A simple stroll on the beach turned into a frightening experience for a Malaysian woman after she developed a skin infection from walking barefoot in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan.
In a viral Threads post, she described the ordeal as “traumatising,” saying she had no idea her seaside walk could trigger a lifelong fear. She was later admitted to hospital and diagnosed with bilateral foot itchiness, believed to have been caused by parasites or irritants in the sand.
Medical research shows that walking barefoot on beaches can expose people to hookworm larvae, sand fleas, or contact dermatitis from allergens or chemical contaminants. These can all lead to severe itching and infection.
Netizens warned that Port Dickson beaches may not have the best hygiene and advised caution. Many shared that infections from beaches and waterfall areas are more common than people realise. Comments highlighted concerns over murky water and frothy waves, urging visitors to wear footwear even during casual walks.
This incident serves as a reminder to protect your feet at the beach and be aware of environmental risks, even in seemingly harmless recreational settings.
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