08/05/2026
📝If you have done any bit of research about Sand Hollow State Park before visiting us, then you’ve probably heard of swimmers itch.
🏝️You might have heard Swimmer’s Itch mentioned when planning a visit to Sand Hollow, but it’s actually far less common than people think!
Taking a few standard precautions makes it easy to avoid so you can enjoy your time on the water!
📚Swimmer’s itch is a temporary, minor skin irritation caused by microscopic organisms found in warm freshwater bodies and reservoirs during the summer. It is completely harmless, non-contagious, and the vast majority of our visitors spend their day in the water reaction-free.
Here’s a few ways you can help prevent it:
🧴Wear sunscreen containing zinc oxide: This helps create a protective barrier on your skin.
👚Wear protective swimwear. Rash guards and other coverings provide physical coverage against both UV rays and water irritants.
🚿Towel dry as soon as you exit the water, or rinse off after being in the water. Leaving to air dry can increase your chances of a reaction.
🌱Stick to deeper, clear swimming areas rather than highly vegetative and shallow areas.
If you ever notice a mild itch after swimming, standard over-the-counter care clears it up quickly:
🧴Anti-itch cream
🧊 A cool compress or ice pack applied to the area
🛁 A warm oatmeal or Epsom salt bath
Sand Hollow is a such a great spot to recreate!
If you have any questions before your visit, comment down below and Park Ranger Carlie will be happy to help! 👇👇
