NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — During the NHL playoffs it's not uncommon for diehard fans to grow a 'playoff beard' which they refuse to shave until their team is kicked out of the running to become the champion.
However, a new study suggest that these beards could be causing these fans to catch a spring cold or worse.
The study, conducted by the Hirslanden Clinic in Switzerland concluded that men's beards actually contain more germs than the fur on the neck of a dog.
Scientists took swabs from men's beards and compared them to samples from dogs' neck fur.
All of the beard samples showed high microbial counts while only about two-thirds of the dog fur samples had high counts.
Seven of the men sampled had microbes that posed a threat to human health in their beards.
Cue NHL playoff season.
Not only do the playoffs come at a time of the year during which germs are running rampant but now there are potentially thousands of Middle Tennesseans growing beards who don't know how to care for them properly.
If you want to keep your playoff beard or your year-round beard clean and free of harmful germs, there are several things you can do.
These tips are simple but imperative for a healthy and sanitary beard.
First of all, make sure you are shampooing and conditioning your beard a few times a week. Secondly, trimming off dead ends is important. Lastly, maintaining general good hygiene will help you to prevent storing too many germs in your beard. Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face when possible.
Last but not least, try to avoid touching your beard before or after throwing any catfish on the ice.
Go Preds!
