Hot Tub Rash
Swimming Pool Care & ChemistryWhat Is Hot Tub Rash?Simply put, it's an infection and/or abscess of the skin due to poor pool or hot tub water quality. Your skin has this nasty itch that may last for days and then you may get a red, bumpy rash that hurts or is tender to the touch. Your skin may also blister around the hair follicles and is usually worse under the person's bathing suit. Women tend to get it more often then men because of their tight fitting suits. Causes Of Pseudomonas Dermatitis / FolliculitisThis unpleasant, itchy, skin infection rash is mostly caused by germs called Pseudomonas aeruginosa which is found in water and soil and is microscopic.Most of the time your Hot Tub rash will clear up in a few days, but if symptoms persist, you'll need to see your health care provider. Pseudomonas Dermatitis is spread by direct contact with contaminated water and occurs in hot tubs, spas, and swimming pools that are poorly maintained, but it can also be spread through contaminated lakes, streams, and rivers. Ways To Protect Yourself From Hot Tub RashMost of the time Hot Tubs and Spas have warmer water so the chlorine or other kind of sanitizer breaks down fast than in a normal swimming pool. Frequent testing of the pool chlorine and pH should be done, preferably every hour for Hot Tubs, Jacuzzis, and Spas. At the YMCA where I work, we test the Hot Tub chemicals every hour and the pool chemistry every 4 hours. This really has cut down on any swimming pool problems.
We keep the temperature of our Hot Tub between 101 - 103 degrees. Anything more or less and the Hot Tub is not relaxing to members. These can be purchased at any good pool store. I recommend the Taylor Reagent DPD K-2005 or K-2006 test kit. If the pool chlorine or other sanitizer is too low you're obviously putting yourself at risk so to be sure the Hot Tub you visit is maintained correctly and the operator understands proper swimming pool care. Again, don't get into the Hot Tub or Spa if the sanitizer is too low, which means anything under 1.5ppm. I'm not a doctor so I won't tell you how to treat your Hot Tub rash. You'll probably get the advice to wait a couple of days and see what happens, and if your rash doesn't clear up, make an appointment to come in. Just take the above steps to protect yourself. Happy swimming and Hot Tubbing. Go To:
|
