HOT TUB FOLLICULITIS



Serving Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Grimsby and surrounding areas.

Hot Tub Folliculitis for Hamilton, Grimsby and Stoney Creek

General Information:

Hot Tub Folliculitis

  • Is caused by a bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
  • May affect everyone who goes into the hot tub, but most commonly will affect only1 or 2 people, even though many people may have been in the tub.
  • Usually appears as very itchy bright red bumps and 'pimples' with yellow pus in them. The spots are usually located from the lower chest down to the knees. The face, upper chest, lower legs, hands and feet are almost always NOT affected,
  • Pseudomonas grows and reproduces best at the temperature of most hot tubs.
  • Pseudomonas is often not killed by chlorine or bromine.
  • Pseudomonas is present everywhere in our surroundings.  Even if it is eradicated from the hot tub, it is easy for it to become re-infected from the surrounding environment.

Treatment:

  • If the affected person stays out of the hot tub, the rash will disappear spontaneously after 7 to 10 days.
  • If the rash is severe an antibiotic pill will help it to clear up more quickly.
  • Drain the hot tub and change the water. Talk to your hot tub dealer about ways to eliminate Pseudomonas from the water.
  • Pseudomonas is very difficult to eradicate and in some cases people can never get rid of it in the tub.