What is the primary cause of hot tub rash?

Hot tub rash, also known as folliculitis, is primarily caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This organism thrives in warm, moist environments, such as hot tubs, especially when the water is not properly disinfected or maintained. Pseudomonas aeruginosa can enter the body through hair follicles, leading to inflammation and infection, which manifests as a rash characterized by itchy, red bumps.

The association between Pseudomonas aeruginosa and hot tub rash is well-documented, as these bacteria are often found in contaminated water where proper hygiene practices are not followed, particularly the maintenance of chlorine levels and temperature. Other bacterial pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli, can lead to different types of skin infections but are not specifically linked to hot tub environments in the same way as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Clostridium perfringens is typically associated with food poisoning and gas gangrene, making it an unlikely cause for infections resulting from hot tub exposure.

Understanding the mechanisms through which Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes infection in hot tubs highlights the importance of maintaining proper hygiene and water quality in these recreational water systems to prevent hot tub rash and other related