Reality star Lala Kent opened up on her iHeartRadio podcast Untraditionally Lala on January 14 about a painful and unusual allergic reaction she experienced following a vacation in Hawaii. The 35-year-old Vanderpump Rules alum described oozing boils that developed after what initially appeared to be bug bites, prompting medical testing and a dermatologist visit.

---

“Gnarly” Reaction During Hawaii Vacation

Kent shared the story with her mother, Lisa Burningham, while referencing Bethenny Frankel’s recent Instagram post about contracting a bacterial infection during her trip to St. Barths on January 4. Kent recalled:

“You guys, OMG, I have to tell you guys a story. So I wake up one morning and I look at my body and there’s like what looks to be little bites and it starts on my chest and on my back.”

She described the rash as “gnarly”, noting that the bites grew larger and became itchy. Kent initially suspected she might have brought sand mites back from Hawaii.

“I’m going to call it what it is. Boils. They were f—ing boils. Yeah, disgusting,” Kent added, describing how the boils were oozing and caused significant discomfort.

---

Medical Testing and Diagnosis

Concerned about the severity of the boils, Kent underwent a biopsy and testing. A medical professional, fully suited in protective gear, lanced the boils to determine the cause. Tests ruled out:

• Staph infection
• Chickenpox
• Monkeypox
• Bacterial infection

“Biopsy comes back and it’s most consistent with what looked like a rare reaction to a bug bite. Yeah, so mine was not bacterial like Bethenny Frankel’s,” Kent explained.

Kent then visited a dermatologist for treatment to prevent scarring. She was prescribed:

• A steroid
• Two steroid creams
• An antibiotic
• Oral steroid medication

She explained her concerns about scarring due to the severity of the boils.

---

Lala Kent Compares Her Case to Bethenny Frankel

Kent referenced Bethenny Frankel’s bacterial infection during her New Year’s trip to St. Barths. Frankel, 55, had shared photos of a facial rash on Instagram but did not disclose the source of the infection.

Kent emphasized that while both situations involved skin reactions during tropical vacations, hers was an allergic reaction to bug bites, not a bacterial infection.

“Mine was not bacterial like Bethenny Frankel’s,” Kent reiterated.

---

Public Awareness: Tropical Bug Bites Can Trigger Rare Reactions

Kent’s story highlights the potential risks of bug bites in tropical regions, which can sometimes lead to rare allergic reactions or severe skin conditions. Fans and travelers are encouraged to:

• Use insect repellent in tropical climates
• Seek medical attention if unusual rashes or boils develop
• Monitor for signs of infection, especially when bites worsen

Her experience serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor bug bites can occasionally lead to significant health concerns, particularly for travelers in regions like Hawaii.

---

Lala Kent’s Takeaways

In her Untraditionally Lala podcast, Kent described herself as “patient zero” for the reaction and shared her journey from discovery to medical intervention. She concluded by reassuring fans that prompt medical testing helped rule out dangerous infections, allowing her to focus on healing and recovery.