As the area beaches become even more of an attraction this summer, public health officials remind people to take added precautions to remain healthy after swimming in lakes and other bodies of water. An itchy rash, known as swimmers itch, can be caused by an allergic reaction after leaving the water. Door County Sanitarian and Health Educator Chelsea Smies notes the easy way to prevent the condition.

Swimmers itch is also known as cercarial dermatitis and is most common in freshwater lakes and ponds. Smies notes that the medical condition may be uncomfortable but usually clears up in a few days. Swimmers itch shows up as itchy, red welts, and the level of irritation can vary on the number of flatworms that get into your skin.