Beezin'

Beezin' is the practice of applying Burt's Bees brand lip balm, often menthol or peppermint flavored, to one's eyelids.[1] This practice, besides causing a stinging in the eyes, is purported to induce or heighten the sensation of being drunk or high,[2] or create a state or perceived state of enhanced alertness.[3][4] Some commentators have claimed that the practice is not widespread as claimed or is entirely made up, an example of a moral panic.[3]

A teenager partaking in Beezin'

Dangers

Peppermint oil in the product is an eye irritant, with a potential to develop into a full-blown inflammatory response requiring treatment.[5] Beezin' can also cause dermatitis in skin areas around the eyes.[5] It's been suggested that beezin' can also cause pinkeye[2][6] and conjunctivitis[7][8] as well as being a gateway to riskier behaviors.[9][10]

References
  1. Mac King (December 6, 2013). "What is beezin'? (It involves lip balm and eyelids)". WNYW (Channel 5 NYC). Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
  2. Maanvi Singh (May 20, 2014). "Beezin' May Be Bogus, But Other Dopey Teen Fads Can Bite Back". Shots. NPR. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
  3. Katherine Mangu-Ward (Apr 25, 2014). "Beezin: The Awesome New Fake Teen Drug Panic Involving Lipbalm and Eyelids". Reason Online. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
  4. "New warning about Burt's Bees? Teens using lip balm on eyelids to enhance effects of alcohol, drugs". KJRH (Channel 2 Tulsa). April 24, 2014. Archived from the original on March 11, 2016. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
  5. "'Beezin': teens applying lip balm to eyelids to experience buzz". Optometry Times. April 25, 2014.
  6. Alyssa Imamudin (May 2, 2014). "'Beezin' can cause pinkeye, doctor warns". Global News. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
  7. Jane Sadler (May 2, 2014). "Beezin' for a high…is your teen at risk?". Dallas News. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
  8. "Peppermint Oil". Toxnet. U. S. National Library of Medicine / National Institute of Health.
  9. Jorge Lopez (July 17, 2014). "Beezin: Trend some teens are using to get high". WRDW (Channel 12 Agusta GA). Retrieved September 29, 2014.
  10. Bryant Maddrick (April 24, 2014). "Lip balm latest trend among teens looking for greater high". WNWO (NBC Channel 24 Toledo Ohio). Retrieved September 29, 2014.
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