A recent case has raised alarms about the risks of cheap street massages in Thailand after a traveller developed a severe skin infection following a leg massage at a roadside stall.
An American doctor shared the shocking story on TikTok, describing how a man who paid just US$5 (approximately S$7) for a Thai leg massage in a narrow alleyway woke up the next day with his legs covered in red, swollen pustules. The patient was diagnosed with folliculitis — a painful infection of hair follicles.
Infection Linked to Poor Hygiene and Environmental Factors
Emergency physician Dr Joe Whittington explained that the infection likely resulted from Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, commonly transmitted via unclean hands, reused massage oils, or dirty towels. Although the elderly masseuse wore a face mask, her hands may have been contaminated.
“Open pores, sweating legs, and a massage in a back alley — it’s a perfect storm for infection,” Dr Whittington warned.
Folliculitis typically appears as inflamed red bumps or pus-filled blisters on the skin. If untreated, the condition may require antibiotics to resolve.
Warning to Travellers to Choose Licensed Massage Parlours
Dr Whittington urged travellers to be cautious when selecting massage services abroad. “If the massage bed is made of concrete and there are motorbikes parked nearby, it’s better to just stretch than risk infection,” he said.
The TikTok post quickly went viral, garnering over 360,000 views and sparking widespread discussion online. Many viewers expressed shock and vowed to avoid cheap street massages.
Some commenters defended traditional Thai massage, saying they had positive experiences at licensed parlours, emphasising that infection risks mainly stem from unlicensed, unhygienic operations.