Experts say to wash newly bought clothes before wearing them — especially if they’re from a second-hand store.
Unfortunately, this one poor soul learned this lesson the hard way.
According to Jam Press, a TikToker (@onenevertwhoo_one) who preferred to only be referred to by his social media name, contracted a skin infection most likely due to his never-washed thrifted clothes.
He explained in a now-viral video that he contracted molluscum contagiosum, a viral skin infection that consists of small, raised bumps on the skin.
Despite looking painful, apparently the condition is harmless and does not require treatment, according to NeedToKnow.
Although this skin disease is often spread through skin-to-skin or sexual contact, the TikToker blames his unwashed thrifted clothes for his welts.
The content creator’s assumption might be accurate because, according to Frances Kozen, a Cornell University senior lecturer in fiber science and apparel design, garments often are treated with a fabric softener, a stain-resistant or water-repellent coating, or an anti-mildew agent that can cause irritation, redness or itching, she told Self magazine.
His vulnerable video received millions of views and thousands of comments.
Some empathised with him: “I hope you get well soon and are as healthy as before.”
And others were confused about how he made this mistake.
“Why don’t you wash your clothes first?” a commenter asked.
“New fear unlocked,” another person chimed in.
“More shocked because just found out someone bought clothes not washed,” someone else wrote.
Dr. Charles Puza, a board-certified NYC dermatologist, also reiterated in a TikTok video the importance of washing your clothes before putting them on, “…especially if you like fast fashion like Shein and Temu.”
“They have things on them that you don’t want on your skin,” he said in the video.
It’s important to note that molluscum contagiosum is not the only skin condition someone can become infected with if they wear clothes straight from a store or online. People also put themselves at risk of contracting ringworm if they don’t listen to the experts.
According to the Mayo Clinic, ringworm, which affects the outer layer of the skin, is itchy, scaly and contagious.
“[Ringworm] can spread through clothing, towels, and bedding that [has] not been disinfected after use by someone with [ringworm],” advised the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in a report.
So if someone is trying on clothes at a store and has ringworm, and you buy those same clothes and don’t wash them first — you’re at risk of also getting the skin condition.
