A skin infection caused by a bacterium called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It affects both men and women and usually occurs between the ages of 12 and 50.
The infection is transmitted by direct skin contact with water contaminated by the bacteria. It is more common in warm or hot water where disinfectants such as chlorine disappear more quickly, making it more common in spas where there are hot tubs. It can also be contracted in crowded swimming pools and contaminated lakes. Wet clothing such as diving wetsuits or sponges can also be contaminated with pseudomona.
It manifests with a partial or generalized eruption, multiple pimple-like lesions that can become infected and fill with pus. It may also present with itchy skin, fever, fatigue, and headache.
Diagnosis is made by questioning to rule out risk factors, followed by an examination of the skin lesions. If the diagnosis is in doubt, a sample of pus from the lesions may be studied or a skin biopsy may be performed to observe the bacteria under a microscope.
It usually resolves without treatment in about 10 days. Topical corticosteroids may be used to reduce itching. In resistant cases, a doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin) to treat the infection.
A doctor should be consulted if the rash persists beyond 15 days, if it spreads or becomes painful, if large bumps appear on the skin and/or if it is accompanied by fever and general malaise.
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