Hot Tub Allergies

Hot tub related allergies are on the rise as more and more people enjoy this relaxing past-time.  Most people believe the skin rash or eruption may be due to excess bacteria found in the water from poor care. However, most rashes are due to improper pH levels; too high or too low can actually irritate the skin.

Since hot tubs do not have the water capacity of a swimming pool, they do not generally require the use of strong chlorine based products but rather a far milder amine compound known as bromine.  It is believed that up to 3% of people may be allergic to bromine or chlorine.

Even though it is quite rare, there is a final possibility that a hot tub which has a high level of turbidity (suspended solids) may have a bacteria nown as a pseudomona.  This bacteria can cause skin rashes after just one exposure and can typically be treated with a topical antibiotic ointment. The primary reason a bacterial infection of the skin caused by sitting in a hot tub is so rare is because the water will almost always appear too dirty to sit in.

Water should be changed out regularly according to use or at least every six months and bromine tablets should be added to the tub after heavy use. It is also recommended that persons refrain from applying liquid skin lotions and soaps at least one hour before sitting in a hot tub since they will rinse off and contaminate the water causing more frequent change outs.

Related Post: Chlorine Allergy.

About the Author: Steve (a.k.a. The Spa Doctor), Los Angeles, CA

Doctors See A Sudden Rash Of Hot Tub Allergies