Category: Health myths

The human mouth is home to over 700 species of bacteria, making it an incredibly unsterile environment for an open wound. This critical biological fact underpins the modern medical consensus on the question, "Is saliva bad for a cut?"

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, putting toothpaste on an open wound or burn is a common myth that can do more harm than good. This persistent misconception is dangerous, and it is absolutely not okay to put toothpaste on an open wound due to its harmful ingredients and non-sterile nature.

Contrary to the popular myth that you lose 40-50% of your heat through your head, scientific studies confirm that the amount is actually proportional to its surface area, which is about 7-10% for adults. The idea that most heat escapes from your head is a persistent, but inaccurate, health belief.

While cranberries are celebrated for their UTI-fighting properties, the popular belief that **can cranberry juice make you smell better** is a health myth with little to no scientific backing. The truth about body odor lies in a complex interplay of diet, hygiene, and genetics, not a single beverage.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a healthy adult's eye color rarely changes significantly after infancy. This means the popular belief that **can brown eyes turn green?** naturally is, for the most part, a myth rooted in optical illusions rather than a true biological change.

While it is not an official medical diagnosis, the term **what is the moon child syndrome** is most accurately associated with a rare and serious genetic disorder called Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP), affecting approximately 1 in 100,000 people globally. This article explores the dual origins of the phrase, differentiating between the medical reality of XP and popular interpretations rooted in folklore and spirituality.

Contrary to the widespread belief that a loving kiss can magically heal an 'ouchie,' scientific evidence shows this practice is harmful. The human mouth harbors a vast ecosystem of bacteria, and introducing these germs to an open wound can significantly increase the risk of infection.

Iodine is an essential mineral, with the body containing about 15–20 mg, 70% to 80% of which is concentrated in the thyroid gland to produce hormones. This crucial function, however, has led to a popular but misleading belief: that iodine can actively cleanse or detoxify the body.

For centuries, people have passed down a peculiar folk remedy: putting raw potato slices in their socks to cure illness. Despite gaining viral popularity on social media, the belief behind **why do people put potatoes in their socks when sick** has no grounding in modern science or medical research.

Over 5 million Americans receive blood transfusions each year, a safe and routine medical procedure that saves countless lives. Yet, persistent myths and anecdotal tales still lead many to wonder: do blood transfusions change you?