Hot Tub Folliculitis

Hot Tub Folliculitis is a common type of folliculitis, a condition which causes inflammation of the hair follicle.

This condition is caused by an infection of hair follicles due to the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The bacteria is commonly found in hot tubs, water slides, whirlpools, and such places. Children are more prone to this because they usually stay in the water longer than adults. Hot Tub Folliculitis appears on the skin in the form of a rash, roughly resembling chicken pox and then developing further to appear as a pimple. Hot tub follicultis is extremely itchy, and left alone without scratching will go away much quicker. If it is re-opened it can stay, worsen, and spread lasting for months. By that point it is much harder to treat. The dots go away after about 7 to 10 days, but leaves a hyperpigmented lesion that goes away after a few months.

Normally, the rash does not need specific treatment and will go away on its own. Antibiotics may be prescribe in some cases. If the rash continues to appear longer than the 7 to 10 day time period, a physician should be consulted. Folliculitis that is not treated properly could worsen and cause abscesses.