What Is Hot Tub Rash? (Hot Tub Folliculitis) And How To Prevent It

Ever jumped into a hot tub after a long day and thought, “Ahh, this is perfect…” only to find a few itchy red bumps a day or two later? That’s probably hot tub rash.

What is hot tub rash?

Simply put, it’s a skin infection caused by bacteria that love warm, wet places. It’s also known as Pseudomonas folliculitis, but nobody uses that term at the cottage or in the backyard spa. The rash usually shows up as red bumps or little blisters, often where your swimsuit covers your skin. It can itch or sting and typically shows up a few days after exposure. Even though it sounds worse than it is, it definitely is annoying and if left untreated, it can linger for weeks.

Why Hot Tub Rash Happens

Here’s the thing: the bacteria behind hot tub rash, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are everywhere. They’re in soil, water, and yep, sometimes in your hot tub if it’s not properly maintained. They thrive in warm, wet spots, so your bubbly tub is basically a paradise for them if you don’t keep things clean.

Some things make it worse:

Sitting in water that isn’t balanced in pH or sanitizer.
Skipping regular cleaning, which lets biofilm form, a kind of slimy bacteria haven.
Spending too long in the water, especially if your skin is a bit dry or broken.

And honestly, even if your tub looks clear, that doesn’t mean it’s free of bacteria. It’s sneaky.

How You Can Treat Hot Tub Rash

Most of the time, hot tub rash isn’t dangerous. For mild cases, you should:

Use anti-itch creams like hydrocortisone
Keep the area clean and dry
Avoid hot tubs until the bumps clear up

If it sticks around or gets worse, a doctor might prescribe antibiotics to get rid of the infection. Don’t skip the full course and follow the instructions carefully or else the bacteria can linger.

How Can You Prevent Hot Tub Rash?

Here’s the good news: hot tub rash is highly preventable. A few simple steps can make a big difference:

Shower before entering the tub - washing away sweat, oils, and bacteria from your skin reduces risk.
Keep your tub clean and maintained - frequent cleaning with reliable products like TubTabs prevents bacterial build-up.
Check water quality - avoid hot tubs or pools with murky or unbalanced water. Even if the water looks clear at first glance, it can still have too much or too little sanitizer, the wrong pH, or hidden bacteria. Using simple test strips once or twice a week can save you a lot of trouble later. If the water feels slimy, smells off, or leaves your skin itchy, that’s a big red flag
Limit your soak time - the longer you sit in hot water, the higher the chance bacteria can get to your skin.
Regular testing if it’s your own hot tub - Testing a couple of times a week lets you catch problems before they turn into itchy bumps or a full-blown rash. It only takes a minute, and it helps make sure everything is balanced.

It’s easy to overlook maintenance when life gets busy, but consistent care keeps your spa experience safe and enjoyable. Think of it like brushing your teeth. If you skip it occasionally, problems can happen fast. When you don’t control the water or the hot tub isnt yours, your best defense is observation, hygiene, and not being afraid to walk away if the tub seems sketchy.

Why TubTabs Matter

TubTabs aren’t just another chemical you throw in the water. They make keeping your hot tub clean dead simple. One tab per week helps:

Keep the sanitizer at the right level so bacteria can’t grow.
Stop biofilm from forming, which is basically bacteria hiding out and waiting for a chance to make you itchy.
Break down oils and grime so your water stays clean and clear.
Keep your skin happy thanks to aloe in the formula.

Basically, with TubTabs, your tub stays safer without you having to stress about measuring chemicals or remembering complicated schedules. Drop a tab in, let it work, and enjoy your soak.

Hot tub rash is an unpleasant but also preventable. By understanding its causes and taking proactive steps, like using TubTabs, you can enjoy your hot tub without worry. Remember, a little maintenance goes a long way in ensuring a safe and relaxing soak every time. Hot tub rash doesn’t have to be your skin’s nightmare. A few small steps, plus a smart little TubTab, can save you from itching, bumps, and a ruined soak.

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