Pseudomonas folliculitis acquired from a health spa whirlpool
W. F. Sausker, J. L. Aeling, J. E. Fitzpatrick and F. N. Judson
Three cases of an unusual Pseudomonas skin infection acquired from a health
spa whirlpool were reported, and an epidemiologic survey showed 17
additional cases. This dermatosis is characterized by the abrupt onset of
urticarial papules and superficial and deep papulopustules that spare only
the head and neck and occur eight to 48 hours after using the whirlpool.
Cultures from one patient's pustules and from the spa whirlpool environment
were positive for P aeruginosa, serotype O-11. The condition cleared in all
but one patient, without treatment, within seven to ten days. This patient
continues to have recurrent follicular pustules three months after
exposure. Samples from whirlpools at six other selected establishments were
also positive for P aeruginosa.
