A viral video from content creator May Ricketts warned shoppers about the risk of contracting ringworm from unwashed clothes. Ricketts shared her own experience of getting ringworm while working in a fitting room at a retail store. Ringworm is a highly contagious fungal infection that causes an itchy, scaly rash on the skin. The name “ringworm” is derived from the circular shape the rash tends to form on the infected area. It is caused by mold-like parasites that live on the outer layer of the skin.
Ringworm is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, contact with animals, dirt, and even through contact with contaminated clothing, towels, and bedding. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has warned that new strains of the fungus have emerged in recent years. Ricketts emphasized the importance of washing new clothes before wearing them to prevent the spread of ringworm and other infections. She highlighted the potential risks associated with trying on unwashed clothes at stores, as they may have been tried on by multiple individuals before being purchased.
Ricketts shared that she contracted ringworm without even putting the clothes on, simply by handling them. She urged viewers to be cautious when trying on clothes in stores, as they may unknowingly expose themselves to various contaminants, including ringworm. Ricketts expressed concern about the lack of awareness among shoppers regarding the cleanliness of clothes in stores, emphasizing that even seemingly clean clothes could carry harmful pathogens.
The video resonated with over 300,000 TikTok viewers, highlighting the importance of practicing hygiene and taking precautions when handling new clothes. Ricketts advised viewers to be vigilant and mindful of the potential risks associated with trying on unwashed clothes. She emphasized that the spread of infections like ringworm can be prevented by washing and disinfecting clothes before wearing them. By sharing her personal experience, Ricketts aimed to educate and raise awareness about the importance of cleanliness and hygiene in retail settings.
Ricketts described the dangers of assuming that clothes on hangers are clean and emphasized that multiple individuals may have tried on the same garment before it is purchased. She warned against the potential consequences of coming into contact with contaminated clothing and stressed the importance of taking preventive measures to avoid infections. Ricketts’s video served as a cautionary tale for shoppers, reminding them to prioritize hygiene and cleanliness when trying on clothes in stores to protect themselves from harmful pathogens like ringworm.
