Swimmer's Itch Guard: How to Properly Use it

This is from a pdf sent to me by the manufacturers of Swimmer's Itch Guard. Please read it thoroughly to properly use their product and be protected from Swimmer's Itch.

2011 Directions for Use
Before entering the water, apply to all uncovered skin and skin at the openings of loose fitting bottoms and tops that will be under water continuously for 5 minutes or longer. Apply liberally and evenly. Reapply after 90 minutes of water activity or taking a shower or hot-tub.

Additional Tips
To be safe, always apply before entering the water. Our experience is that it takes about 5minutes (sometimes less, sometimes more) for the parasite to penetrate the skin. Once it penetrates, there is no amount of toweling off or showering or anything that you can do to prevent getting those itchy red bumps. Swimmer’s Itch Guard prevents the parasite from penetrating so always apply before entering the water.

Applying to uncovered skin is obvious, but what about skin covered by swimsuits and swim shirts? If the suit or shirt is snug fitting at the openings, then apply to only a couple of inches of skin underneath the suit or shirt at the openings. The reason for a couple of inches of skin is that the suit or shirt will move and leave untreated skin exposed. If the suit or shirt is loose fitting, apply to several more inches of skin underneath the suit or shirt. If possible, tuck in the swim shirt and then no application is needed in that area. Loose fitting bottoms and tops allow water and the parasite to flow freely to untreated skin.

Application to the face is not necessary unless snorkeling or swimming with face in and out of the water (crawl) for more than 5 minutes. Be sure to apply to the necks of children since they are up to their necks often!

Apply liberally and evenly. Swimmer’s Itch Guard spreads easily so by applying liberally and evenly, you assure complete coverage. A missed spot might become an itchy spot! Don’t forget to apply to feet and between toes.

Remember to reapply after 90 minutes of water activity or taking a shower or hot tub if planning to go back in the water. A safe rule with water loving kids and grandkids is “Apply in the Morning and Reapply in the Afternoon!”

Now enjoy the water again!


Questions

Please contact Bud Mixon
Swimmer’s Itch Guard
Bud Mixon
651-636-7503

Harvey D. Blankespoor Ph.D. Letter

Dr Blankespoor recently sent this letter to me. It has updated information on Swimmer's Itch, and the url for his survey which I hope everyone will use to tell him about their experiences with SI, and the new SI Guard: survey: http://www.swimmersitch.org/report.html
Swimmer's Itch Guard: http://www.SwimmersItchGuard.com

Hi carolyn,


This email is an update for those who completed the Swimmer’s Itch Questionnaire during the last 8 years. Thanks again for taking time to do that.

Our intent is to provide answers to three common questions:
1. Is there anything we can do to prevent Swimmer’s Itch?
2. Where is Swimmer’s Itch Found in North America?
3. Can you send me any of your published information?

As I reported in the last email, there appears to be a topical cream that prevents Swimmer’s Itch. It is called Swimmers Itch Guard, and it is available online and at many local stores with pharmacies. You can learn more at www.SwimmersItchGuard.com.

Based on six trials, nobody got Swimmer’s Itch (not even one papule) on the leg that had the Guard. Several students got papules on the leg that had no Guard.

This summer, I will do additional testing of the effectiveness of this cream at the Univ. of Michigan Biological Station. I also plan to test if Swimmers Itch Guard prevents leeches from attaching. As soon as the results of this summer’s testing are compiled, I will forward them to you.

If you, other family members, or friends don't use the Guard and get swimmers itch, I am still interested in getting the information listed on the questionnaire. Thanks in advance for taking the time and interest in getting your data to me.

Several people asked where swimmers itch is found in North America. It is found where birds such as Mergansers and certain snail species live. I can report that Michigan had the most reported cases, followed by Wisconsin, Minnesota and Washington. Ontario and British Columbia were the two Canadian provinces where Swimmer’s Itch was the worst. I hope to have a paper published on the latest results sometime this year.

Finally, our research has been published in a book entitled “The Changing Environment of Northern Michigan” and is published by the University of Michigan Press. Incidentally, if you would like an electronic copy of Chapter 16: “Swimmer’s Itch: Misguided Flatworms”, email me and I will send you a copy.

Thank you again for your participation and feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Harvey D. Blankespoor Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus of Biology
Hope College
Holland, MI 49423
blankespoor@hope.edu
616-395-7279
www.SwimmersItch.org