What is the treatment for hot tub folliculitis (Pseudomonas folliculitis)?

From the Guidelines

Hot tub folliculitis should be treated with self-care measures and, in severe cases, oral antibiotics like ciprofloxacin (500 mg twice daily for 7-10 days) as it is an effective option for systemic therapy, especially in children 1. For mild cases, self-care measures include:

• Keeping the affected area clean with gentle soap
• Avoiding tight clothing that may irritate the skin
• Using cool compresses to reduce discomfort
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain Hot tub folliculitis typically resolves on its own within 7-10 days without specific treatment, but for more severe or persistent cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe topical antibiotics such as clindamycin or erythromycin. It's essential to avoid using the contaminated hot tub or spa until it has been properly cleaned and disinfected with appropriate chlorine or bromine levels to prevent reinfection, as the condition is caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria that thrive in inadequately sanitized warm water, which penetrate hair follicles and cause inflammation, resulting in the characteristic itchy, red rash with small pustules that typically appears 1-4 days after exposure. The use of systemic and topical fluoroquinolones, such as ciprofloxacin, may be preferred over parenteral nonfluoroquinolone antimicrobial therapy, especially in children who require systemic therapy 1.

From the Research

Treatment for Hot Tub Folliculitis

The treatment for hot tub folliculitis is not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, we can infer some information about the condition:

• Hot tub folliculitis is caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a type of bacteria that can infect the skin [ 2 ].
• The condition often presents as outbreaks affecting multiple individuals using the same contaminated public water facility [ 2 ].
• Factors contributing to susceptibility to P. aeruginosa infection are reviewed in the study [ 2 ].
• The condition is characterized by painful, papulopustular skin lesions often accompanied by low-grade fever, malaise, and other systemic symptoms [ 3 ].
• Prompt recognition and treatment may shorten the duration of the disease and prevent further cases by identifying the source of exposure [ 3 ].

Management and Prevention

Some key points to consider:

• Identifying the source of exposure is crucial in preventing further cases [ 3 ].
• Proper maintenance and disinfection of hot tubs and whirlpools can help prevent the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa [ 2,3 ].