What Causes Rash from Hot Tub and Its Proper Treatments

What Causes Rash from Hot Tub and Its Proper Treatments

Rash form Hot Tub

Hot tubs can harbor microorganisms which can cause rashes on the skin. Some people may also develop a rash after using the hot tub in the form of chemical dermatitis following exposure to chlorine. These can be prevented by making sure that hot tubs are cleaned regularly and that the chlorine levels of the water are kept at tolerable levels.

It can affect anyone, but it may be more common in kids as they tend to spend more time in the water.

Causes

There are two main causes of a hot rash.


They are as follows:

• 
  Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This is a type of bacteria commonly found in contaminated hot tubs.
  
  


• 
  Chlorine, exposure to high quantities of chlorine can lead to a chemical dermatitis sometimes known as a ‘chlorine rash’.
  
  

Aside from hot tubs, people can also get this rash when swimming in the following:

• 
  Public and private swimming pools with either too much or too little chlorine can cause skin problems
  
  


• 
  Murky lakes or rivers
  
  


• 
  Whirlpools
  
  


• 
  Water Slides
  
  


• 
  Physiotherapy Pools
  
  


• 
  Contaminated bath sponges. The problem is usually associated with contaminated Loofa sponges.
  
  

Rash from Hot Tub Symptoms

Symptoms are dependent on the cause of the rash.


Identification of symptoms is necessary in order to find the proper treatment option.

Chlorine Rash. With a chlorine rash, a patient may experience symptoms lasting from several hours to several days.

• 
  Extreme itching. The itching or pruritus can be generalized or localized to an area that was most exposed to the chlorinated water.
  
  


• 
  Redness and skin that feels warm to the touch.
  
  


• 
  Crusting and skin dryness
  
  

Pseudomonas Infection

• 
  Small red papules measuring 0.5 to 3 centimeters in diameter with a pus or fluid-filled center.
  
  


• 
  Itching
  
  


• 
  Crusting
  
  

Both chlorine and pseudomonas rashes do not spread through skin to skin contact. Patients may also observe that their rash appear in various parts of the skin that have been covered with clothing.

Rash From Hot Tub Treatment

Treatment is dependent on the cause of the rash. Pseudomonas infections may require antibacterial treatment. In both cases corticosteroid creams or anti-inflammatory drugs may be administered to bring down the swelling.

Treatment for Chlorine Rash

• 
  Soothing sitz bath or a bath with some corn starch mixed in.
  
  


• 
  Moisturizing lotions. These keep the skin from drying.
  
  


• 
  Aloe. The components of this plant help soothe skin.
  
  


• 
  Oatmeal paste. A thick cooked oatmeal application on the rash can help soothe the itching.
  
  

Treatment for Pseudomonas Rash

• 
  Tea Tree Oil. This oil has antibacterial properties that help get rid of the bacteria.
  
  


• 
  Crushed garlic. Placing freshly crushed garlic on to the affected area can help get rid of the infection as garlic essence has antimicrobial properties.
  
  

To remedy the swelling and itching associated with a pseudomonas infection, patients can also make use of aloe, oatmeal, and a starch bath.