Some Beards May Contain Filthier Bacteria Than Toilets, But There Is Nothing To Worry About

A latest shocking study has revealed that beard of some men are filthier than faeces. According to the study, the beard may harbour enteric bacteria present in the poop. Although the “enteric bacteria” is present in the gut of the humans, the researchers are still not sure whether these bacteria, when present in beard, pose a health threat or not.

The study was conducted by Jon Golobic of Quest Diagnostics. During the study, Golobic analysed the facial hair samples from the beard of men, collected by a TV news network in New Mexico, named KOAT7. Golobic found that a large number of sample hairs tested had bacteria similar to the one in the toilet. Golobic classified the bacteria as enteric, the bacteria which are present in the human gut or intestine.

“Those are the types of things you’d find in faeces,” said Golobic.

Another study published in the journal Anaesthesia earlier revealed that bearded surgeons shed more bacteria from their hair on the face than clean-shaved surgeons. However, researchers suggest that it is not correct to point out that facial hair bacteria are similar to faeces since other enteric bacteria, including E. Coli, are also present on the skin. Therefore, researchers say the human epidermis is no healthier than the beards.

“It’s the same bacteria that’s on your skin. It’s not problematic and it’s not a health risk,” said Professor Hugh Pennington from the University of Aberdeen.

The study conducted by Golobic's has received attention of researchers from all over the world. Even though a few researchers believe that beard with dirt is completely safe, the rest does not agree. According to Carol Walker from The Birmingham Trichonology Center, beards have the tendency to hold more bacteria than the hair on the head since facial hair are more coarse, with bends and folds that can trap greater number of bacteria.

On the contrary, a study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection claims that beard actually reduces the likelihood bacteria being present on the skin, including Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria known to cause golden staph infection and food poisoning. The results were concluded, based on the study conducted on 408 male workers who worked in the hospital.

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