Unsanitary Conditions and Humid Weather Can Cause Inflammation
A Case of Skin Surgery Due to Inflammation Also Reported in Korea
An American medical specialist has issued a warning to travelers who seek inexpensive massages in Southeast Asia and similar regions.
A video of a man who developed severe inflammation in his leg after receiving a low-cost massage during a trip to Thailand is spreading. Photo by Dr. Joe Whittington, Social Media
Recently, Dr. Joe Whittington, an emergency medicine physician, shared the case of a man who developed severe inflammation in his leg after receiving a $5 (about 7,000 KRW) massage in an alleyway in Thailand. In the video released by Dr. Whittington, the man's leg is shown covered with numerous red blisters and pus-filled abscesses.
Dr. Whittington explained, "What you see here is folliculitis," adding, "Bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus can invade hair follicles and cause infection." He pointed out, "This can happen when bacteria enter the skin due to dirty hands, reused oil, or unclean towels," and identified "sweaty legs, open pores, and alleyway massages" as causes.
Regarding the massage parlor employee wearing a mask in the video, Dr. Whittington noted, "Wearing a mask does not prevent bacteria from spreading from the hands," and added, "The employee is simply wearing a mask while rubbing the skin with hands that may pose a biological risk." He further mentioned, "While some cases of folliculitis may improve naturally over time, others may require treatment with medications such as antibiotics."
Street massage shops in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries are popular among travelers due to their low prices and accessibility, but the use of massage oils and skin friction (rubbing) in hot weather can clog pores and cause inflammation. Unclean foot baths, towels, and pillow covers can also serve as routes of infection, so caution is necessary.
A story has been shared about a man who underwent surgery due to severe skin inflammation after receiving a foot massage during his trip to Cambodia. Screenshot from YouTube channel 'JoeTube'
There has been a similar case in South Korea. In July of last year, a South Korean male YouTuber shared his experience of developing a severe skin infection that required both antibiotic treatment and surgery after receiving a foot massage during a trip to Cambodia. He stated that he received a foot massage for $5 per hour in Siem Reap, Cambodia. After the massage, he developed water-filled blisters around his ankle, and as the condition worsened, he visited a dermatologist two days later. When antibiotic treatment failed to improve his symptoms, he was referred to a surgeon, who diagnosed that surgery was necessary. Ultimately, he underwent a procedure to scrape out all the inflammation and drain the remaining pus with a needle.
In fact, when receiving a massage while traveling abroad, minimizing skin irritation can help prevent infection. It is best to avoid areas with wounds or irritation, and to refrain from hair removal, shaving, or scrubbing the day before the procedure. In addition, in hot and humid weather, massage oil can clog pores and cause inflammation, so those with sensitive skin should be especially cautious about the use of oils.
Since it is often difficult to visually assess the hygiene of tools used at massage parlors, it is advisable to choose establishments with a well-maintained environment whenever possible. If symptoms such as inflammation, pain, or itching persist after visiting a massage parlor, a dermatologist should be consulted.
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