What is Hot Tub Pseudomonas ?
May 2001 Pseudomonas is a common problem in warm water pools and spas in particular. Fortunately the most common symptom is an itchy rash. It is often confused with bug bites (often complaints are received that a hotel has “bed bugs”), chicken pox, and other types of rashes. It can be much more serious including severe rashes requiring hospitalization, ear infections, urinary and vaginal infections, and probably most serious is pneumonia. There are two kinds of Pseudomonas outbreaks. Most often seen is what some call transitory Pseudomonas contamination of a spa. About 15% of the population have Pseudomonas as a naturally part of the flora and fauna of their skin. When a “party” occurs in the spa, all the disinfectant is used up and the organism is spread to everyone in the tub from the carrier. Because the hot water opens up the pores, the Pseudomonas can enter the pores, “follicles”, in the skin, even of the carrier, and will cause the Pseudomonas Folliculitis problems. Once the part
May 2001 Pseudomonas is a common problem in warm water pools and spas in particular. Fortunately the most common symptom is an itchy rash. It is often confused with bug bites (often complaints are received that a hotel has “bed bugs”), chicken pox, and other types of rashes. It can be much more serious including severe rashes requiring hospitalization, ear infections, urinary and vaginal infections, and probably most serious is pneumonia. There are two kinds of Pseudomonas outbreaks. Most often seen is what some call transitory Pseudomonas contamination of a spa. About 15% of the population have Pseudomonas as a naturally part of the flora and fauna of their skin. When a “party” occurs in the spa, all the disinfectant is used up and the organism is spread to everyone in the tub from the carrier. Because the hot water opens up the pores, the Pseudomonas can enter the pores, “follicles”, in the skin, even of the carrier, and will cause the Pseudomonas Folliculitis problems. Once the part
