Hot tub folliculitis or hot hand-foot syndrome caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007 Oct;57(4):596-600. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2007.04.004. Epub 2007 Jul 19.

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous gram-negative rod that can cause a well-recognized, acquired skin infection from bacterial colonization of contaminated water called "hot tub folliculitis." We report an outbreak of pseudomonas skin infection associated with the use of a hot tub at a pool party in 33 children. In particular, 2 of the children were admitted to our hospital; both presented with high leukocyte counts, intermittent low grade fevers, and painful, erythematous nodules and papules on their palms and soles. One of the 2 children also presented with small erythematous pustular lesions on the face and trunk, which led to the diagnosis. Cultures from these pustules grew P aeruginosa. Thirty two other children at this pool/hot tub party developed similar lesions of varying severity 6 to 48 hours after the party. These findings were most consistent with the diagnosis of pseudomonas folliculitis/hot hand.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Ciprofloxacin / therapeutic use
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Female
  • Folliculitis / epidemiology
  • Folliculitis / etiology
  • Folliculitis / microbiology*
  • Foot Dermatoses / epidemiology
  • Foot Dermatoses / microbiology
  • Hand Dermatoses / epidemiology
  • Hand Dermatoses / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Hydrotherapy*
  • Male
  • Pseudomonas Infections / complications*
  • Pseudomonas Infections / drug therapy
  • Pseudomonas Infections / epidemiology
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / isolation & purification*
  • Recreation
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / epidemiology
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / microbiology*
  • Water Microbiology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Ciprofloxacin