Avoided Bushy Beards for Being 'Dirtier Than a Toilet'? Experts Offer a Surprising Response

"Skin Is Full of Microorganisms... Not All Are Harmful"
"Beards Do Not Increase the Risk of Infection to Others"

Although a variety of microorganisms exist in beards, experts have stated that the claim that beards are less hygienic than toilet seats lacks scientific evidence.

The claim that beards are less hygienic than toilets lacks scientific evidence. Photo by Pixabay

According to a recent report by the Washington Post (WP), experts in various fields have said, "It is extremely unlikely that mustaches or beards harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat."

The report notes that the perception of beards as potential carriers of disease has existed for about 60 years. In 1967, a study led by microbiologist Manuel S. Barbeito involved spraying bacteria onto the beards of research participants, and found that even after washing with soap and water, some bacteria remained. Subsequent studies comparing bacteria found in beards and on toilet seats contributed to the growing perception that beards are unhygienic.

However, experts believe there is no need to be overly concerned about bacteria and viruses in beards. Shari Lipner, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine in the United States, explained that human skin is teeming with microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and even eyelashes host mites, adding, "Not all microorganisms are harmful."

Kimberly Davis, associate professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, also stated, "Just as there are bacteria all over our bodies, there are bacteria in beards as well." She added, "Microorganisms generally do not pose a problem unless they enter the body through wounds, ulcers, or other skin damage," and further explained, "Even in such cases, our bodies are capable of controlling and eliminating these microorganisms."

Nevertheless, beards can pose a problem in medical environments. A previous small-scale study found that men with beards who wore medical masks could potentially release more bacteria than clean-shaven men.

However, another study involving more than 400 male healthcare workers found no evidence that men with beards carried more bacteria than those without. In fact, the results suggested that micro-abrasions caused by shaving could more easily transmit pathogenic bacteria.

William Schaffner, a professor at Vanderbilt University in the United States, explained, "We have confirmed that gentlemen with beards or mustaches do not increase the risk of infection for anyone, including their partners."