The invention of the first whirlpool happened, as with most of the greatest breakthroughs, by accident. The inventor’s name might sound familiar: Candido Jacuzzi, an Italian-American entrepreneur working in the irrigation industry. To bypass the costly hydrotherapy treatments his child had to undergo for the treatment of a severe form of rheumatoid arthritis, Jacuzzi created a device which could produce powerful jets of air into a bathtub.
Almost a century later, the whirlpool bathtub has become an essential for wellness facilities, hotels and private homes. Born as a status symbol, it has increasingly become an indispensable object for the masses. In fact, there are many benefits to hydromassage: it stimulates blood circulation and tissue oxygenation, reactivates the lymphatic system, facilitating the drainage of internal fluids and relieving muscle tension. Unfortunately, many ignore its major inconvenience: it can cause irritating skin problems. In fact, molds and bacteria may contaminate its filters and trigger skin infections, one of the most frequent being whirlpool folliculitis.
What is it exactly? Folliculitis is an inflammation of the superficial part of the hair follicle, that is of that small cavity in the epidermis from which the hair originates. One of the bacteria that most frequently lurks in the tubes and filters of swimming pools and whirlpool baths that are not carefully sanitized is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. By exploiting the dilation of the pores caused by the hot water, it can penetrate the skin and cause folliculitis.
Folliculitis can affect any area of the body where hair is present; in this case, the most frequently affected parts are those that remain immersed for longer in water, such as the legs and buttocks. The first symptoms, such as itching and small, reddened lesions or small pustules, can occur just a few hours after the bath and affect several individuals who have bathed in the same pool. It is a mild manifestation that, except for specific complications, heals spontaneously without the need for treatment, but it’s still quite annoying.
It is advisable to keep the affected area clean, change one’s underwear and clothes in contact with the body daily, use the shower rather than the bathtub for at least 2 weeks and not to share towels and bathrobes with the rest of the family.
Before using the jacuzzi, make sure that the pool is a self-cleaning one, i.e. equipped with specific devices that sanitize the hidden parts of the appliance. Otherwise, it can be sanitized using special non-foaming detergents or sodium hypochlorite (common bleach). As a general rule, one should fill the whirlpool tub until all the vents are submerged, add the amount of disinfectant recommended on the product packaging or 250 ml of bleach, and start the hydromassage for 15-20 minutes.
This simple procedure will neutralize the formation of bacteria and mold and will allow you to safely enjoy a nice warm and relaxing bubble bath; there is nothing better than taking time for yourself, to relax body and mind!
Article of Dr Adele Sparavigna for https://4me.styl