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Tip! Reduce oils by using a gentle astringent toner to wipe the oils away.
Here are some FAQs about the acne-like condition that is associated with swimming pools and hot tubs.
1. What is spa pool acne?
Spa pool acne is a common name for “pseudomonas folliculitis“ which is called as “spa pool folliculitis”
2. What is the difference between acne and folliculitis?
Folliculitis can look like to acne but folliculitis is a bacterial infection of hair follicles caused by an external source of bacteria; acne is also a bacterial infection but it is resulted by a natural bacteria (P.acnes) that is always present on healthy skin. P.acnes only causes trouble when pores in the skin become blocked, causing the P.acnes bacteria to build up.
3. What then is spa pool folliculitis?
Spa pool folliculitis is a skin feature that looks very much like acne but is caused by a bacterial infection of hair follicles. This condition is most commonly caused by bacteria (P. aeruginosa) found in poorly maintained public swimming pools, Jacuzzis and hot tubs.
Tip! When tissue is damaged, the body reacts by initiating the repair process and taking steps to protect against infection.
4. How does the bacteria get in the water?
Bacteria from the bodies of the people using the pool will build up and the potential for infecting other pool or hot tub users increases when warm water is not properly disinfected. This especially becomes true for public venues (swimming pools, hot tubs) that have not been properly treated with chlorine and other pool chemicals.
5. What does spa pool folliculitis look like?
Spa pool folliculitis appears as a rash that is made up of small red itchy or tender bumps. This rash will mainly appear in areas that were covered by a bathing suit and some of the 'bumps' may be pustular (containing pus).
Tip! When the body uses connective tissue to repair damaged parts of the skin, acne scars develop.
6. Does the rash associated with spa pool folliculitis appear while you are in the water?
No! It normally takes from eight hours to five days to appear.
7. Does spa pool folliculitis make you physically sick?
Not usually sick, just itchy. Some few people may experience some physical effects such as earaches, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, headache and/or a mild fever.
8. How long will the rash last?
If you have healthy, normal skin, the rash should go away without treatment in seven to ten days. If, however, you have excessively oily or dry skin or have an existing skin condition the rash may last for several weeks.
Tip! Any quality treatment regimen will have three key parts to it: a cleanser, a toner or medication, and a moisturizer.
9. How is spa pool folliculitis treated?
A mild case of spa pool folliculitis may go away, untreated, within seven to ten days but may stick around for several weeks. If there is a troublesome associated itch or if the rash appears to be excessively irritated or getting worse instead of better, consult your doctor even before using an over-the-counter anti-itch medication.
Also, take whatever steps are necessary to make sure that the responsible pool or hot tub gets treated with the proper chemicals.
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