What should you know about tub folliculitis?

Folliculitis is irritation or infection centred on a hair follicle. The tub form can follow soaking in a poorly maintained hot tub, pool, or similar water source. Small red spots, pustules, tenderness, or itching may appear beneath swimwear or on other exposed areas. It is different from an ingrown hair, although both can produce Skin Bumps. Scalp symptoms may have other causes, so an itchy scalp should not automatically be labelled tub folliculitis.

Stop using the suspected water source until it has been checked and cleaned. Shower with fresh water, change out of wet swimwear promptly, and wash towels and clothing that touched the area. Avoid shaving, scrubbing, squeezing, or sharing towels while the skin is irritated. A clinician can decide whether observation, a skin treatment, Topical Antibiotic Therapy, or Antibiotics For Skin Infection is appropriate; do not start antibiotics without advice.

Arrange medical review if the rash is spreading, painful, draining pus, repeatedly returning, or not improving after avoiding the suspected exposure. Seek urgent help for fever, rapidly worsening redness, severe pain, or feeling very unwell. Large boils, involvement around the eyes, or a weakened immune system also warrant prompt assessment.

Ask whether the pattern fits Folliculitis, whether a swab is useful, how long to avoid pools or hot tubs, and whether your symptoms are more consistent with Ingrown Hairs or another cause of Pimples.