Man says he contracted horrifying skin disease from wearing second-hand clothes

Thursday, May 1, 2025 - Experts have urged people to wash newly bought clothes before wearing them, especially if they’re from a second-hand store, and a TikTok user is learning the hard way why this is necessary 

According to Jam Press, a TikToker, @‌onenevertwhoo_one, who preferred to only be referred to by his social media name, contracted a skin infection 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 skin condition. 

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. 

The young man's video showing his face with bumps on it received millions of views and thousands of comments. 

Some empathized 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. 

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.