‘Put some clothes on’: NYC woman leans against a subway pole. Then her doctor told her to cover up after months-long battle with bizarre infection
An NYC subway horror story.
If you’re a regular on the New York City subway, 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.
If left untreated, it can spread and cause unpleasant pimples across the body. The doctor’s advice was simple but firm, telling her to cover up more carefully while riding public transit.
The story didn’t stop there for Manocha. She later met a guy who was dealing with the exact same issue on his arm. She ended up helping him out by identifying the infection and pushing him to seek medical treatment. He had to go through a months-long process of having the spots frozen off his body, which really drives home how persistent these infections can be.
Manocha’s video has sparked a massive conversation, with over 1K comments from fellow New Yorkers sharing their own stories of transit horrors. Users have reported everything from warts to ringworm, proving that the subway is a breeding ground for all sorts of skin issues.
The comments were a treasure trove of personal experiences
One commenter, SoySpooks, noted how annoying it is to stay balanced without holding onto something, while others like Katkaunang shared that they’ve tried to avoid touching surfaces only to lose their balance and fall. It’s a difficult trade-off, especially when you’re trying to stay upright on a moving train. The comments section is filled with shock, with some long-time residents admitting they had no idea such an infection was even a possibility.
This concern over subway hygiene isn’t just limited to what’s happening inside the cars. A September 17, 2026, report from Gothamist, states that the exteriors of trains on the E, F, L, M, and R lines are looking particularly rough these days. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is currently undergoing a $73 million project to repair its car washers at the Jamaica and Canarsie yards.
Because these machines are out of commission, the trains are running with significant grime on the outside. The agency expects the work at Jamaica to continue until 2028, and they are planning to overhaul the 207th Street yard next year.
While some riders, like Keron Gray, argue that they only care about the cleanliness of the interior, others are understandably bothered by the state of the trains. Michelle Godoy, a commuter from Bensonhurst, described the black streaks on an L train as looking like a fossilized coffee stain. It’s enough to make anyone carry around extra hand sanitizer and wipes.
Annelies Clemente, a visitor from Walden, New York, expressed her frustration at the West Fourth Street station, noting that she believes cleanliness would make the city a much more wonderful place to live.
A comprehensive train wash rehabilitation program is on the cards
The MTA spokesperson, Laura Cala-Rauch, stated that the agency is working on a comprehensive train wash rehabilitation program. They are aiming to deliver new facilities that will eventually give New Yorkers the clean cars they deserve. Until those upgrades are finished, commuters are left to deal with the reality of aging infrastructure and the visible grime that comes with it.
Whether it’s the exterior of the train or the poles inside, the message from both the MTA’s current state and Manocha’s experience is clear: You need to be extra cautious about what you touch in public spaces. Manocha’s video isn’t meant to be pure alarmism. Rather, it is a hard-earned lesson for the rest of us. She emphasizes that she’s grateful for her dermatologist’s sharp eye.
By turning a private medical scare into a piece of public advice, she’s reminding everyone that the subway environment is constantly shifting. As temperatures rise and we start shedding our winter layers, our skin becomes more vulnerable to these contact-related infections. Think twice before leaning against that pole in a tank top. It might feel like a minor choice in the moment, but the potential for a months-long battle with a viral infection is a risk that’s just not worth taking.
Keep your skin covered, carry your sanitizer, and stay aware of your surroundings. It’s just part of the reality of navigating dense urban life in the city. If you’d like to avoid an unwanted souvenir from your morning commute, it’s best to keep a layer of fabric between you and the subway.
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