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.

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.

Images

Hair follicle anatomy

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Hot tub folliculitis Overview

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Hot tub folliculitis Treatment

Review Date: 10/10/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)