A woman from south London has been left with second-degree burns after shapewear she bought on TikTok Shop 'melted' into her skin. Molly-May Watson, 27, purchased the £8.57 'Spanx-like' shorts from a seller on the app in May 2024.
She wore them for the first time at a baby shower for her sister on July 27, 2024, and felt a burning sensation on her upper right thigh. Rushing to the bathroom, she found the elastane material had fused with her skin and had to rip the shorts off.
The following day, she attended A&E at St Thomas' Hospital in London, where doctors said she could be 'scarred for life'. The hospital was uncertain whether the injury was a heat burn or a chemical reaction.
After complaining to TikTok Shop, she was offered a refund and a £10 coupon, which she refused. TikTok confirmed the seller's listing and page were removed in June 2024, and a spokesperson said compensation had been provided.
Ms Watson, an executive assistant from Kennington, said she now avoids budget or third-party sellers. She has been working from home while recovering and has been advised to monitor the burns for any changes.
