Hot tub folliculitis, also known as hot tub rash, is a bacterial infection that can occur when water with high levels of bacteria enters the body through small cuts in the skin. The symptoms of hot tub folliculitis include red bumps on the skin and a strong smell from the infected area.
But some of these symptoms are similar to bed bug bites.
- They may look like acne but can also occur as boils or pustules.
- The infection can cause pain and discomfort, but it usually heals on its own within a few days.
- The bacteria can enter the skin through a cut or open sore or by getting water up the nose.
Here we are going to take a look at hot tub folliculitis vs bed bugs so you can tell the difference and figure out which one you’re dealing with.
Hot Tub Folliculitis vs Bed Bugs
Let’s start with the visuals.
Here’s what hot tub folliculitis typically looks like.
Here’s what bed bug bites look like:
Hot Tub Folliculitis
Hot tub folliculitis is a bacterial infection that can be contracted in hot tubs. It is caused by a type of bacteria known as Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. The water in hot tubs has chemicals that can irritate your eyes and nose, while you are submerged in water that is usually hotter than what you would normally bathe in at home.Â
This combination of irritants and heat creates an ideal environment for pseudomonas aeruginosa to appear.
The infection usually appears on the skin as red bumps with white pus-filled heads, often clustered in groups of two or three. These bumps may also be itchy and painful to the touch.Â
The infection usually appears on the skin as red bumps with white pus-filled heads, often clustered in groups of two or three.
Bed Bug Bites
Bed bugs are found worldwide but are most common in hotels, motels, and apartment buildings. Bed bugs bite people while they sleep and may leave itchy welts on their skin.
However, Bed Bugs are small parasitic insects that feed on human blood. These pests have been present since ancient times but have recently been coming back due to pesticide resistance and international travel.Â
Hot Tub Folliculitis Vs Bed Bugs
As the images above show, it can be hard to distinguish hot tub folliculitis from bed bug bites visually. If you’re not sure what you have, you’ll have to consider the background information.
Location
In the US, bed bugs are more common than Hot Tub Folliculitis because they are less likely to be treated with antibiotics and can live anywhere.
However, Hot Tub Folliculitis is more prevalent in other countries like Japan.
Recent Swimming Trips
Both bed bug bites and hot tub rash both cause itching and swelling. Hot tub rash is caused by bacteria found in water that has been sitting in a hot tub for a long time. It can also be caused by the water being too hot or not clean enough.
The bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa thrives in warm, wet environments and can be found in hot tubs, water parks, and swimming pools. They can also be found in natural water sources such as lakes and rivers.
Timing of the Welts
They typically feed on people while they sleep at night, often biting them all over their bodies multiple times to get enough blood for their meal. The bed bugs are attracted by exhalation, and feed on your blood until they are fat and engorged with blood.
If you notice your welts in the morning after sleeping, there’s a higher likelihood you’ve got bed bugs.
Recent Travel?
Bed bugs are often transmitted through hotels and AirBnBs, and potentially through sitting in an infested car, and visits with people who currently have bed bug infestations. If you’ve done any of these recently, your issue may be bed bugs.
Investigating Bed Bugs
Bed bugs typically live on and in your mattress, furniture, carpets, and in the cracks where your baseboards meet your floors and walls. If you are concerned about bed bugs, these locations would be the most important places to start your investgation.
How to Treat and Prevent Hot Tub Folliculitis
There are many ways to reduce your risk of getting hot tub folliculitis:
- Avoid sharing towels and washcloths with others
- Shower before entering a hot tub
- Clean hot tubs regularly
- Use a chlorine-based disinfectant to kill bacteria before getting into the water
- Keep your body covered when you enter the water
- Stay out of the water if you have open wounds or cuts
- Keep the water at a lower temperature
To treat hot tub folliculitis, you should avoid scratching the rash as this will only worsen it. These bumps are usually found in the hairline, armpits, groin area, and buttocks. You could also try using a steroid cream to relieve some of the itching and discomfort caused by hot tub folliculitis.
You could also try using a steroid cream to relieve some of the itching and discomfort caused by hot tub folliculitis.
However, it is suggested that you see a doctor immediately and ask for treatment options right away. Treatment for this condition may include topical antibiotic creams and oral antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.
Surgery may be needed to remove infected hair follicles from the skin in rare cases where the infection does not respond to these treatments. Hence, it is mandatory to act immediately and shower to wash your hair with shampoo containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. This will prevent the growth of bacteria instantly.
Conclusion
Hot tub folliculitis is not common and should be considered a diagnosis only when other causes of itching are ruled out.
Hot tub folliculitis is not common and should be considered a diagnosis only when other causes of itching are ruled out.
If you’ve got red welts after sleeping, and you’ve recently traveled or stayed in a hotel, it’s probably time to investigate the mattresses, rugs, and furniture of your bedroom.
