Raw egg masks put you at risk of unpleasant food poisoning bugs, experts warn

Experts have criticized beauty bloggers who claim to have the answer to the treatment of wrinkles – spreading whites of raw eggs on their faces.

The DIY hack, they say, is not only fake, but it can also spread harmful bacteria.

Getty – Contributor

Cosmetic surgeon Christopher Inglefield is concerned that raw egg masks will result in Britons receiving distressing bouts of food poisoning due to contamination of uncooked foods.

Inglefield, founder of the London Bridge Plastic Surgery clinic, warned: "This ineffective practice can not only spread harmful bacteria like Campylobacter and even salmonella if you're very unlucky."

"You should always wash your hands after handling raw eggs.

"If it's on your face all day then you're potentially contaminating everything and everyone you touch, just think of the risks."

YouTube

Over the past year, they've been on YouTube trying to convince us that raw egg can make a genuine difference to the appearance of flabby skin – particularly around the eyes.

Bloggers like Beauty Vixxen, AKA Lizbeth Eguia, have uploaded tutorial videos showing how egg masks are "like a facelift."

"Botox can be very expensive so this is going to be a hack that costs zero dollars if you already have eggs in your house.

"And I know you're going to be worried about the egg scent, but you're not going because that's a minimal amount."

Getty – Contributor

But raw egg comes with several risks – not less than salmonella.

The NHS advises: "There may be bacteria in the shell and inside the egg, which can spread easily to other foods, as well as to the hands, utensils and countertops."

They also instruct: "Keep eggs away from other foods – both when they are in the shell and after you have cracked.

"Be careful not to throw eggs at other foods, countertops or dishes.

"Always wash your hands with warm, soapy water and then dry them after touching or working with eggs.

"Clean surfaces, dishes and utensils with warm soapy water after handling the eggs.

"Do not use eggs with damaged shells, because dirt or bacteria may have entered them."

The skin beautician, Candice Brown, also warned beauty lovers to be wary of the eggs' raw masks.

Candice, also of London Bridge Plastic Surgery, added: "It is clear that the risk of raw eggs is not limited only to egg white eyelift.

"The alert also represents masks of raw eggs, too, which have grown in popularity in recent years, as they say combating blemishes and blackheads.

"These" DIY "home treatments are clearly appealing because they are cheap and seemingly" natural. "

"But you should always be aware of the pitfalls. You would not spot the raw chicken on your face, but it's the same principle here. "

Dr. Adil Sheraz, a spokesman for the Dermatologist and the British Skin Foundation, told The Sun: "As far as I know, there have been no trials observing the benefits of raw egg whites on the skin to reduce wrinkles.

"As physicians and dermatologists, we always like to follow evidence-based medical treatments that are recommended by dermatologists who undergo a rigorous research process and are known to be safe.

"The same can not be said about raw eggs, we are not only uncertain about the real benefits but also (albeit small) the risks of contracting infections like salmonella and this increased risk in people with immunodepression, children and pregnant women.

"There are numerous inexpensive and expensive topical products that are known to be safe and have been extensively tested that can be used on the skin to achieve both tension and reduction of wrinkles."
In fact, Dr. Sarah Jarvis told The Sun that "people have absolutely nothing to gain from this fashion."

"Egg white is basically a protein called albumen, which every cook will tell you it gets sticky when it dries. It can keep your eyelids open, but it's the only way to affect its appearance.

"This can irritate your eyelids, causing redness and pain. It is also difficult to rub, so you may end up having to rub your delicate eyelids.

"Although most British eggs come from chickens that have been immunized against Salmonella, this applies only to eggs marked with the Lion brand.

"In addition, eggs (including peels) can be contaminated with other germs. We always recommend washing hands after handling raw eggs, and one of the easiest ways to get germs into your system is through the eyes.

"Just do not do it!"

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