Man develops skin infection on face after wearing unwashed pre-owned clothes. Video

While the infection, molluscum contagiosum, looks uncomfortable, health information sites reported that it is generally painless. (Image credit: @onenevertwhoo_one)

A TikTok content creator's experience has turned into a cautionary tale after he contracted a viral skin infection from wearing thrifted clothes that he never washed. The Indonesian man, identified only by his username @onenevertwhoo_one shared his experience in a video that is viral on other social media platforms as well.

In the video, the TikToker displayed small, raised bumps on his skin, characteristic of an infection called molluscum contagiosum. While the condition may appear uncomfortable, health information site NeedToKnow reported that the infection is generally painless and often resolves without treatment. According to another health information site, Mayo Clinic, molluscum contagiosum is a fairly common skin infection caused by a virus. "It causes round, firm, painless bumps ranging in size from a pinhead to a pencil eraser. If the bumps are scratched or injured, the infection can spread to nearby skin. Molluscum contagiosum also spreads through person-to-person contact and contact with infected objects," the website stated.

@onenevertwhoo_one believes he contracted the infection from his habit of wearing second-hand clothes without washing it first.

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Reacting to this, Frances Kozen, a senior lecturer in fiber science and apparel design at Cornell University, told the New York Post that "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."

Meanwhile, the TikToker's viral video has garnered millions of views and thousands of comments from the online community.

Some viewers expressed sympathy, with one commenter writing, “I hope you get well soon and are as healthy as before.”

Others voiced confusion and disbelief at the content creator's oversight. “Why don’t you wash your clothes first?” one commenter questioned. “More shocked because just found out someone bought clothes not washed,” wrote another user.