were reported at the popular recreation area.

Swimmer’s itch, also known as cercarial dermatitis, is a temporary skin rash caused by microscopic parasites that can be found in some lakes and ponds. The condition typically develops within hours of swimming and may cause raised, itchy red bumps, small blisters, and sensations of tingling, burning, or itching on the skin.

While the rash can be uncomfortable, officials emphasize that swimmer’s itch is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.

The parasites responsible for the condition are carried by waterfowl such as ducks and geese and spend part of their life cycle in aquatic snails. Humans are not suitable hosts for the parasites. Although they may briefly penetrate the outer layer of the skin, they quickly die, triggering an immune response that results in the itchy rash.

Symptoms generally resolve on their own within five to seven days.

Health officials recommend several steps to reduce the risk of swimmer’s itch, including vigorously towel drying immediately after leaving the water, showering as soon as possible after swimming, and avoiding areas where swimmer’s itch has been reported.

Swimmers are also encouraged to avoid marshy shoreline areas and locations with abundant aquatic vegetation, such as lily pad beds, where snails are commonly found.

Officials are reminding the public not to feed ducks, geese, or other waterfowl. Feeding waterfowl encourages them to congregate near beaches and swimming areas, increasing the number of parasites entering the water and raising the risk of swimmer’s itch.

Most cases do not require medical treatment. Symptoms may be relieved with cool compresses, anti-itch lotions, over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream, oatmeal baths, or baking soda baths.

Anyone experiencing severe symptoms, a worsening rash, or signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, pain, warmth, or fever should contact a healthcare provider.

Lake visitors are encouraged to remain aware of the advisory and take preventive measures while enjoying summer activities.

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