The UK Spa Hot Tub Dealer and User Guide - Pseudomonas An Itchy Red Rash

Spa Hot Tub
Contents

Spa Hot Tub History
A look at the history of a spa hot tub

Spa Hot Tub Siting
Where and how to site a home or garden spa hot tub

Spa Hot Tub Electrics
Electrical connections to your spa hot tub to

Water Chemistry
Water guide and answers to common problems

Spa Hot Tub Pseudomonas

Water Testing
How and when to test your spa hot tubs water

Spa Hot Tub Service
How and when to service the equipment in your pool

Spa Hot Tub Dealer
Find a local spa hot tub dealer

Pseudomonas - An Itchy Red Rash

Should you experience an itchy red rash or spots some 12 hours to 2 days following a session in a spa hot tub or swimming pool it may be due to the micro-organism called Pseudomonas.

Pseudomonas is commonly found in soil, water, airborne sources, animals and as a naturally part of the flora and fauna of human skin on some 15% of people. It is a micro-organism similar to the one that can cause Legionnaire's Disease.

It thrives in warm water where the sanitiser level is inadequate or drops quickly often when a party is taking place. When a party occurs in the spa, all the sanitiser is used up quickly and the organism is able to spread from the carrier to everyone in the spa or pool. Because hot water opens up the pores on the skin the Pseudomonas can enter the follicles, even on the carrier, and will cause the Pseudomonas Folliculities problems. Generally when the party is over, the sanitiser re-establishes itself and kills the organisms before setting up home in the spa or pool.

Left un-treated the Pseudomonas sets up home on the spa shell, in the nooks and crannies of the spa, on pillows and the plumbing system of the spa. Should this happen this is a more serious problem as generally by this time the micro-organism will have covered itself with a slime layer or biofilm which can resist sanitation. Excesses of the biofilm or slime may then be found around the water line.

Fortunately the most common symptom is an itchy rash which is confused with bug bites, chicken pox or other types of rash. However occasionally it can be much more serious including severe rashes, ear infections, urinary & vaginal infections and probably the most serious pneumonia.

If you think you have a Pseudomonas infection consult your doctor to confirm and talk to your leisure engineer for advice on treating your spa or pool.

Treatment may not be needed, as the mild form of the disease usually clears on its own. Oral anti-pruritics ("anti-itch" medications) may be used. In severe cases, your physician may prescribe an oral antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin.

Note

Should your bathers be complaining of allergic reactions to the sanitiser, ie sore eyes, it is generally found that this is due to inadequate sanitiser levels.