Location via proxy:   [ UP ]  
[Report a bug]   [Manage cookies]                
Scribd Logo
Upload

Welcome to Scribd!

  • Hot Tub Folliculitis: Symptoms and Causes

    Uploaded by

    Dennis Njoroge
    51 views5 pages
    Hot tub folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles caused by bacteria that thrive in warm, moist environments like hot tubs. Symptoms include red, itchy bumps on areas exposed to contaminated water. The condition is usually mild and resolves within one to two weeks without treatment through home remedies for itch and inflammation. However, seeing a doctor is recommended if symptoms persist or worsen to prevent potential complications.

    Original Description:

    Original Title

    38

    Copyright

    © © All Rights Reserved

    Available Formats

    DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Did you find this document useful?

    Is this content inappropriate?

    Report this Document
    Hot tub folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles caused by bacteria that thrive in warm, moist environments like hot tubs. Symptoms include red, itchy bumps on areas exposed to contaminated water. The condition is usually mild and resolves within one to two weeks without treatment through home remedies for itch and inflammation. However, seeing a doctor is recommended if symptoms persist or worsen to prevent potential complications.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Flag for inappropriate content
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    51 views5 pages

    Hot Tub Folliculitis: Symptoms and Causes

    Uploaded by

    Dennis Njoroge
    Hot tub folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles caused by bacteria that thrive in warm, moist environments like hot tubs. Symptoms include red, itchy bumps on areas exposed to contaminated water. The condition is usually mild and resolves within one to two weeks without treatment through home remedies for itch and inflammation. However, seeing a doctor is recommended if symptoms persist or worsen to prevent potential complications.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Flag for inappropriate content
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    of 5

    1

    Hot Tub Folliculitis


    Hot tub folliculitis is an infection of hair follicles. You may develop this condition after

    spending time in a hot tub or pool where bacteria thrive. Symptoms include red, itchy bumps. At-

    home treatments can help ease symptoms, but talk to your healthcare provider if symptoms

    worsen or don’t resolve after two weeks.

     Symptoms and Causes

     Diagnosis and Tests

     Management and Treatment

     Prevention

     Outlook / Prognosis

     Living With

     Frequently Asked Questions

    HOT TUB FOLLICULITIS

    OVERVIEW
    2

    What is hot tub folliculitis?

    Hot tub folliculitis is an infection of hair follicles caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a


    type of bacteria. These bacteria grow in warm, moist environments (like hot tubs and swimming
    pools). The condition causes itchy red bumps around hair follicles.

    Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps
    support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

    Who does hot tub folliculitis affect?

    Anyone who sits in a hot tub contaminated with bacteria may develop hot tub folliculitis.
    Children and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) are more likely to develop this condition.

    What does hot tub folliculitis look like?

    Hot tub folliculitis looks like widespread itchy, red bumps. It can develop on any body
    part exposed to bacteria-tainted water — even under your bathing suit. You might develop this
    condition on your:

     Face.
     Chest.
     Arms.
     Buttocks.
     Genitals.
     Legs.

    Does hot tub folliculitis have other names?

    Hot tub folliculitis is also known as pseudomonas folliculitis or hot tub rash.

    How common is hot tub folliculitis?

    Hot tub folliculitis is common. Infection can happen in public and private swimming
    pools, water parks, flotation tanks and other warm, moist environments. Researchers estimate
    that Pseudomonas aeruginosa is present in about two-thirds of hot tubs and swimming pools at
    any given time.

    SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES


    What causes hot tub folliculitis?

    The cause of hot tub folliculitis is sitting in a hot tub or other warm, moist environment
    that contains Pseudomonas aeruginosa for a prolonged time.
    3

    What are the symptoms of hot tub folliculitis?

    The most common symptom of hot tub folliculitis is an itchy red “rash” with inflamed
    hair follicles, which typically develops a few days after hot tub exposure. You might also have:

     Diarrhea.
     Eye pain.
     Fever.
     Headache.
     Nausea and vomiting.
     Sore throat.

    Bumps (pustules) on your skin may develop yellow or greenish liquid (pus). Bumps may
    appear on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet as well.

    Is hot tub folliculitis contagious?

    Hot tub folliculitis isn’t contagious between people. A person with the condition can’t
    spread it to another person. But people who sit in a hot tub together may develop hot tub
    folliculitis after exposure to the same bacteria.

    DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS


    How do healthcare providers diagnose hot tub folliculitis?

    Your healthcare provider will likely be able to diagnose hot tub folliculitis based on your
    history of water exposure and a skin exam.

    There are no special diagnostic tests for hot tub folliculitis.

    MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT


    Does hot tub folliculitis need treatment?

    There’s no specific treatment for hot tub folliculitis. The condition usually clears on its
    own within a week or two.

    If the hot tub folliculitis persists or worsens, call your healthcare provider.

    Will at-home treatments help get rid of hot tub folliculitis symptoms?

    If your skin is itchy or inflamed (red), the following measures may help:
    4

     An over-the-counter topical steroid (hydrocortisone skin cream) to help alleviate the itchiness
    and inflammation.
     Antibacterial ointments to prevent infection.

    Are there complications of hot tub folliculitis?

    Complications of hot tub folliculitis are rare. Occasionally, an infection may develop
    from scratching or picking the bumps.

    Rarely, an abscess (collection of pus) may form within a pustule, requiring medical
    treatment. Some people experience changes in skin pigmentation (darkening) after hot tub
    folliculitis. This is also rare.

    How long does it take to recover from hot tub folliculitis?

    Most people feel better within a week. Anti-itch ointments or lotions help most people
    manage their symptoms.

    PREVENTION
    How do I know if a hot tub is safe?

    Pools and hot tubs need regular maintenance, including application of certain chemicals
    (chlorine) to keep them clean and healthy for users. But you can’t tell that a hot tub is clean and
    safe just by looking at it. If possible, ask the person who maintains the hot tub how often they
    clean and check it. A hot tub that’s monitored daily should be a safe choice.

    How can I avoid getting hot tub folliculitis?

    You can’t always know if Pseudomonas aeruginosa is present in a hot tub you’re using.
    But you can take steps to keep yourself safer:

     Don’t shave or use any hair removal methods (such as hair removal creams or wax) right before
    you get in a hot tub.
     Remove your bathing suit and take a shower as soon as you leave the hot tub.
     Wash your bathing suit before wearing it again.

    OUTLOOK / PROGNOSIS
    What can I expect if I have hot tub folliculitis?

    Your symptoms should ease in one to two weeks. If they don’t, contact your healthcare
    provider.
    5

    LIVING WITH
    When should I see my healthcare provider if I have hot tub folliculitis?

    It’s important to see your healthcare provider if the skin rash persists or worsens and you
    develop fever, nausea or vomiting.

    If you develop an infection, you’ll likely need antibiotics to treat it.

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


    How can I make sure my hot tub doesn’t cause hot tub folliculitis?

    If you or someone else develops hot tub folliculitis after using a hot tub or swimming
    pool that you own, contact a hot tub or pool professional. You’ll need to thoroughly clean the tub
    or pool to prevent reinfection. A professional can also guide you in proper maintenance practices
    to help prevent bacteria from growing.

    A note from Cleveland Clinic

    Hot tub folliculitis is an infection of your skin’s hair follicles caused by Pseudomonas
    aeruginosa, a type of bacteria found in many hot tubs and pools. The condition often clears up
    on its own in one to two weeks without treatment. Call your healthcare provider right away if
    you develop fever or if symptoms worsen.

    You might also like