Why you should NEVER get a cheap massage in Thailand after traveller's gross find
Dr Joe Whittington spoke out about a woman's confronting video showing her boyfriend with unsightly, painful bumps all over his legs after he paid just $5 for a massage from an elderly worker in a backstreet alleyway in Thailand.
Things took a terrifying turn when the man woke up the next morning with red, pus-filled pimples on his legs after contracting folliculitis - a painful skin condition caused by inflammation of the hair follicles.
'When the massage is $5 and the infection is free,' Dr Whittington said in his video.
'This poor guy walked into an alley for relaxation and left with a dermatology consult. Ever heard of folliculitis? It's what happens when bacteria and bad decisions team up... Folliculitis can show up as red bumps or even pus-filled lesions.'
The ER doctor said the man had developed a staphylococcus aureus infection, which can spread through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces.
'What you see here is folliculitis - it's when your hair follicles get infected with a bacteria like staph aureus. It's your immune system flipping the table like, "What in the unsanitary hell was that?"' Dr Whittington explained.
'This happens when dirty hands, reused oils or uncleaned towels introduce bacteria into the skin. And guess what? Sweaty legs, open pores and alleyway massages are the perfect recipe.'
The female employee was seen in the video wearing a face mask - but despite the protection, Dr Whittington warned that the bacteria could still spread from her bare hands to the client.
'She's masked up while rubbing you down with her biohazard hands,' he said.
The US emergency medical physician said most common cases can be treated with soap, water and time - but some may require medications such as antibiotics to relieve symptoms and address the underlying cause.
'So if your massage table is made of concrete and there's a moped parked next to it, maybe just stretch and call it a day, bro,' Dr Whittington advised.
His video has been viewed more than 37,000 times, leaving many people feeling uneasy about cheap massages in Asia after the doctor's warning.
'Oh no! that is scary,' one said.
'Yikes! Um, no thanks,' another shared.
A licensed massage therapist weighed in on the case, saying: 'This is wild. This isn't just in Thailand, this can happen anywhere - there isn't regulations or when someone "sets up shop" without an education and license.'
Meanwhile, many travellers shared their own experiences of getting massages in Asia, while others urged everyone to be vigilant.
'As someone who just came back from Thailand and had about five different massages in proper spas, I can unequivocally say they are absolutely amazing. Stick to authorised establishments and enjoy,' one said.
'Oh man I got a massage every day I was in Thailand! Of course at actual massage places though. Literally the best massages I've ever had,' another shared.
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