Risk of skin diseases when wearing "secondhand" clothes

According to Dr. Bui Manh Ha, Head of the Department of Dermatology Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, "secondhand" or "sida" goods refer to a number of items such as used clothes, shoes, etc., donated by the Swedish Sida organization to Vietnam during difficult times, but smuggled into the market and sold on sidewalks or small shops. But gradually, this term is used for all types of used clothes, shoes, scarves, hats, fashion accessories, etc., sold without a clear origin.

It is not possible to confirm with certainty that the patient got the disease due to using "AIDS" products, however, this is one of the high risk factors related to some common skin diseases at the Dermatology Hospital of Ho Chi Minh City.

A sida sales point in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: NLDO

Dr. Ha said that used clothes are often not sterilized; stored for a long time and in an unhygienic manner; treated with bleach, dye, and renewal with chemicals of unknown origin, not meeting safety standards; so when used, or even when trying on, they can cause some very common skin diseases such as: fungal infections including ringworm, ringworm, intertrigo, gynecological infections caused by fungi...; parasitic infections: scabies, lice...; infections: folliculitis, boils...; viral infections: risk of spreading cockscomb, warts...; allergies, contact dermatitis: caused by chemicals, dirt, or microorganisms in old clothes that are not sterilized... And possibly many other infectious agents.

"The risk of disease when using used clothes and personal items of unknown origin cannot be completely eliminated, even if we have carefully processed them ourselves. Therefore, we should limit their use," said Dr. Ha.

In case you want to use it, Dr. Ha recommends that people should soak it many times, sterilize it by steaming it, and dry it in the sun before using it. And you should not try on the clothes right away. Bathing suits, underwear, and towels should absolutely not be used.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/suc-khoe/nguy-co-mac-benh-da-lieu-khi-mac-do-secondhand-20230617140338702.htm