I read about a serious trend on several news sites this morning. Some teens are reportedly coating their eyelids with Burt’s Bees lip balm to experience a stingy, tingly high, in an act called “beezin.”
“It’s the peppermint oil that’s causing the burning sensation and I suppose some people think that is kind of funny,” said Dr. Brett Cauthen, a family practitioner in Oklahoma City.
The practice could also lead to a risk of infection, especially if someone uses lip balm that has been used by others, or has previously been used on the lips.
A spokesman for Burt’s Bees said that it’s products are only tested for safety for their intended use.
“There are lots of natural things that probably shouldn’t go in eyes – dirt, twigs, leaves, food – and our lip balm,” said the spokesman.
“Our big message is natural does not equate with safety,” said Cauthen. nydailynews.com 4/25/14