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]
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][7][8] as well as being a gateway to riskier behaviors.[9][10]
References
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b Maanvi Singh (May 20, 2014). "Beezin' May Be Bogus, But Other Dopey Teen Fads Can Bite Back". Shots. NPR. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
- ^ a b Katherine Mangu-Ward (Apr 25, 2014). "Beezin: The Awesome New Fake Teen Drug Panic Involving Lipbalm and Eyelids". Reason Online. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
- ^ "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.
- ^ a b "'Beezin': teens applying lip balm to eyelids to experience buzz". Optometry Times. April 25, 2014.
- ^ Alyssa Imamudin (May 2, 2014). "'Beezin' can cause pinkeye, doctor warns". Global News. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Peppermint Oil". Toxnet. U. S. National Library of Medicine / National Institute of Health.
- ^ Jorge Lopez (July 17, 2014). "Beezin: Trend some teens are using to get high". WRDW (Channel 12 Agusta GA). Retrieved September 29, 2014.
- ^ 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.