Thrifting, the trend of purchasing and wearing secondhand clothing, has grown increasingly popular among young people.
While many can afford quality clothing at reasonable prices, buying pre-owned garments should be approached with caution.
Several consumers have reported experiencing skin infections after wearing secondhand clothing.
Used garments that are not properly cleaned may risk transmitting infectious skin diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, and triggering non-infectious conditions such as dermatitis.
Adissa Tiara Yulinvia, MD, a dermatology and venereology specialist from the UGM Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM), stated that skin diseases are transmitted through direct contact between unclean secondhand clothing and the wearer’s skin.
“Secondhand clothing that hasn’t been properly cleaned may contain infectious organisms or substances that can cause allergic or irritant reactions when in contact with the wearer’s skin,” she explained Thursday (Apr. 8).
Yulinvia added that anyone who develops skin condition symptoms should seek medical attention from a general practitioner or dermatologist.
However, preventive measures can be taken to reduce the risk of skin disease transmission from secondhand clothing.
For those who purchase pre-owned garments, she recommended always washing them before use.
Clothing should be soaked for 2–3 hours in water heated to approximately 60 degrees Celsius, using detergent or a disinfectant.
She advised, “Be sure to wash them separately from other clothes. After washing and drying, it’s best to iron the garments. “
She also recommended storing clothing in a dry environment with low humidity, as most infectious organisms thrive in damp conditions.
“Always ensure the cleanliness of any secondhand clothing purchased, and consult a doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms after wearing it,” Yulinvia emphasized.
Author: Jelita Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Illustration: Antara