Hot tub folliculitis

What Is Folliculitis?

Folliculitis is an infection. Its name was derived from the fact that this infection or inflammation affects our hair follicles, which are the parts of our skin from which hairs grow. Sometimes, these parts get inflamed or infected due to contact with bacteria. Then, this condition is likely to strike. One of the most common cases of this phenomenon is the hot tub folliculitis. This disease, as the name itself suggests, affects one when he or she takes a bath, due to the exposure of hair and skin to the bacteria in the water. Logically, taking into consideration that small children tend to spend more time in the bath than adults do, the former are the most endangered group. If you want to know what causes this condition, what the symptoms of it are and how can you treat it, read on.

Manifestation of Hot Tub Folliculitis

This disease manifests through many different symptoms. First of all, 3 or 4 days after contracting the bacteria, your skin will start showing signs of infection by the appearance of red bumps or rashes. These skin anomalies will be itchy and disturbing, scratching only making things worse. Then, after a period of time, the rashes will evolve into blisters full with pus. After this, the area will turn red and hard, your body temperature will rise and you will start feeling sick. This condition mostly takes place due to improper hygiene regarding your bathroom and the hot tub itself.

Reasons behind Hot Tub Folliculitis

As mentioned above, a special type of bacteria which likes hot and warm water is the direct cause of this disease. However, factors which may contribute to this infection are poor hygiene, low immunity of the victim, diabetes or some open wounds along with some active skin conditions which may be affected by the bacteria in question.

Possible Treatment

Before any diagnosis is established, you need to get examined. Then, after the examination, your doctor will suggest you the adequate therapy for treating your case of hot tub folliculitis.

As for the treatment, this condition usually disappears on its own. You might speed up the process by keeping the spot clean and disinfecting it with some antibacterial creams or anti-itch medications. A quick fix involves taking specific antibiotics which can remove the bacteria quickly and restore one to his/her previous healthy condition.

Finally, best cure is prevention. Therefore, keep your hot tub clean at all times and change the water regularly. Also, due to the contagious characteristic of this disease, once infected, avoid using the hot tub, as well as sharing clothes, towels or getting into physical contact with other people.