Be Careful!

[2naked]

We were just at RM from 12/31-1/5 after being at Pearl for 2 nights. My wife got a very bad case of Hot Tub Folliculitus (yes it's a real thing). She often gets heat rash from hot tubs or when in the sun too long so we didn't think much of it until it just kept getting worse. Went to the Dr. and was diagnosed with it. It's a bacterial infection of hair follicles. Nothing serious and it usually resolves in a week or so but can leave discoloration of the skin for months. I did't contract any so maybe its only a danger for some with sensitive skin. I've told my wife to contact Pearl and RM to tell them they need to sanitize the hot tubs but who knows if they will. So just a warning!

[My_Dogs_White]

Is it true the staff drain the hot tub at the end of everyday? I have a hot tub at home and I was considering bringing some of my tester strips. I’m curious to know what the chlorine and ph would be at. But I'm worried I'll test the water and the happy go lucky party goers will be thinking wtf man? Stop harshing my buzz! Maybe we’re better off not knowing.

[2naked]

I've never seen the hot tub drained...
If you went and tested it early in the day no one would see you

[Txbkrcpl]

I have seen them drain it and clean the walls on several occasions while there for a weeks stay. We go to Desire on Friday and I'll enjoy the hot tub nightly without concern. I'm sure there have been issues occassionly just due to the high frequency of usage and the nature of the activity that goes on up there but I'm confident that they clean it frequently and do their best to ensure it's safe.

[nicenycpl]

We just got back last night (trip report pending), but rest assured the only issue with the hot tub was that on occasion it simply wasn't hot enough! (we resolved that issue by asking them to turn it up...and they did

[2naked]

I'm sure some people are more susceptible than others. I was in the hot tub just as much as my wife and I didn't get it. We've spoken to others via email that were there the same week and nothing happened to them either. Strange. My intent was not to bad-mouth the resort. Just to serve as a warning that if you see a rash forming that you may want to stay out. The fact is that Folliculitis is a direct effect of an unsanitized hot tub. So it is not always as clean as it should be from time to time.

[CokeMann]

My intent was not to bad-mouth the resort. Just to serve as a warning that if you see a rash forming that you may want to stay out.

Great point !!

The fact is that Folliculitis is a direct effect of an unsanitized hot tub. So it is not always as clean as it should be from time to time.

Not trying to be argumentative but your "fact" that "that Folliculitis is a direct effect of an unsanitized hot tub" is not complete or correct.

According to authoritative sources, cited below, there can be many causes of folliculitis. Also since no one else that was in the jacuzzi at the same time seemed to be affected with it, the fact that she was in there "may" have contributed to the problems but may not have been the cause of the problem - no way of telling.... Glad to hear that she is recovering

National Library of Medicine

Folliculitis starts when hair follicles are damaged by rubing from clothing, blockage of the follicle, or shaving. Most of the time, the damaged follicles become infected with Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria.

Dermatologist.org

There are several causes of folliculitis which include:
Fungal infections
Bacterial infections such as streptococcus A
Excessive sweating
Shaving
Restrictive or tight clothing
Certain medications, e.g. corticosteroids
Certain medical conditions, e.g. diabetes

[2naked]

I wasn't trying to say that the only place anyone can get Folliculitis is from a hot tub, but in my wife's case after scrutinizing with a dermatologist and allergist, there is know doubt that this is how she contracted it.

[eddieandjojo]

Point taken and as Coke stated above, thanks for bringing it up! The great thing about this forum is that you get different perspectives and it is definitely informative!! Glad she's fine!

[2naked]

I wasn't trying to say that the only place anyone can get Folliculitis is from a hot tub, but in my wife's case after scrutinizing with a dermatologist and allergist, there is no doubt that this is how she contracted it.

[Whoneedssunscreencpl]

As a medical professional, I can tell you that hot tub folliculitis in it's usual form has a very classic appearance and other types of folliculitis do not resemble it. Some people are more susceptible than others so it wouldn't be unusual for some hot tubbers to get the infection while others sharing the water were spared. Luckily we have never personally had any problems with it at Desire but I wouldn't be surprised if others did, as it's a common problem. Luckily, while the rash is annoying and ugly, to most immunocompetent people it isn't dangerous.

[playalovers]

The question of the Hot Tub sanitation is a reoccurring theme. Perhaps we should suggest the resort post the cleanings and daily Chlorine and PH levels somewhere near the towels or bathrooms. This may inspire them to do better maintenance and offer some comfort to the users.

Regardless of chemical levels, there will always be some element of risk with sharing common space, especially in a hot tub! I personally believe hand shaking should be banned world wide.

Ironically, some of our favorite memories of Desire involve dangerously "close proximity".