Hot tub folliculitis

Hot tub folliculitis, also called Pseudomonalfolliculitis or Pseudomonas aeruginosa folliculitis, is a common type of folliculitis featuring inflammation of hair follicles and surrounding skin.

This condition is caused by an infection of the skin and hair follicles by the bacteriumPseudomonas 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 or itchy.

In most cases, the rashes resolve after about 7 to 10 days, only leaving a hyperpigmentedlesion that goes away after a few months. Oral antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin may be used to shorten the duration of symptoms.