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Hot tub folliculitis - Treatment

Treatment:

Treatment may not be needed, as the mild form of the disease usually clears on its own. Anti-itch medications may be used.

In severe cases, your health care provider may prescribe an antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin.

Expectations (prognosis):

This condition usually clears without scarring. It may recur if the infected hot tub is not cleaned.

Complications:

Abscess formation (rare)
Discomfort

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of hot tub folliculitis.

Hair follicle anatomy

Reviewed last on: 10/28/2008
Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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