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Hot Tub Folliculitis

Hot tub folliculitis is a bacterial form of the more common folliculitis which people get from a hot tub, swimming pool or water slide.

Some people just call it hot tub rash and say it's simply a part of having a hot tub. However, this isn't true at all because the bacterium involved in hot tub folliculitis are only present in dirty and / or poorly maintained hot tubs.

So, this condition is very preventable and if you get it then this is a strong warning that your hot tub is in need of some urgent maintenance.

What Is Hot Tub Rash?

Hot tub rash is the same thing as hot tub folliculitis and is also known as pseudomonas aeruginosa folliculitis. There are two types of folliculitis, bacterial and fungal.

Both have similar symptoms and can be treated the same way initially. However, if you get medical help you should know that the drugs and creams you'll need to use differ for the two types. Bacterial folliculitis treatment requires antibiotics and fungal folliculitis requires an anti fungal cream.

Hot Tub Folliculitis Causes

Hot tub folliculitis is caused by a bacterial infection of your hair follicles. When you hair follicles are in warm water or come into direct contact with the bacteria directly under friction (by sitting or rubbing against the side of the pool), they will open themselves up to infection.

Wooden hot tubs are more susceptible to infection because they are more difficult to clean and are made from organic material which provide a better environment for the bacteria. The bacteria in question in hot tub folliculitis is pseudomonas aeruginosa.

This particular bacteria can tolerate low levels of chlorine and acidic conditions, so if you're hot tub is not in tip top shape you risk exposure to bacteria growth. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is not to be taken lightly. It is this exact bacteria which they use in an oil spill to break down the oil so you can understand how effective this particular type of bacteria is at propagation. On your skin it's relatively harmless, as long as that's as far as it goes.

Hot Tub Folliculitis Symptoms

Hot tub folliculitis will usually appear in just a few hours after contact with the bacteria, but sometimes the reaction may be delayed.

It will at first appear as a lumpy itchy red rash, hence the name hot tub rash. After that it will develop into individual red pimples or spots. They will be extremely itchy and may have white heads or yellow crusts on top. They may also fill with pus and seep if scratched.

Basic Tips To Prevent Hot Tub Rash

Even in clean hot tubs there may still be trace levels of pseudomonas aeruginosa. Therefore it's always best to limit your time in the hot tub as much as you can. It is for this reason that children are affected more by the problem because they spend longer in the water.

It's also advisable to avoid wearing tight fitting swim wear as the friction and constant contact with the wet surface can multiply the effects of the hot tub folliculitis in that area.

Hot Tub Folliculitis Treatment

The general advice you'll get for hot tub folliculitis is to leave it alone and let it heal naturally. You can do this, however there is a better way, for more info you'd best check out our home page now (click below).

If you do insist on getting medical treatment you'll probably get some topical antibiotic cream to treat the infection directly.

Be aware that if you don't get any treatment and you continue to itch, the rash will persist for a long time and may even scar or cause abscesses.