Today, we want to talk about something that is normally only spoken of in hushed whispers throughout the hot tub community, because let’s face it: no one even wants to think about hot tub rash. It’s uncomfortable, sometimes painful, and entirely unpleasant. In short, it has the potential to ruin your enjoyment of either your own hot tub, or one belonging to a somewhat negligent host.
It’s important for every hot tubber to be educated on the matter so that they can treat it, and better yet prevent it from happening in the first place, which is easily done if you follow a regular cleaning routine. That’s why this Backyard Blast article is about all things hot tub rash. Join us as we get to the bottom of what hot tub rash is, as well as how to treat and prevent it. Educating yourself on things like this will help to keep you and your fellow hot tub enthusiasts safe, and let you make the most of your hot tub experience.
What Is Hot Tub Rash?
So, what exactly is hot tub rash? Hot tub rash, or Hot Tub folliculitis is a skin infection of the hair follicles. It can most often be identified as bumpy, red, and irritated skin. In some cases the skin can even blister. This of course causes pain and discomfort – it’s no fun! Hot tub rash can happen when the skin comes into contact with contaminated water. This is not something exclusive to hot tubs mind you: under the right conditions, it can proliferate in similar places such as pools. But we’re a hot tub cover company, and this article is about hot tubs specifically. Hot tub rash becomes a danger when the tub in question is not being maintained through the use of water-treating chemicals, allowing harmful bacteria to proliferate.
How To Treat Hot Tub Rash
In most cases of a mild rash, it will clear up by itself in a few days. In the meantime, something as simple as a damp washcloth applied to the rash can help alleviate some of the discomfort that can arise. As for how to treat hot tub rash, there is no specific hot tub rash treatment that you can do at home. We feel obliged to say that the purpose of this article is to bring awareness to the importance of proper hot tub maintenance. We are not, however, healthcare practitioners. With that in mind, If you’ve developed a rash caused by contaminated water and it doesn’t seem to be getting better, we recommend visiting your healthcare provider for proper Hot tub rash treatment.
Preventing Hot Tub Rash
Luckily, there are lots of things you can do to prevent hot tub rash from even happening in the first place. Proper hot tub maintenance makes all the difference in keeping your hot tub a relaxing, safe, and enjoyable experience. If not well-kept, it can quickly become a stagnant pool rife with bacteria. The CDC recommends maintaining a pH level of between 7.2-7.8, and a free chlorine level of between 3-10 parts per million. Keeping your hot tub chemically treated will keep the water clean and safe to use. And you don’t want to become known as the person with the rash-causing hot tub. Regular maintenance in general will keep your tub free of any undesirable bacteria. This includes replacing your filters, draining and washing the inside of your tub, and keeping the exterior of your tub clean. Check out our Backyard Blast article here, which covers the details on proper hot tub maintenance.
We’ve covered what you can do to keep your own hot tub clean and safe from bacteria, but what if you’re not the one in control of keeping the tub in question clean. Maybe it isn’t your hot tub, and you’re not fully confident in the owner’s maintenance regiment. Having a shower (with soap) after a soak is a big one, as this will rinse off any potentially contaminated water. Washing your swimsuit after the fact is another way to stop bacteria from sticking around and causing trouble later.
A Good Hot Tub Cover Works Wonders
The bottom line is that a well-maintained hot tub should protect you from hot tub rash. A key component to a well-maintained tub is a quality cover. At The Cover Guy, custom-fitted covers are exceptional at retaining the heat of your tub, and keeping it free of debris. That means you can save money on heating costs on top of preventing any unwelcome bacteria from proliferating in your tub.
That’s A Wrap!
We apologize for some of the unpleasant visuals we may have given you, but if this article is responsible for stopping even one person from getting a hot tub rash, it will have been worth it. If you do end up with a hot tub rash, know that it really isn’t the end of the world. Remember to seek professional healthcare if it doesn’t get better, as there isn’t any real method of hot tub rash treatment you can do at home. But with your enhanced knowledge on all things hot tub rash, we hope that you’ve become more confident in preventing it. Don’t let such a minor problem distract you from the fact that hot tubbing is a unique and fantastic experience. Until next time, happy tubbing
