‘Exactly what happened to me’: Woman swims in Las Vegas hotel pool. Then she notices a mysterious bump on her leg

A woman has gone viral after swimming in a Las Vegas hotel pool. The reason why? She developed a strange, scar-like mark on her leg that grew.

In a viral video that has received more than 495,000 views, creator Bakedasbeans (@the609610) shared her concern over a mark on her leg. She first noticed the spot after swimming in a hotel pool in Las Vegas. She recalled that it began as a pus-filled pimple. Then it quickly developed into scar-like tissue with a large red boundary around it. 

So… what's going on here?

The mysterious mark

Bakedasbeans showed her audience photos of a mysterious mark on her leg that appeared to be growing in size. She clarified that before she got into the Las Vegas pool, she shaved her legs. Then the TikToker told her audience that at first glance she thought she had an ingrown hair. After some time, though, she realized she may have a more serious condition.

Several commenters discussed post-shaving skin care after seeing Bakedasbeans' video. They noted that shaving can create tiny nicks or openings in the skin that may make it more vulnerable to irritation. Many viewers advised Bakedasbeans to avoid pools, hot tubs and other bodies of water immediately after shaving to reduce the risk of irritation or infection. 

One person commented, “Never shave before you go into a body of water or before you go to the nail salon. I'm a nail tech and always tell my clients that.”

Another commenter wrote, “In nursing school one thing that my professor said that stuck with me was never shave before getting into any body of water. You can have micro cuts that microorganisms can get into and cause infection.”

Some suggested the spot could be folliculitis. Others speculated about more serious possibilities, including MRSA. Most viewers urged Bakedasbeans to seek medical attention.

What is Folliculitis and MRSA?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, folliculitis is a skin condition that develops when hair follicles become inflamed or infected. It can appear as small red bumps, clusters of pimples or sores. The irritated region may itch, burn or feel tender. The condition can have several causes, including bacteria, fungi, irritation from shaving and exposure to contaminated water. 

Other viewers speculated Bakedasbeans' condition might be MRSA. MRSA stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It is a type of staph bacteria that does not respond to many commonly used antibiotics. According to the CDC, MRSA infections often start through broken skin. The infection can cause painful bumps, abscesses, redness, swelling and warmth around the affected area.

Is swimming after shaving really a health hazard?

Several stories have circulated about people developing Vibrio vulnificus infections after swimming with “cuts or scrapes.” In 2021, for instance, a woman developed an infection caused by Vibrio vulnificus after swimming with freshly shaven legs. The bacteria, which can be deadly in severe cases, naturally occurs in warm coastal waters, and it enters the body through cuts or other openings in the skin.

Dermatologists at the Columbia Skin Clinic recommend shaving the night before swimming rather than right before going into a body of water. It allows skin to heal, which can prevent continued irritation and infection.

What updates has the creator shared?

The creator posted several follow-up videos to keep her audience updated. In one update, she said she believed she had folliculitis and shared that she scheduled a dermatology appointment. She also noted that her doctor did not appear overly concerned about the mark.

Viewers continued returning to the comments in search of answers. Many people encouraged her to seek urgent medical care, while others shared stories about their own experiences with similar unexplained skin conditions.

One person urged,  “Please I beg of you go to urgent care. These things can escalate quickly.”

Another added, “Definitely staph infection, maybe MRSA. you should go to urgent care or ER ASAP.”

Then, another commenter wrote, “Have had these as well. I got it after I went in pools at disney. unfortunately I've had several of them now and even worse news they leave ugly [expletive] scars. I have a few scars now on each of my legs.”

Has the creator received a diagnosis?

In her most recent update, the creator shared that she attended her dermatologist appointment and started taking antibiotics. She explained that side effects from the medication worsened her condition and delayed her posting. The symptoms became severe enough that she required IV treatment for dehydration. She also said that her doctor's office would contact her if test results revealed anything serious.

While Bakedasbeans has started treatment and undergone testing, she has not yet shared a final diagnosis. Until then, viewers continue following her updates in hopes of learning what caused the skin condition.

Buzz News reached out to Bakedasbeans via TikTok direct message for more information.

@the609610

I sent my dr a picture but she hasn't gotten back to me meeeee lol

♬ original sound – bakedasbeans