Get answers to your specific medical questions from UM Medical Center experts.
Hot tub folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles that results from exposure to certain bacteria that live in warm, wet areas.
Most folliculitis is caused by the common organism Staphylococcus aureus . However, hot tub folliculitis is caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Pseudomonas survives in hot tubs, especially hot tubs made of wood, unless the water's acid and chlorine levels are strictly controlled.
Hot tub folliculitis can be seen within several hours to 2 days of exposure. It first appears as itchy bumps, some of which may be filled with pus. It may then develop into dark red tender nodules . The rash may be thicker under swimsuit areas, where the material has held the contaminated water in contact with the skin for a longer period of time.
|
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch). |