MRSA Notes

The Today show visited a cosmetic counter recently, and took samples of the area, and were pretty horrified at what they found. All manner of bacteria in, on, and around the tester products, and with just a visual inspection, were surprised to see the number of people who didn’t bother to use the available applicators, contaminating the product samples. Along with many other dangerous bacteria, they found plenty of Staphylococcus:

We found staphylococcus in most of the samples. While this is a bacterium that is often found on surfaces that people touch, but some samples contained an infectious species of staphylococcus. If it comes in contact with your eyes, it could cause pink eye, and if you have a cut or broken skin, you could get a staph infection.

If you work at a cosmetic counter, it is up to you to make sure that you are keeping your customers safe. Be diligent in making the testers use the applicators, and don’t let them double dip. Keep the applicator jars filled and promote their use. As for us consumers - consider never touching the testers, and only purchase cosmetics from a place that allows returns if you have made a poor choice. If you can’t resist the testers, only test them on your hands, and never near broken skin.