Mum claims 'dirty hot tub' caused rash

Woman was on holiday for her 40th

- BY NEIL SHAW, OLIVIA WILLIAMS

A MUM claimed a 'dirty hot tub' on a birthday getaway caused an 'absolutely wild' rash.

Francesca Newton, from Stockport, visited a lodge in North Wales to celebrate her 40th birthday with friends.

The friends decided to take a 30-minute dip in the hot tub, which Francesca described as having a 'strong chemical' smell while sipping champagne.

However, 24 hours later the copywriter noticed small pimples dotted around her upper body.

Francesca then said it then erupted into an 'absolutely wild' itchy rash that ravaged her chest, neck and back. She went to see her GP and was reportedly diagnosed with bacterial infection folliculitis or 'hot tub rash'.

She was prescribed a course of antibiotics and antihistamines to tackle it.

The mum-of-one said she was forced to skip the gym and hide away at home for two weeks, for fear people would think she had a 'horrific disease.

The lodge where Francesca stayed said despite hot tubs being cleaned prior to guest use 'failure to follow basic hygiene instructions can introduce bacteria directly into the water via the user's own skin'. However Francesca claimed she showered before entering the hot tub, as per their instructions.

Francesca said: "I've been in loads of hot tubs and never had an issue before. It smelled very strongly of chemicals when we got in it.