Hot Tub Folliculitis

Definition

There are several different types of folliculitis, but a common type is called hot tub folliculitis, or pseudomonas folliculitis. Folliculitis is the inflammation of hair follicles due to an infection, chemical irritation or physical injury. One of the most common type of folliculitis is called hot tub folliculitis, or pseudomonas folliculitis. Hot tub folliculitis is a folliculitis that develops after exposure to certain forms of bacteria that reside in warm, wet environments such as hot tubs.

Causes of Hot Tub Folliculitis

Hot tub folliculitis is caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and is characterized by pruritic follicular, maculopapular, vesicular or pustular lesions. It commonly develops within 1-4 days after bathing in unchlorinated contaminated whirlpool water. Systemic infections are rare.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa can grow in hot tub water that is not adequately treated with chemicals. When a person soaks in the water, the bacteria can enter the hair follicle. This causes an infection.

Causes of hair follicle damage include:

• Exposure to coal tar, pitch or creosote common among roofers, mechanics and oil workers Inflammatory skin conditions, including dermatitis and acne
• Injuries to your skin such as abrasions or surgical wounds
• Friction from shaving or tight clothing
• Excess perspiration, which can block the follicles
• Occlusion from plastic dressings or adhesive tape

Symptoms of Hot Tub Folliculitis

Hot tub Folliculitis is a common problem in warm water pools and spas in particular. Fortunately the most common symptom is an itchy rash. It is often confused with bug bites chicken pox, and other types of rashes. It can be much more serious too involving severe rashes requiring hospitalization, ear infections, urinary and vaginal infections, and probably most serious is pneumonia.

Symptoms of Hot Tub Folliculitis are as:

• Bumps developing small pustules
• Multiple members of family or party with same rash and same hot tub exposure
• History of using hot tub within previous 3 days
• Itchy, bumpy, red rash appearing within 2 days of hot tub exposure
• Bumps developing into dark red tender nodules

Treatment of Hot Tub Folliculitis

Treatment for hot tub folliculitis usually consists of cleansing the infected area thoroughly with soap and water Warm water soaks can be used. Antibiotic ointment should be applied to the skin rash. If symptoms do not go away, oral antibiotics may be needed. The person should not scratch the pustules. This can make symptoms worse.

Mild cases do not require treatment. Extensive or severe spa pool folliculitis can be treated with topical or systemic antibiotics active against gram negative bacteria, such as: Gentamicin cream, Polymyxin B spray, Oral ciprofloxacin.

The responsible pool should be properly cleaned and disinfected with adequate chlorination or other method.