A young Indonesian man's viral TikTok series documents his battle with a rare skin infection that developed after wearing second-hand clothing without washing them first.
According to the Daily Mail, TikToker @onenevertwhoo_one contracted molluscum contagiosum, a viral skin infection that manifests as clusters of small, raised bumps on the face and neck, after wearing pre-owned clothes directly from a thrift store.
The social media influencer has been sharing his journey with the disease since August 2024, showing followers the progression of symptoms through multiple videos. His experience serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of properly cleaning second-hand clothing before wear, as unwashed garments can harbor various pathogens from previous owners.
Dr. Primrose Freestone, a senior lecturer in Clinical Microbiology at the University of Leicester, emphasizes that second-hand clothes often contain numerous harmful organisms. She explains that these garments may carry bacteria, fungi, and viruses capable of causing various health issues ranging from minor skin irritations to more serious infections.
The expert advises that pre-owned fashion items should be thoroughly disinfected before wearing. This precautionary step helps eliminate potential pathogens that could lead to health complications.
Dr. Freestone provided specific guidance for cleaning second-hand clothing:
It's recommended that you wash newly purchased secondhand clothes with detergent at a temperature of around 60°C. This will not only clean any dirt from the clothes, but will also remove germs and inactivate pathogens. Cold water will not work as well to get rid of pathogens within clothing. So if a high-temperature wash isn't possible, then use a laundry disinfectant to kill any germs present.
The viral infection typically spreads through direct skin contact or contaminated objects. While it often resolves independently, the condition can persist anywhere from six months to two years, making prevention crucial.
Molluscum contagiosum affects approximately six million Americans annually, with children between ages one and fourteen comprising the majority of cases. The infection produces characteristic symptoms including raised, round, skin-colored bumps smaller than six millimeters in diameter.
Medical professionals recommend various treatment options, including topical medications such as potassium hydroxide, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and tretinoin to accelerate recovery. These treatments can help manage symptoms and potentially reduce the duration of the infection.
Experts suggest keeping newly purchased second-hand clothes separate from regular laundry to prevent cross-contamination. This isolation practice helps contain any potential pathogens present in the pre-owned items.
A recommended cleaning method involves soaking second-hand clothing in hand-hot water with antibacterial laundry detergent for two to three hours. Following this initial soak, clothes should undergo a regular machine wash cycle.
The Indonesian TikToker's experience with molluscum contagiosum from unwashed thrift store clothing has sparked discussions about second-hand shopping safety. His viral videos document the progression of skin lesions, primarily affecting his face and neck areas, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of proper clothing hygiene.
Healthcare experts emphasize that while thrift shopping offers economic and environmental benefits, taking proper precautions with pre-owned clothing is essential for preventing the transmission of various infectious diseases. The incident underscores the need for awareness about potential health risks associated with wearing unwashed second-hand clothing and the importance of following recommended cleaning protocols.
