What causes hot tub folliculitis?

The bacteria can remain in hot tubs, pools, and whirlpools when disinfection or circulation is inadequate. Warm water softens the outer skin, while friction from swimwear can irritate follicles. Small red or itchy bumps, sometimes with pus, may appear beneath areas covered by a swimsuit after exposure. The condition is contagious only in the sense that a shared contaminated water source can expose several people; ordinary contact is not the usual route.

Rinse with clean water, change out of wet swimwear promptly, and wash the garment before wearing it again. Avoid squeezing bumps or re-entering the suspected water until the rash settles and the facility has checked its water care. Many mild cases improve without medicine. A clinician can decide whether antibiotics for skin infection are appropriate when lesions persist, spread, or become more inflamed.

Seek medical advice if fever, worsening pain, spreading redness, extensive drainage, or marked illness develops. Arrange assessment when the rash does not begin settling after avoiding the exposure, returns repeatedly, or affects someone with reduced immunity. Urgent care is appropriate for rapidly expanding redness or severe systemic symptoms.

Does this pattern fit hot tub folliculitis? Could another infection look similar? Do I need a swab or prescription medicine? When is it safe to swim again?