From Bargains to Bacteria: The Hidden Skin Risks of Thrifted Clothes—and How to Protect Yourself Safely

Thrifting is not a very new concept, however it has gained quite some popularity over the recent years, especially for the young generation, thrifting or second hand clothing isn't really about being economical but more so about being environmental.

Fast Fashion has harmed the environment beyond repair and Generation Z has taken upon themselves the responsibility to make it right. Moreover thrifted clothes have also become a fashion statement because what was fashionable years ago, is making a comeback and what better way to get authentic items than to go thrift shopping.

But the only thing that should make you do a double take before your next thrifting trip, is the thought that many times those clothes have not been properly cleaned or sanitized before being handed out in the market. Thrifted clothes can be a breeding ground for germs and may lead to a lot of skin issues if not sanitized properly before they come in contact to skin.

India's second-hand apparel market is experiencing significant growth, valued at approximately USD 3 billion in 2023 and projected to reach over USD 9 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.04%.

This expansion is driven by increased consumer awareness of sustainability, affordability, and the rise of digital platforms facilitating easy access to pre-owned fashion.

Younger demographics, in particular, are embracing thrifting as a conscious lifestyle choice. However, as the market grows, so do concerns regarding the hygiene and safety of second-hand garments. While thrifting offers economic and environmental benefits, it's crucial to address potential health risks associated with pre-owned clothing to ensure a safe and sustainable fashion experience. ¹

MedBound Times connected with Muskan Yadav, a 23 year old resident of Delhi, about her thoughts on the thrifting business and thrifted articles.

Muskan said, "I won’t ever go thrift shopping to flea markets because vendors pick up clothes usually from people who donate it somewhere. "

"we give our old and used clothes to our house help so that she can wear it, whereas she sells it out to any small vendor so that she can make as much profit by selling that piece of clothing,"

"They are basically your used clothes which are being sold out and everyone is crazy about buying them at cheaper prices," she added.

Second-hand clothing is increasingly popular for its affordability and environmental benefits, but a recent study published in the Iranian Journal of Public Health warns of potential health risks.

According to the research, thrifted garments—especially those that are unwashed—can harbor parasites such as lice (Pediculus), scabies mites (Sarcoptes scabiei), and other ectoparasites. Wearing contaminated clothing may lead to skin conditions including dermatitis, scabies, and fungal infections.

Recently, viral social media cases have also drawn attention to such risks. In one case, a man reportedly developed molluscum contagiosum, a contagious viral skin infection, after wearing unwashed clothes purchased online. The infection is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus, which produces small, dome-shaped bumps on the skin. The virus spreads primarily through direct skin contact but can also be transmitted through contaminated fabrics, towels, or shared personal items. While the infection often resolves on its own within 6 to 12 months, treatment options such as cantharidin application, cryotherapy, or topical agents may be prescribed in persistent cases. ³ ⁴

Similarly, another reported case involved a woman who developed hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) after prolonged contact with unclean thrift bins. HFMD is caused by coxsackieviruses and spreads through contact with nasal secretions, saliva, or contaminated surfaces. The illness leads to fever, mouth sores, and rashes on the hands and feet. While it typically resolves within a week, treatment focuses on supportive care such as hydration, pain relief, and rest. ¹⁰ ¹¹

Experts like Rebecca Pinto, Physical Therapist and Dr. Dana Figura, DPM, AACFAS, note in their respective social media videos that both viruses can survive for hours on contaminated fabrics or surfaces, underlining the need to properly wash or disinfect all pre-owned clothing before use.

The Iranian Journal of Public Health study highlights that parasites can survive on fabrics due to residual moisture, body oils, and inadequate storage. To reduce the risk, experts recommend thoroughly washing all second-hand clothes in hot water, using disinfecting additives when needed, and ironing or steaming items before wearing.²

By adopting these precautions, fashion-conscious shoppers can enjoy thrifted clothing safely while minimizing potential health hazards.

Muskan said, "The prices people are paying to get clothing at cheaper prices may come at a worth of their hygiene and health, why to invest this much of energy just to buy unhygienic and second-hand clothes when you can pay a bit extra and take them from ethical small businesses or good brands."

MedBound times also connected with Parna Banerjee, a first year Delhi University student about her experience with shopping at one of the largest thrifting markets in Delhi, that is, Sarojini Nagar Market.

