Bad news for hairy hipsters: Men with beards carry more germs than DOGS, scientist warns
From Jason Momoa to Zayn Malik, many Hollywood heartthrobs are known for their bushy beards.
But a new report might steer you towards more clean-shaven men.
Dr Primrose Freestone, an expert in Clinical Microbiology at the University of Leicester, has warned that men with beards can carry more germs than dog fur.
In an article for The Conversation, the expert explained that beards provide a unique environment for microorganisms – including bacteria – to thrive.
And in the most extreme cases, some bearded blokes are carrying more germs than the average toilet.
Dr Freestone analysed the evidence on whether beards really are a hygiene risk.
'Beards create a warm, often moist environment where food debris and oils can accumulate – ideal conditions for microbial growth,' she said.
'These microbes thrive not just because of the warm, moist conditions beards provide, but also because of constant exposure to new contaminants and microbes, especially from hands that frequently touch surfaces and the face.'
Studies dating back 50 years show that facial hair can retain bacteria and bacterial toxins even after it has been washed.
This led to the longstanding idea that beards harbour bacteria and could pose an infection risk to others.
One study, published in 2018, looked at whether it would be hygienic to evaluate dogs and humans in the same MRI scanner.
Analysis revealed most beards contained significantly more microbes than dog fur – including a greater number of harmful bacteria.
The study, published in the Nature journal European Radiology, reads: 'Our study shows a significantly higher bacterial load in specimens taken from men's beards compared with dogs' fur.
'All 18 men showed high microbial counts, whereas only 23 out of 30 dogs had high microbial counts and seven dogs moderate microbial counts.'
Beards can also sometimes spread skin infection such as impetigo – a contagious rash often caused by Staphylococcus aureus, which is commonly found in facial hair.
Sometimes, in rare cases, parasites like pubic lice, which usually live in the groin area, can also show up in beards.
However, other studies have challenged the idea that beards increase infection risk.
One investigation concluded that there is no significant difference in bacteria colonisation between bearded and clean-shaven healthcare workers.
'Neglected beards can foster irritation, inflammation and infection,' Dr Freestone said.
'The skin beneath a beard – rich in blood vessels, nerve endings and immune cells – is highly sensitive to microbial and environmental stressors.
'When sebum, dead skin, food debris and pollutants accumulate, they can irritate the skin and provide fuel for fungal and bacterial growth.'
Bearded men should wash their beard and face every day, experts say, to help remove dirt, oils, allergens and dead skin.
Other tips include moisturising to prevent dryness, using a beard comb to remove debris, and trimming to control loose hairs.
'With daily hygiene and proper grooming, beards pose little risk and may even be healthier than we once thought,' Dr Freestone concluded.
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