A recent viral TikTok video has raised awareness about the potential health risks of wearing new clothes without washing them first. May Ricketts, a retail worker, has shared her story about contracting ringworm after handling garments in a store’s fitting room. Her cautionary tale serves as a warning for anyone eager to wear newly purchased clothes without taking necessary precautions.
The Risk of Ringworm from New Clothes
May Ricketts, who works at a large clothing retailer, explained how she unknowingly contracted ringworm while at work. According to her, she was simply handling clothes in the fitting room when she noticed a rash develop on her skin. Ricketts soon realized that the rash was a sign of ringworm, a fungal infection that can be easily contracted through contact with contaminated fabrics.
In her viral TikTok video, Ricketts emphasized the importance of washing or steaming new clothes before wearing them. She warned her followers not to underestimate the risks of skin infections, especially from items like thrift store finds or clothing that has been handled by many people in stores.
Understanding Ringworm and Its Risks
Ringworm is a common fungal infection that can affect the skin, hair, and nails. Despite its name, it is not caused by a worm, but rather by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes. These fungi thrive in warm, damp environments, making areas like fitting rooms and public clothing spaces ideal breeding grounds for contamination.
The infection typically appears as a red, itchy, circular rash with raised edges, which is why it’s often called “ringworm.” It can spread quickly if the contaminated clothing comes into direct contact with the skin, leading to unpleasant and sometimes painful symptoms.
Why Washing or Steaming New Clothes Matters
According to experts, new clothes can carry a variety of contaminants, including bacteria and fungi, from the manufacturing and shipping process. While not all new garments are contaminated, it’s a good practice to wash or steam them before wearing to reduce the risk of skin infections like ringworm.
Washing clothes in hot water or steaming them with high heat can help kill any harmful microbes that may be present. This is especially important for items like shoes, hats, or thrift store finds that may have been handled by numerous people before reaching the store’s shelves.
May Ricketts’ Warning to Others
Ricketts’ story serves as a reminder to take extra precautions when buying new clothes, particularly if they come from unknown sources or have been tried on by multiple customers. She encourages people to consider washing or steaming their purchases before wearing them, even if they seem clean.
By sharing her experience, Ricketts hopes to prevent others from going through the same discomfort and potential health risks. Her video has garnered widespread attention, with many viewers agreeing that her advice is practical and necessary in today’s world of fast fashion and high foot traffic in stores.
Conclusion
While the temptation to wear new clothes right away can be strong, it’s crucial to remember that washing or steaming garments first can prevent unpleasant and potentially serious skin infections like ringworm. By following simple precautions, people can avoid unnecessary health risks and enjoy their new clothes with confidence.
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