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You’ve probably heard or read that toothpaste is supposed to help with bruises. We’ll explain what’s behind the myth.
Toothpaste for bruises – a persistent myth
The rumor about the effectiveness of toothpaste has been around for a long time.
- The basis for this assumption is a specific active ingredient that toothpaste usually contains: sodium dodecyl polysulfate.
- Sodium dodecyl polysulfate dissolves fats and oils and is said to help break down the clotted blood that accumulates in the skin during a hematoma.
- This is true, even if the effect isn’t as pronounced as one might hope. So the rumor isn’t entirely false. Nevertheless, toothpaste is not a suitable remedy for treating bruises.
- This is because the products contain numerous preservatives and cleaning agents that can damage the skin.
- Even if a hematoma—such as a hickey—were to subside a little faster with toothpaste, the negative consequences for the skin would be disproportionate.
