Pseudomonas keratitis and folliculitis from whirlpool exposure.

A local outbreak of pseudomonal folliculitis from whirlpool exposure occurred in 12 persons. A corneal ulcer developed in one patient within 48 hours of using the whirlpool. Treatment with fortified gentamicin resolved the corneal infiltrate and vision returned to normal. A second patient, who had not showered immediately after leaving the whirlpool, was left with areas of skin hyperpigmentation and scarring despite treatment with ultraviolet rays and tetracycline. Although the skin rash may be self-limited, the potential for visual loss from pseudomonal keratitis emphasizes the need for proper disinfection of swimming and whirlpool water.