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.