If you’re a regular on the New York Citysubway, you’re probably used to the occasional grime or mysterious stain. We all try to avoid touching the poles when we can, but a recent story from content creator Anna Manocha, @anna.manocha on TikTok, is serving as a major wake-up call for anyone who values their skin health.
In a viral video that has racked up 1.6M views, Manocha shared her experience of contracting a viral skin infection after leaning against a subway pole with her bare skin. It’s a gross, yet incredibly practical reminder that those metal surfaces are home to more than just fingerprints. Manocha, who creates content about the daily chaos of city living, explained that she started wearing tank tops as the weather warmed up.
To avoid gripping the poles with her hands, she decided to use her shoulder and elbow for balance instead. It seemed like a smart move at the time, but it backfired about a month later. During a routine visit to her dermatologist, her doctor spotted a mark on her shoulder that looked like a mole. When Manocha dismissed it, the doctor identified it as a viral infection often linked to contact with contaminated surfaces on the subway.
The diagnosis was molluscum contagiosum
In the comments Manocha specified that the mark indicated molluscum contagiosum. Her dermatologist explained that it’s a condition popularly seen in NYC and is caused by ‘touching disgusting things in the subway’. Manocha was told she was incredibly lucky that the infection was caught early…