Experts have warned people against a viral trend of putting garlic gloves up your nose to clear your sinuses on popular social networking app TikTok.
The "life hack" has gained millions of views as young people try it out for themselves, especially those struggling during hayfever season.
@rozalinekatherinei’m shook lol #tiktoktaughtme #thankyoutiktok #tiktokhacks
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In one clip, TikToker Rozaline Katherine shows herself stuffing garlic cloves up each nostril and leaving them in place for around ten to 15 minutes before removing them.
Her nose was then clearly runny afterwards, with Rozaline claiming that the hack works.
@daniaudasTik tok hack fail #1 should I make this a series? #tiktokhack #garlic #garlichack #garlicinnose #tiktokhackfail
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Others who have tried out the trend, however, have reported having a burning sensation in their noise from the garlic or getting cloves stuck in their nose.
Doctors have warned that copying the viral videos can cause nasal irritation and even cause a type of eczema.
@kyearmsLOOOOOL I WANT THIS POPPINGGG #viral #fyp #xyzbca #foryoupage #eyes #garlic #garlicinnose #trend 😭😭
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Anthony Youn MD, an American TikTok doctor and plastic surgeon, explained: “Garlic cloves irritate your nasal lining, causing your nose to run like that.
“But that doesn’t mean your sinuses are getting cleared out, and you risk that garlic clove getting stuck in your nose and needing to be professionally removed.”
@tonyyounmdCan garlic clear up your sinuses? FACT or CAP? #factorcap #learnontiktok #tiktokpartner #garlic #sinuses Credit: @rozalinekatherine
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Ear, nose and throat specialist Neil Bhattacharyya also warned that doing this repeatedly can lead to contact dermatitis in the nose - a type of eczema that can cause skin to become itchy and blistered.
Speaking to the Shape website, Dr Bhattacharyya advises those struggling with nasal congestion to opt for an over-the-counter nasal spray and antihistamines, which are approved and safe to use.
“Garlic has a strong smell and, when it starts to irritate the nose, you’ll definitely have some mucus drainage.
"In reality, you’re just reacting to the compound.”
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