Risk of skin diseases when wearing "secondhand" clothes

According to Dr. Bui Manh Ha, Head of the Referral Department at the Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital, "secondhand" or "sida" goods refer to certain items such as used clothing and shoes, donated to Vietnam by the Swedish Sida organization during a difficult period, but then smuggled onto the market and sold on sidewalks or in small shops. However, gradually, this term has come to be used for all types of used clothing, shoes, scarves, hats, fashion accessories, etc., sold without clear origin.

It cannot be definitively stated that the patient's illness was caused by using secondhand clothing; however, this is one of the high-risk factors associated with several common skin diseases at the Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital.

Nguy cơ mắc bệnh da liễu khi mặc đồ secondhand - Ảnh 1.

A secondhand clothing store in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: NLDO

Dr. Ha stated that used clothing is often not sterilized; it is stored for a long time in poor hygiene; and it is treated with bleaching, dyeing, and refurbishing using chemicals of unknown origin and not meeting safety standards. Therefore, when used, or even when tried on, it can cause several common skin diseases such as: fungal infections including ringworm, tinea versicolor, athlete's foot, gynecological infections caused by fungi…; parasitic infections: scabies, lice…; infections: folliculitis, boils…; viral infections: risk of contracting genital warts, common warts…; allergies, contact dermatitis: due to chemicals, dirt, or microorganisms present in unsterilized used clothing… And potentially many other infectious agents.

"The health risks associated with using secondhand clothing and personal items of unknown origin may not be completely eliminated, even with thorough cleaning. Therefore, their use should be limited," said Dr. Ha.

If people wish to use them, Dr. Ha advises that it's best to soak and wash them multiple times, sterilize them by steaming, and dry them thoroughly in the sun before use. And they should not try on clothes immediately. Swimsuits, underwear, and towels should absolutely not be used.

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