How long do antibiotics take to work for hot tub folliculitis?

Hot tub folliculitis is an infection around hair follicles that can follow exposure to contaminated warm water. A clinician may recommend observation or treatment based on the extent of the bumps, discomfort, and your health. Early improvement can mean fewer new spots, less redness, and reduced tenderness; marks may take longer to fade. Persistent or worsening inflammation can mean the diagnosis or treatment needs review.

Take or apply the prescribed medicine exactly as directed and do not share it. Keep the skin clean and dry, avoid hot tubs and pools until the rash has cleared, and wear loose clothing over affected areas. Do not squeeze the bumps. A cool compress may ease irritation. For treatment options, see Antibiotics For Skin Infection.

Arrange medical review if the rash is spreading, becoming painful, producing increasing drainage, or failing to improve after the timeframe your clinician gave you. Seek urgent help for fever, marked weakness, rapidly expanding redness, severe pain, or swelling near the eyes.

Ask whether your rash needs an antibiotic, how soon you should expect fewer new bumps, and what changes would require a review. Tell the clinician about recent pool or hot-tub exposure, allergies, and medicines you take.