Sarojini Nagar Market is situated in South Delhi and is infamously known for cheap yet chic clothes, however one needs extreme patience to shop at Sarojini because it is also one of the busiest markets.

Parna who is currently in desperate need of new and trendy clothes during her first semester at college but also on a budget constraint spoke about her experience with thrifted clothes.

"I think Sarojini Nagar is the best place to get clothes when you're on a budget, there are so many options at such low prices," she said.

She added, "However it is true that sometimes those clothes stink and often have unreasonable stains on them, and those do feel unhygienic."

Clothing can carry more than just style—it can also harbor a hidden world of microbes. A recent study found that the microbes from our skin and surroundings transfer onto fabrics, creating unique microbial “fingerprints” that vary between individuals and between worn and unworn garments. Environmental factors, such as storage conditions, further influence these microbial communities.

This has direct relevance for thrifted or second-hand clothing, which may carry microbial traces from previous owners. While certain microbes could even serve as markers of whether clothing has been worn, standard DNA techniques struggle to recover human genetic material, highlighting both the potential risks and scientific limitations.

For those exploring thrift shopping, this research underscores the importance of proper washing and handling of second-hand garments to minimize exposure to lingering microbes. ³

Health experts recommend washing newly purchased or thrifted clothes in hot water and detergent, drying them under sunlight, or steam pressing to eliminate viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Such basic steps can significantly lower the risk of skin infections like molluscum contagiosum or Coxsackie virus–related conditions.³ ¹²

When it comes to thrifting, the hunt begins with style. “The first thing I look for is whether the piece matches my style and then my size,” says Sinjory Bose, a regular thrift shopper. “Even if it doesn’t fit perfectly, I don’t mind because I can always get it tailored or stitch it myself.” For her, the joy lies in finding creative ways to turn one outfit into something completely new, giving old clothes a second life.

But beyond style, Sinjory stresses that safety and care matter just as much. After thrifting, she always cleans the clothes carefully depending on the fabric, sometimes with hot water, sometimes cold, and always with a mild detergent. “It’s important to wash thrifted clothes properly to remove dust or germs they may have picked up from storage,” she explains. Sun-drying, she adds, feels both fresh and hygienic while naturally disinfecting the fabric.

Over time, Sinjory has noticed that wearing and caring for her thrifted clothes helps them last longer. For her, safe thrifting is more than a budget-friendly habit, it’s a blend of creativity, hygiene, and sustainability.

References:

1. Credence Research. India Second-Hand Apparel Market Size, Growth & Forecast 2032. Report ID 43151. Published October 2025. https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/india-second-hand-apparel-market.

2. Rakhshanpour, Arash, Mohammad Reza Youssefi, Hamid Reza Hatamzadeh, and Mohammad Mehdi Sedaghat. “Second-Hand Clothes, a New Threat for Acquiring Parasitic Infection.” Iranian Journal of Public Health 50, no. 1 (2021): 163–168. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8213614/.

3. “Molluscum Contagiosum.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed October 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/molluscum-contagiosum/about/index.html.

4. “Molluscum Contagiosum: What It Is, Symptoms & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic. Accessed October 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12175-molluscum-contagiosum.

5. “Safely Treating Molluscum, a Common Skin Condition.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed October 2025. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/safely-treating-molluscum-common-skin-condition.

6. “Molluscum Contagiosum – NHS.” NHS UK. Accessed October 2025. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/molluscum-contagiosum/.

7. “Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease.” Mayo Clinic. Accessed October 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hand-foot-and-mouth-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353041.

8. “What to Do if Your Child Has Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease.” Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Accessed October 2025. https://www.chop.edu/news/hand-foot-and-mouth-disease-what-you-need-know.

9. “Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease.” Chicago Health Alert Network. Accessed October 2025. https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/2086811/HFMD+One+Pager+10.15.24.pdf.

10. D. Zhang et al. “Hand-Washing: The Main Strategy for Avoiding Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease.” PMC (2016). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4924067/.

11. Procopio, N., M.-Ching Huang, Tasha Goodwin, Norman G. Hubble, Aviv Bergman, and Jo Handelsman. “Transferability of Human and Environmental Microbiome via Clothing.” mSystems 8, no. 5 (2023). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10970523/.

_MSM