The worst TikTok health trends you should avoid like the plague

The worst TikTok health trends are just a Google search away. They could, however, vary in terms of actual dangerousness.

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In this photo illustration, the logo of the social media application, TikTok is displayed on an iPhone screen on April 13, 2020, in Arlington, Va. – TikTok has pledged $250 million to local organizations around the world community supporting healthcare, education and struggling communities impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

But if you want to know which ones are the worst, then this list is a good place to be. Read on for specific trends “https://www.techtimes.com/articles/270629/20220116/health” on the massively social media platform you should avoid at all costs.

“Benadryl Challenge”

Let’s start with something horrific enough to have claimed one person’s life, according to HealthDigest.

In 2020, the so-called “Benadryl Challenge” made the rounds on TikTok. He asked users to take at least a dozen doses of the popular antihistamine drug Benadryl, in order to induce a “trip” (aka hallucination). A teenage girl from Oklahoma participated and later died of an overdose.

Benadryl Challenge

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Benadryl Challenge

While some may consider antihistamines to be relatively mild medications, taking too much can be just as fatal. Experts say large doses of Benadryl can be potent enough to cause seizures and heart problems. This will usually cause an arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), which will prevent the organ from effectively pumping blood throughout the body.

Don’t do it for your own good.

Garlic cloves lift your nostrils to clear your sinuses

FoodNetwork mentioned another specific trend “https://www.techtimes.com/articles/270629/20220116/health” on TikTok that had people stuffing their nostrils with garlic cloves. The reason? This could apparently clear a stuffy nose, with some people even claiming it’s a completely safe thing to do. This is not the case, and not even remotely.

Garlic

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Some YouTube videos tell women to put garlic in their vaginas. Gynecologist Jennifer Gunter has cited the reasons why it is not a good idea to place garlic in the private parts to treat an infection.

This is due to the natural oils in garlic which can irritate the sensitive skin around your nose. Also, a fairly small clove can get lodged in there, causing a major nasal blockage and a trip to the ER. Stick to using garlic in your food.

Also read: Health impacts of TikTok should be studied in detail, say researchers

Removal of moles at home

In another dangerous health trend on TikTok, people are trying to remove their moles at home using a variety of substances and items. One method is to use chemicals like eyelash glue, which they claim will help remove the mole.

mole on the skin close up

(Photo: Getty Images)
mole on the skin

Speaking to the BBC, British Skin Foundation spokesman Dr Adil Sheraz said the main ingredient in eyelash glue, cyanoacrylate, is classified as a “contact allergen”. Using it to remove a mole will likely cause a “plumping effect” that can leave you with permanent scarring or even disfigurement.

If you want to remove a mole, consult only a licensed dermatologist.

Drinking water mixed with chlorophyll

This particular trend apparently got so big that even celebrities were into it. TikTokers swore by it because it “boosts” the immune system and might even detoxify your blood or prevent cancer. Of course, this is rubbish with very little scientific basis.

Putting chlorophyll drops in your drinking water can, in the long run, cause dermatitis, stomach upset and even light sensitivity, writes FoodNetwork. The dangers are also even more pronounced if you are pregnant and breastfeeding.

Why are many TikTok health trends so bad?

TikTok health trends can be started by anyone. That’s the appeal of TikTok as a whole in the first place. You don’t have to be a real health expert to claim that you have a “health hack” because somehow the social media platform’s algorithm will make your video popular enough to be shared millions of times.

[VIRAL]    The TikTok Challenge

(Photo: Photo by Manjunath Kiran/AFP)
An Indian mobile user browses the Chinese video-sharing app “Tik Tok” on a smartphone in Bangalore on June 30, 2020. – TikTok on June 30 denied sharing information about Indian users with the Chinese government, after New Delhi has wildly banned the popular app citing national security and privacy concerns.

Unless you know the advice is from a real, reputable medical professional, don’t follow it. This is the easiest way to avoid any problems.

Related article: Tiktok trend: women share videos of themselves removing an IUD, but is it safe?

This article belongs to Tech Times

Written by RJ Pierce

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