Hot Tub Bacterium - The Hot Tub's Dirty Little Secret

Hot tub bacterium can easily form if hot tubs aren't regularly and correctly maintained. Germs and bacteria that develop in unclean hot tubs can give rise to diseases and even cause dermal abnormalities like skin rashes. Keeping hot tubs safe for use means frequent cleaning and application of appropriate chemicals.

Hot Tub Bacterium and Hot Tub Lung Disease

The hot tub lung is a rare lung allergic reaction and infection that is the result of inhalation of the hot tub bacterium Mycobacterium avium. The M. avium comes from the same bacterial family that sets off tuberculosis. While seldom contagious, this type of bacteria has found an excellent environment for further growth in unclean hot tubs.

Chlorine loses its general disinfecting properties at temperature levels exceeding 80 degrees. Once the water hits the 80-and-above degree mark it's party time for the bacteria! Filthy hot water is like paradise to bacteria. How do bacteria reach the lungs? Simple. Bubbles start forming in the contaminated water from the tub jets. The bubbles reach the surface, pop and spread the bacteria in the air, which is then inhaled by the tub occupants. This process is called aerolization.

Signs that a person has been infected with M. avium are wet cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, chest tightness and chills or fever. Doctors can make diagnoses based on CT scans of lungs, chest x-rays and lung tissue removal for microscopic tests and culture. Treatment of the hot tub lung often includes corticosteroids, supplemental external oxygen and discontinuance of hot tub use.

Hot Tub Bacterium and Hot Tub Rash

Hot tub rash or folliculitis has to do with hair follicle inflammation and is caused by the hot tub bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Folliculitis has several different strains but the most common type is hot tub folliculitis. This bacterium is rarely contagious, but it can get pretty uncomfortable.

Children are more prone to get the hot tub rash. The ones who like to stay in the tub for extended periods of time are likely to contract this skin disorder. Outbreaks can happen on any part of the body that's been exposed to the contaminated water. This kind of bacterium usually appears on skin that was covered by clothing or swimwear. Infections can become noticeable anywhere from a couple of hours to a few days upon exposure.

P. aeruginosa is incapable of surviving in dry atmospheres. The resulting pustules often eventually go away by themselves. Applying vinegar compresses for less than 30 minutes two to four times daily along with oral antibiotics and silver sulfadiazine creams ease the bacteria's effects.

To get rid of this type of hot tub bacterium at the source, affected tubs have to be drained. Proper and meticulous cleaning and sanitization using chlorine and other sanitizers is a must. When the tub is refilled, care should be taken to ensure that the bacterium has no opportunities to regrow. Frequent changing of tub water and strict monitoring of levels of disinfectants used are essential.

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