Teens apparently found an ingenious but potentially harmful way to feel high or drunk. They're applying Burt's Bees, which is supposed to be used as a lip balm, on their eyelids.
Some kids say that doing so intensifies the sensation of being drunk or high while others claim that "beezin", as the act is known, helps keep them alert and awake to go through long nights of studying. Health experts, however, are concerned that the fad has serious health implications.
Doctors said that applying lip balm on the eyelids can lead to allergic reactions and even pink eye-like symptoms. Infections may also happen which could cost the patients their eye sight.
Medical toxicologist Kelly Johnson-Arbor explained that the herpes virus causes cold sores. If someone used a lip balm on a cold sore and somebody else used the same lip balm for their eyelids, the herpes virus could spread to that person's eye and the infection could lead to blindness.
The peppermint oil present in the lip balm, which cools and releases fumes, is responsible for the sensation. The fumes, however, can cause redness, swelling and inflammation of the eye.
Kids may also think that applying Burt's Bees on their eyelids is harmless as the product is supposedly all natural. Health experts, however, said that simply because a product is natural does not mean it is safe and can be used for purposes other than what it is intended for.
A Burt's Bees representative has urged users to use their product as intended saying that a number of natural things other than their lip balm such as leaves, dirt and twigs are not supposed to go to the eyes.
"Burt's Bees tests all of its products, including the Beeswax Lip Balm, to ensure they are safe for their intended use," the representative said. "We recommend that people use our products as directed and we will make every effort to ensure that the intended use of our lip balm is clearly communicated."
Because the fad is apparently associated with alcohol and drug use, experts urge parents to observe for sudden changes in the behavior of their kids such as mood swings, increased sleeping as well as missing money and possessions.
