Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we offer expedited shipping by UPS 2nd Day or UPS Next Day Air. These options are available at checkout (UPS Saturday or Sunday delivery not available). If faster delivery is needed, please click here to find the nearest retailer.

Directions (for children 2 years and older and adults): Apply sunscreen first, especially spray-on sunscreens which contain alcohol (alcohol removes our product). If a spray-on sunscreen is reapplied, then our product must be reapplied too. 

Before entering the water, apply Swimmer’s Itch Guard® to all uncovered skin that will be under water continuously for 5 minutes or longer. Apply liberally and evenly. When coming out of the water, light toweling off is best because it minimizes removal of Swimmer’s Itch Guard®. Reapply after 60 minutes of water activity, taking a shower or hot-tub, or repeated hard toweling offs.

Additional Tips

To be safe, always apply before entering the water. Our experience is that it takes about 5 minutes (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.

Loose fitting bottoms and tops allow water and the parasite to flow to untreated skin. If the suit or shirt is loose fitting, apply to all skin underneath the suit or shirt. If the suit or shirt is snug fitting at the openings, apply to 2 inches of skin underneath the suit or shirt at the openings. The reason for 2 inches of skin is that the suit or shirt will move and leave untreated skin exposed.

Be sure to apply to the necks of children since they are up to their necks often!

Application to the face is not necessary unless snorkeling or swimming with face in and out of the water for more than 5 minutes. Long distance swimmers should also apply to neck, all skin underneath suit, whether snug fitting or not, and wear a swimming cap.

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

Remember to reapply after 60 minutes of water activity or taking a shower or hot tub if planning to go back in the water.

Yes, as long as you or your child does not have an allergy to one or more of our ingredients. For those with allergies, please check our ingredients carefully and consult with your physician before using. For those without allergies, all our ingredients are natural and proven safe.

The shelf life of Swimmer’s Itch Guard® is 7 years. The expiration date is stamped on each jar. For example 03 20 23 is March 20, 2023.

An average sized adult will use about 1 ounce of Swimmer's Itch Guard® per application so children will use proportionately less according to their size. A reasonable estimate for a family of four, each making 2 applications per day for 6 days, is 4 jars. Also, usage can be minimized by wearing swim shirts but be sure they are tucked in or tight fitting. There is no need to apply to the face unless one is snorkeling or swimming continuously for more than 5 minutes with face in and out of the water. For more tips, please see our Directions for Use Plus Tips above.

Yes. Swimmer's Itch Guard® may be stored in an unheated area since it will not freeze but please keep the lid on tight and the jar out of direct sunlight. Temperatures below 60F may cause slight separation of the gelling agent but with warming to room temperature or higher, it is easily restored with stirring.