I magine this. You go to a luxurious spa or hotel, and figure you’ll pamper yourself with a nice long soak in the hot tub. After a few minutes you get out and go on your way. Anywhere from 8 hours to 2 days later you start to notice an itchy red rash on your arms and torso. Now you might not think anything of it but you have most likely gotten a hot tub rash. The next time you decide to get in a hot tub, here are some things you’ll want to know about hot tub rashes.

Hot tub rashes are caused by a bacterium that lives in the chlorinated water used in hot tubs. Most hot tub rashes are caused by a bacterium called Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, or PA for short. PA is a bacteria that thrives in warm wet environments. When it gets into a hot tub it thrives on the oils and grime that are often present in the water. Folliclulitis is hair follicle irritation and that can be a separate situation than having a reaction to the bacteria in the water. Also, some people react negatively to the cleaning compounds used for the hot tub or jacuzzi. So there can be different causes of rashes that one gets from a hot tub.

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa can cause other infections such as urinary tract infections, swimmer’s ear, and dermatitis. These can be quite painful and more than just annoying, so owners of reputable establishments need to work to protect their customers from this and be wary of bacterial issues.

Since hot tub rashes thrive on the oils and grime that are present in the warm water, it is crucial that establishments ensure that people shower before getting into hot tubs. This will help to wash away the oil that the bacteria feed on before getting into the warm water. It is also important that hot tubs be drained and cleaned on a regular basis to ensure that the circulating water is fresh and clean. If you contract a hot tub rash from a particular place, it is often helpful to call the establishment and report it so that they know to drain and clean the tub thoroughly with concentrated chlorine.

If you are wondering if you have contracted a hot tub rash, there are a few distinct signs that you can look for. The most obvious is an itchy rash that appears between 8 hours and 2 days after the time spent in the tub. The rash tends to be concentrated on the torso, arms, and legs. In many cases, the rash will go away on its own in 7-10 days. If it is very bothersome you can use an antibacterial treatment cream to relieve some of the itching and get rid of the rash more quickly.

When you go to a hot tub you are seeking a relaxing getaway, not to get eruptions on your body. To make sure that the establishment you are visiting won’t give you an unwelcome going away gift, ask what sort of cleaning protocol are in place for the tubs. Do you know if you are allergic to the chemicals that are used to clean the water? Ensure that users follow the rules about showering before getting into the tub, and be sure to shower after you get out of the tub to help wash away any bacteria that you might have picked up.