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Swimming pool granuloma Causes and Risks:
A swimming pool granuloma results when water contains an infectious organism, Mycobacterium
marinum. This organism enters a traumatized area of skin and produces a localized infection called a
granuloma. Swimming pool granulomas appear approximately 6-8 weeks after exposure to the organism. They appear as reddish bumps ( papules ) that slowly enlarge into purplish nodules . The elbows, fingers, back of the hands, and knees are the most common sites affected. The nodules may break down and ulcerate leaving an open sore.
The lesions generally disappear over a period months to more than a year. There is no evidence of systemic disease associated with M.
marinum. This organism may pose a threat to immunocompromised people.
Prevention:
not applicable
Symptoms:
- history of exposure to swimming pools, salt water aquarium or ocean fish
- single or multiple red to reddish purple papules
- occur frequently on the elbows, knees legs and areas of trauma
- may be present for months
Signs and Tests:
Treatment:
Antibiotic treatment with tetracycline is effective.
Note: oral tetracycline is usually not prescribed for children until after all the permanent teeth have erupted; it can permanently discolor teeth that are still forming.
Prognosis:
Full recovery can be expected.
Complications:
In people with healthy immune systems, the condition clears up without complications.
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if you develop reddish bumps on your skin and you have recently been in a swimming pool, hot tub, or other potentially contaminated body of water.
Swimming pool granulomas are a self-limiting condition cause by Mycobacterium
marinium, a relative of the organism that causes tuberculosis. It is found in swimming pools and aquariums (both fresh-water and salt-water) but apparently not the ocean. It produces a localized red to purplish-red nodule in the skin which may last for several months then gradually clears.
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