Vinted
Vinted is a platform where you can buy and sell second-hand clothing. A kind of Marketplace, but specifically focused on fashion. It is a European platform and so you can also buy things from abroad. Thanks to the intermediary, you are always guaranteed a safe order and authenticity check when it concerns branded items. A good option if you want to shop sustainably and affordable.
Danger
That all sounds well and good, but there is indeed a danger in buying second-hand clothing. You can contract scabies from it. Yes really! Scabies is a ‘harmless’ condition, but it can cause a lot of trouble. Not only because of the itching, but also because of the intensive treatment. You have to take pills, apply creams and change and wash your clothes and bedding every day.
Scabies
Scabies is caused by the scabies mite. (official name: scabies) It is very contagious and you can get it through prolonged or regular intensive physical contact, but also through shared use of clothing. The number of people with scabies is rising far above the 2021 level. While scabies has mainly been prevalent in student circles in recent years, an increase can now also be seen among young children and the elderly, according to figures from the Nivel institute.
Tips for second-hand clothing
Buying second-hand clothing is still a good idea, but if you want to prevent scabies, a few precautions are necessary. General practitioner Mariel Kok gives in The Stentor some more useful tips: “Worn clothing should be kept in a sealed bag for three days. Then you need to take out the clothes with gloves on and wash them at 60 degrees. This also applies to hats, scarves, jackets, gloves.”
You may not want to wash some clothes too hot, such as wool or silk. Leave those clothes in a sealed bag for a little longer. Be careful, because: “If you forget one part, there is a chance that you will have to start all over again,” says Mariel Kok.
Treatment plan
Do you have scabies? Then a treatment plan is crucial. The Dutch Association for Dermatology and Venereology has a handy treatment plan that explains exactly what you should do if you have scabies. Do you live with roommates? They must also follow a step-by-step plan to prevent the spread.
In short: definitely keep buying second-hand clothing, but wash it very well before wearing it. So don’t try it on first.
Source: the Stentor | Dragonfly
