A dermatologist warns travelers to avoid using amenities such as the free shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in hotel showers. However, some viewers are split on whether her hotel caution is warranted.
In a video with over 200,000 views, TikToker and dermatologist Dr. M (@rootedderm) shares her routine for avoiding skin irritation while staying at hotels.
First, she warns viewers to check thoroughly for bed bugs, which can cause irritating bites and easily infest materials they come in contact with. She never puts her suitcase or shoes on the hotel carpet and instead leaves them on hard surfaces.
She also brings a cheap pair of flip-flops to use in the shower to avoid coming into contact with fungus in the bathroom. The caption reads, “This may seem like a lot, but you’ll thank me later when you don’t get warts or athlete’s foot after a hotel stay.”
However, one of her tips is surprising to travelers.
Why doesn’t the dermatologist use the hotel’s shower products?
She insists that she doesn’t use the pre-stocked shampoo and conditioner in the hotel showers.
“I’ve heard horror stories of them getting messed with and stuff put in them. So I just don’t trust them,” she says. “Also, a lot of times these have tons of fragrance in them and irritate my skin. I usually bring my own stuff.”
According to the subreddit r/YouShouldKnow, some users have heard stories of hotel guests putting hair removal cream, bodily fluids, or other contaminants in the bottles.
“Great, another reason to add to my list of hangups about using anything other than my own toiletries when I’m traveling,” one commenter in the forum laments.
Will viewers follow her advice?
In the comments of Dr. M’s video, viewers are split on whether they should follow her anti-irritation hotel tips. Some say they aren’t worried about cleanliness or encountering contaminants during their stay.
“My god. I must be the only person who thinks this is overkill. Like where are you staying???” one says.
“I typically sleep like a bat on the chandelier in the lobby & leave my suitcase in my car to be on the safe side,” another writes sarcastically.
Others say they agree with the dermatologist’s extra caution when staying in a hotel.
“I’m not a dermatologist but I do all the same things!! lysol everything!!! put the remote in a clear bag,” a commenter writes.
“Always terrified that someone would put nair in that type of shampoo lol,” another says.
“As a frequent traveler for work I agree! Also bring disposable sheets/pillow cases and disinfectant wipes to wipe down all surfaces,” a third adds.
@rootedderm This may seem like a lot but you’ll thank me later when you don’t get warts or athletes foot after a hotel stay ? #dermatologist #dermtok #fyp #foryoupage ♬ original sound – Dr. M ?
The Mary Sue reached out to Dr. M via email for further comment.
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