In Okemos, Dr. Dennis Perry at Meridian Primary Care, a partner of Ingham Regional, is treating swimmer's itch.

This is a condition seen in any of the Great Lakes regional lakes. It happens when a parasite attaches to a person's skin and burrows under the skin.

The main symptom is an itchy, red rash.

You don't need to see a doctor if you have swimmer's itch; the itching will go away in 10 to 14 days.

Topical creams can help.

You can prevent swimmer's itch by toweling off right after swimming, not swimming in grassy areas where snails are abundant, and not swimming close to shore.

The parasite is normally found on snails. It cannot survive in a human. When it dies, it leaves behind the red rash.