Folliculitis, or hot tub rash, is an inflammation of the hair follicles , which is typically caused by bacterial build up which penetrates and affects the outer layers of the skin. It can occur on all areas of the body, but is most common on the arms, back, and legs. Where follicles are injured, they are more likely to become inflamed, infected, and can cause pain and irritation to individuals who are suffering from this condition.
Causes
The causes of folliculitis can range from wearing tight clothing, sweaty clothing, to sitting in a hot tub which hasn’t properly been cleaned or treated. Many individuals will notice this condition affects them if they sit in the hot tub for too long, do not bathe immediately after, or if they are in a hot tub which isn’t properly chlorine treated, cleaned, and maintained regularly.
Cures
There are different remedies and cures which you can attempt if you are suffering from this condition, and are feeling pain in areas of inflammation and irritation. Warm compresses made with salt water is one of the best cures or treatment methods. Not only does the salt water help pull the bacterial build up away from the skin, but also helps in healing inflamed, irritated areas of the skin as well. Medicated shampoos are also available to treat this condition, which will help reduce the amount of time you suffer from it. A doctor can also prescribe different antibiotic or medicated treatment options to treat areas of inflammation and irritation, depending on the severity of the condition, and duration of it as well.
Prevention
If you do own a hot tub, or sit in one on a regular basis, there are a few things you can do to prevent or lessen the possibility of contracting this bacterial infection. For starters, you want to bathe or shower directly after getting out of the hot tub, and use mild soaps to clean areas where your body comes into contact with the actual tub. Avoid using oils or lotion on the skin directly after getting out of the hot tub as well to prevent infection or irritation of the skin. Proper hot tub maintenance, cleaning, and disinfecting the tub regularly will also help lessen the possibility of being infected with this bacterial condition.
Regardless of how often you use a hot tub, preventing or minimizing the possibility of being affected by folliculitis will depend on the preventive measures you take. These are some things to consider, and some of the best ways in which to treat, and prevent being affected by this bacterial inflammation.
