Doctor warns in opposition to ‘probably lethal’ TikTok skincare development – ‘Watch out’

Aug 02, 2023 at 1:03 AM
Doctor warns in opposition to ‘probably lethal’ TikTok skincare development – ‘Watch out’

Between cabinets being continuously restocked with the newest skincare merchandise and new magnificence ideas taking up TikTok on a weekly foundation, it’s arduous to navigate the world of pores and skin health.

While it might sound extra tangible to select up a tip from an individual who examined it, a GP at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, Dr Neel Patel, has shared to “be careful” round TikTok traits.

According to the physician, the newest hack on the social media platform, claiming that cyanide can stop zits and zits scars, is “worrying”.

The TikTok video that has over 440,000 views and 77,000 likes highlights apricot kernels as a potential zits therapy.

The girl within the video suggests her clear pores and skin could also be as a result of quantity of apricot kernels she ate as a toddler.

The TikTok person goes on to warn viewers in opposition to attempting this therapy themselves, saying that whereas her skin may be good, she “should probably also not be alive right now” based mostly on science.

Dr Patel defined how precisely this skincare tip may be “potentially deadly”.

He stated: “Apricot stones contain a compound called amygdalin which converts to cyanide once eaten.

“Cyanide is a rapidly acting, potentially deadly poison which interferes with the body’s ability to use oxygen.”

Worryingly, long-term signs of cyanide poisoning embody coma, excessive or low blood pressure, lack of consciousness, lung harm, seizures and even loss of life.

The good news is that meals that comprise cyanide are inclined to have very low doses however the physician urged to watch out with apricot kernels.

Dr Patel stated: “These are the seeds inside the apricot stone.

“Usually, you’d need a pair of pliers to crack open the stone and extract them.

“The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) cites apricot kernels as a cyanide poisoning risk.”

Eating greater than three of those kernels in a single sitting is discouraged because it might exceed the advisable security degree.

The TikTok person stated she ate at the least 5 of those a day, which might be “highly dangerous”, the physician defined.

The following signs would possibly sign cyanide poisoning and require looking for pressing medical therapy:

  • Chest ache
  • Chest tightness
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Eye ache
  • Eye tearing
  • Excitement
  • Difficulty respiratory
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Rapid or gradual coronary heart charge
  • Rapid or gradual respiratory
  • Restlessness
  • Shortness of breath and
  • Vomiting
  • Weakness
  • Wheezing.