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Brief soaks in hot tubs soothe your nerves and relax your muscles. They also offer you relief after a stressful day at work. But, if not maintained properly, these tubs can pose health hazards. They can become breeding grounds for virus, bacteria and other germs. Since your entire body comes in contact with such germ-infested water, different parts of the body can get affected. Very often, contamination is a result of negligence and ill-maintenance. The bathtub should be cleaned frequently and the water in the tub should be treated at regular intervals. Besides infections caused by unclean tubs, there are other health implications that you should consider.

A dip in a bacteria-infested tub can cause a skin condition known as hot tub folliculitis or hot tub rash. The symptoms include rashes, blisters and itchy skin. In extreme cases it results in scarring and loss of hair follicles. This skin condition is caused by bacteria called pseudomonas aeruginosa. Untreated hot water and tubs made of wood are breeding grounds for this type of bacteria. People suffering from diabetes, skin infections or open sores are at a higher risk of catching this infection. The water's chlorine and acid levels must be controlled to prevent the growth of pseudomonas aeuruginosa.

Untreated hot water of such tubs can also lead to lung infection. Mycobacterium avium, which is similar to the bacteria causing tuberculosis, is responsible for this infection. It enters your body when you inhale the vapors of water carrying this germ. The symptoms are cough, shortness of breath, fevers or chills, fatigue and tightness in the chest. In rare cases it can cause fatalities.

Polluted water in the tubs can also cause Legionnaire's disease. It is contracted in the same way as other lung infections with similar symptoms. It is caused by the Legionella bacteria and has a mortality rate of 5 to 30 percent.

Untreated hot tub water can also cause genital herpes. You can contract it by sitting in the plastic coated area of the tub which does not contain chlorinated water.

Unclean hot tub water is unsafe for pregnant women. It may increase the chances of miscarriage and the risk of defects at birth. Prolonged heating can affect the delicate brain of the unborn child. It is advisable for pregnant women to avoid these tubs altogether as it  increases the risk of infection for both mother and child.

People who are under medication for hypertension or using blood thinners should consult their physicians before indulging in a hot soak. Prolonged soaks in hot water can worsen their existing condition.

If you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs that result in weak motor skills or poor reasoning, you should stay away from hot tubs. Those in inebriated conditions face the risk of drowning.

Over-soaking in hot water can also lead to dehydration. You should be able to judge how long you need to sit in a hot tub and keep in mind the temperature of the water. Keep the temperature of the water below104 degrees Fahrenheit and avoid sitting in hot tubs for more than 20 minutes.

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