Symptoms:

Symptoms of hot tub folliculitis can be seen within several hours to 2 days after coming into contact with the bacteria.

• It first appears as an itchy, bumpy, red rash.
• Bumps may develop into dark red, tender nodules.
• Bumps may become filled with pus.

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.

Those who shared the hot tub may have the same rash.

Signs and tests:

Your health care provider can usually make this diagnosis based on a physical exam and knowing you have recently been in a hot tub. Testing is usually unnecessary.