General practitioner Yevgeny Tarasov has warned Russians about health risks linked to second-hand clothing, identifying fungal infections as the primary threat when wearing pre-owned garments, in an interview published by regional news outlet Podmoskovye Segodnya.
Tarasov explained that contaminated clothing can transmit dermatophytes, a group of fungi responsible for ringworm as well as damage to skin and nails. He noted that fungal infections can remain asymptomatic for long periods before manifesting as persistent itching, skin peeling, and reddish spots.
Dermatophytes are microscopic organisms that feed on keratin, the protective protein found in human skin, hair, and nails. Ringworm, known medically as tinea, is a common superficial fungal infection that causes circular red patches on the skin. Because fungal spores can survive on synthetic and natural fabric fibers for weeks in dark or damp conditions, unwashed garments passed between individuals serve as a primary vector for transmission.
Parasite risks and body lice transmission
Beyond fungal pathogens, Tarasov warned of parasitic risks associated with second-hand apparel. He emphasized that body lice can be transmitted through garments such as jackets or dresses previously worn by an infected individual, whereas head lice require direct hair-to-hair contact to spread from person to person.
Unlike head lice, which attach themselves to hair shafts close to the scalp, body lice live and lay their eggs in the seams of clothing. They move to the skin only to feed, making pre-owned outerwear and unwashed clothing items effective carriers of the parasites.
Tarasov also addressed the risk of scabies, noting that the condition spreads through clothing and bed linen less frequently than fungal infections. However, he urged anyone who experiences intense itching at night, particularly between the fingers or on the wrists, elbows, and armpits, to consult a physician immediately rather than attempt self-treatment.
Scabies is a skin infestation caused by microscopic human itch mites that burrow into the upper layer of the skin to live and lay eggs. Medical guidelines emphasize early diagnosis and prescription treatments to eradicate mites and prevent household transmission.
Viruses not spread by clothing and washing guidelines
Clarifying public misconceptions about severe diseases, Tarasov stated that serious infections such as HIV and hepatitis are not transmitted through clothing. He explained that these viruses require direct contact with blood or sexual fluids and cannot survive or spread via textile fabrics.
Human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B and C viruses are blood-borne pathogens that break down rapidly outside the human body when exposed to air and dry environments, making casual contact through garments scientifically impossible.
To protect against dermatophytes and parasitic pests, Tarasov stated that every newly acquired garment must be washed before its first use. He emphasized that this precaution is essential for all items, including those purchased through online e-commerce marketplaces.
Standard public health advice recommends laundering second-hand items in hot water at 60 degrees Celsius or using high-heat steam ironing, methods known to kill fungal spores, mites, and insect eggs embedded in fabric seams.
The doctor's warning comes after reports published in March revealed that consumers in Russia had started buying worn, unwashed underwear on online marketplace platforms.
