Swimming pool granuloma - Treatment

Alternative Names

Aquarium granuloma; Fish tank granuloma

Treatment:

Antibiotics are used to treat this infection. They are chosen based on the results of the culture and skin biopsy.

You may need several months of treatment with a combination of antibiotics. Surgery may also be needed.

Expectations (prognosis):

Swimming pool granulomas can usually be cured with antibiotics. However, you may have scarring.

Complications:

Occasionally, joint or bone infections occur. The disease may be longer or more complicated in patients whose immune system is not working properly.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you develop reddish bumps on your skin which do not clear with home treatment.

Reviewed last on: 2/5/2011
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Brown-Elliott BA, Wallace RJ Jr. Infections due to nontuberculous mycobacteria other than Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Disease. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:chap 253.

Holland S. The nontuberculous mycobacteria. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 346.

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