Are Beards Full of Germs? Exposing the Facts
While it is a widely held belief that beards are repositories for germs and bacteria, the truth about the microbiome of beards is much more nuanced. This article delves into the research behind beard bacteria and the lowdown on whether beards are truly as germy as they might seem.
Understanding the Microbiome
Before discussing beard bacteria, it is important to understand the concept of the microbiome. The human body, from head to toe, is teeming with both beneficial and harmful bacteria. These bacteria, collectively known as the human microbiome, play a crucial role in maintaining our health. Beneficial bacteria in the mouth, nostrils, and gut, for example, competitively inhibit pathogens from taking hold and causing disease.
Beards and Bacteria: More Than Just Germs
A recent study published in The Daily Mail investigated the bacteria content in beards and found that nearly half of the beard samples contained hazardous bacteria. This news, however, has been met with mixed reactions. Interestingly, scientists were not examining the bacterial content in beards to scare people away from them, but rather to understand whether humans could contract dog-borne diseases from MRI scanners shared by veterinarians. The study took swabs from the facial hair of 18 men and the necks of 30 dogs of various breeds.
The study found that all 18 bearded men had high microbial counts, while only 23 of the 30 dogs showed similar high levels of bacteria. This suggests that beards can indeed be hosts to a variety of bacteria, but it doesn't necessarily mean they are more problematic than other surfaces.
Hair vs. Beards: Are They Really Dirtier?
Beards and hair, to an extent, serve a similar purpose. Hair harbors bacteria just as beards do, and both can come into contact with food and drink. However, body hair, such as that on the head, is usually washed more frequently than facial hair. This frequent washing helps to eliminate much of the bacteria present.
Another factor to consider is the lifestyle of beard wearers. Many professional services, such as barbers or masseurs, require frequent washing and care of their facial hair, further reducing the risk of bacterial contamination. Additionally, proper cleansing and grooming practices can mitigate the potential for bacterial growth.
The Myth of Germy Beards
Despite these findings, the popular perception of beards as germ-filled has persisted. A segment on a recent morning news show confirmed that men’s beards carry one of the highest concentrations of bacteria on our bodies. Interestingly, they also mentioned that our cellphones carry an astronomical amount of germs, which is often overlooked in discussions about beard hygiene.
Some researchers suggest that the frequent negative stories about beards reflect more of a societal issue with pogonophobia (extreme dislike of beards) than a legitimate health concern. It is important to approach discussions about beard hygiene with a balanced perspective, considering the role of bacteria in our microbiome and the practical steps that can be taken to maintain hygiene.
Conclusion
The research on beard bacteria highlights the complexity of the situation. Beards can indeed harbor bacteria, but so can other parts of our body and common everyday objects like cellphones. By understanding the role of the microbiome and adopting proper hygiene practices, beard wearers can confidently continue to embrace their beards without undue concern about germs.