Pseudomonas keratitis and folliculitis from whirlpool exposure

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Ophthalmology
• Public Health

Background:

• Pseudomonal folliculitis is a skin infection often associated with contaminated water.
• Recreational water sources, like whirlpools, can harbor Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Observation:

• A local outbreak of pseudomonal folliculitis affected 12 individuals after whirlpool exposure.
• One patient developed a corneal ulcer within 48 hours of whirlpool use.

Findings:

• Fortified gentamicin successfully treated the corneal ulcer, restoring normal vision.
• A second patient experienced skin hyperpigmentation and scarring despite treatment for folliculitis.

Implications:

• Pseudomonal keratitis poses a risk of vision loss.
• Effective disinfection of whirlpools and swimming waters is essential for public health.
• Prompt showering after water exposure may reduce skin infection severity.