Hot tub folliculitis
| Hot tub folliculitis | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Pseudomonas aeruginosa folliculitis |
| Pseudomonas folliculitis, also known as hot tub folliculitis | |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
| Symptoms | Rash, with variable amounts of itching and pain |
| Usual onset | 24-72 hours after exposure |
| Duration | 1-2 weeks |
| Causes | Exposure to contaminated water source |
| Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms combined with patient history of swimming |
| Treatment | Antibiotics |
Hot tub folliculitis, also called Pseudomonal folliculitis or Pseudomonas aeruginosa folliculitis, is a common type of folliculitis featuring inflammation of hair follicles and surrounding skin.: 272
This condition is caused by an infection of the skin and hair follicles by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The bacterium is commonly found in poorly maintained recreational water sources such as hot tubs, water slides, and swimming pools. Hot tub folliculitis appears on the skin in the form of a rash, roughly resembling chicken pox and then develops further to appear as a pimple. Children are the most likely to be affected. Hot tub folliculitis can be, but is not always, painful and/or itchy.
In most cases, the rashes resolve after about 7 to 10 days, only leaving a hyperpigmented lesion that goes away after a few months. Oral antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin may be used to shorten the duration of symptoms.