Hot Tub Folliculitis

What Is Hot Tub Folliculitis?

Hot tub folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles by the bacterium named Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. This bacterium is frequently present in areas that are warm and wet, which makes hot tubs, pools and bath tubs ideal environments for its growth and proliferation, unless acid and chloride levels in the water prevent pseudomonas to live.

Causes Of Hot Tub Folliculitis

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa is a very fast proliferating bacterium. When within the adequate environment, it reproduces in a short time, increasing the risk of infection. Swimsuits tend to hold the infected water against the skin for longer, increasing the odds of these areas to be affected by hot tub folliculitis.

Symptoms Of Hot Tub Folliculitis

Hot tub folliculitis’ symptoms appear within 2 weeks after being exposed to the bacterial agent. At first, the hair follicles get inflamed and appear as itchy bumps that may or may not be filled with pus. These bumps are the center of small red papules of up to 3 cm in diameter. The bumps may eventually turn into dark red and tender nodules.

Some cases of hot tub folliculitis may present a brownish coloration instead of the most common reddish one. Other uncommon symptoms may be fatigue and tiredness during the first few days of the rash, or during the couple of days before it appears. Fever is extremely rare. People with a low immunological response may develop skin abscesses, but this is also extremely rare. Within 7 to 10 days, the rash disappears and leaves a dark lesion that will eventually go away within a few months.

People that share a common infected place are likely to be infected, so it is not uncommon to see the rash of hot tub folliculitis affecting an entire family at the same time.

Treatment Of Hot Tub Folliculitis

Hot tub folliculitis may not require treatment as it usually goes away by itself. However, the itch can be very uncomfortable and it can be treated with creams, lotions, ointments or special powders. Severe cases (cases that affect a large part of the skin, or that don’t go away within a normal time) may need antibiotics.

Prevention Of Hot Tub Folliculitis

The agent causing hot tub folliculitis is well known and identifiable; therefore it’s easy to prevent this condition. The best way to prevent infection is to keep a sufficient and safe level of disinfectant substances in the water. Frequent changes of the water are necessary, as well as a good cleaning of the bath tub, especially wooden ones. In addition, a continuous water filtering ensures the elimination of skin cells that may be infected.

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