Prevention of Itchy Skin
Understanding Spa Related Skin Problems!
Hot Tub/Spa Pool Rash
Spa Pool Rash is an allergic reaction that is quite common, yet easily avoidable.
According to the Center for Disease Control, Hot Tub or Spa Pool Rash as it is commonly known, is medically known as Pseudomonas Dermatitis or Folliculitis. When a person becomes infected with the bacteria Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, or has an allergic reaction, itchy spots on the skin eventually turn into a bumpy reddish rash, and can result in pus-filled blisters forming around the hair follicles. The rash is worse in areas that were covered by the swimsuit or in direct contact with the spa jets.
Unfortunately, bathers in traditional non-salt water Spa Pools have a much higher risk of contracting this rash because chlorine and disinfectants that are used to kill germs such as the Pseudomonas Aeruginosa break down faster in a hot water environment.
The rash could also be dry, itchy skin because of a high pH problem or high sanitizer levels that can dry out the skin.
Eczema
Many have asked about eczema conditions caused from Spa Pool use. In reality, Spa Pools can be an excellent cure for conditions like eczema and athlete’s foot. The problem comes from bad water conditions and inconsistent sanitation. A lot of the spa chemicals will complicate the problem as they dissolve, and the compounds that are contained in the packaged chemicals builds up in the water. Using pure chlorine will work best in these conditions, along with the mild saline solution found in salt water spas can help even more.
Chlorine Rash
Chlorine rash can be another name for hot tub rash but can also refer to a reaction with too much chlorine in the water. With just 25 ppm free available chlorine in Spa water, most people will not suffer from the rash showing up, however it is possible for people to have sensitivities to high levels of free chlorine. There is a very small percentage of the population that is allergic to chlorine.
Spa Pool Heat Rash
A Spa Pool rash is common among people who use traditional Spa Pools regularly. It is not unusual for people to associate the rash one gets when using a Spa Pool with heat, when it is usually due to chemicals or improper sanitation or water balance.
Chemical Dermatitis
Chemical Dermatitis is a skin condition that can come from soaking in chemicals. Some chemicals can be harsh on the skin and for some people, the hot tub rash may develop after first exposure, but for many it develops after repeated exposure to the chemicals.
The skin can become sensitized to constant exposure to chemicals and a skin rash will develops The hot water will open up the pores and allow for better absorption of chemicals deep into the skin. If you develop a hot tub skin rash, avoid using your spa or hot tub for a couple of weeks to allow the skin to desensitize to the chemicals. Do not use your spa until the rash disappears and the skin recovers. Alternatively, changing the way you treat your spa water can have an amazing effect on how your skin feels.
Hot Tub Hives
Can you get hives from using a hot tub, Jacuzzi or spa?
Hives that develop after activities which increase the body’s temperature are referred to as Cholinergic Uticaria. Activities that can cause this condition include a hot bath or shower, hot tub use, exercise, a fever or stress. It is estimated that five to seven percent of people who get hives experience Cholinergic Uticaria.
Hydroxyzine has been found to be effective for the treatment of Cholinergic Urticaria.
How do you avoid getting Spa Pool rash?
To prevent Pseudomonas Aeruginosa from being able to live in your Spa Pool, use good water treatment practices by maintaining sufficient sanitizer and proper water balance in your spa around the clock.
However many of the traditional chemicals used to sanitize swimming pool and spa water, actually cause problems to occur due to the “other ingredients” used in chlorine & bromine tablets and powders.
The real answer is to minimise the use these chemicals by upgrading your Spa Pool or Hot Tub to a Salt Water based sanitising system. Salt water systems produce a pure chlorine sanitizer by electrolysis of natural salt (NaCl). Salt is converted to chlorine to sanitize your water, then the chlorine gradually recycles back to salt. These systems run 24 hours a day, slowly producing sanitisers that are then distributed evenly by the Spas water circulation system.
Once the salt water system is properly running, the clarity of your Spa Pool water will improve, chlorine/bromine chemical smells will be eliminated, and Spa Pool water life will be increased. Best of all, those with sensitive skin will now be able to enjoy their Spa Pool experience.
When using a salt water sanitising system, the need to use additional chemicals is reduced dramatically. Please refer to our Spa Maintenance recommendations.
Acknowledgement: The bulk of the content in this resource was collated by Chemical Automation Specialist, Lance Fitzsimmons “The Hot Tub Wizard”.