Fact Check: Can Spit (Thook) Cure Pimples?

An Instagram reel features actress Tamannaah Bhatia claims that applying spit (thook) on the face can help cure pimples. The claim is FALSE.

Claim

In an Instagram reel, actress Tamannaah Bhatia claimed that spit (thook) can cure pimples. During a recent interview with Lallantop, when asked about her go-to pimple remedy, she surprised the audience by responding, “Spit, thook,” eliciting visibly disgusted reactions from those around her. In the reel posted by the_daily_guruu she elaborates, "What's your pimple hack? Pimple hack, spit. Thuk. It works. But the morning spit, so like which is uh before brushing basically. You do that? Yeah. Because it's it's scientific, right? Like when you wake up in the morning, uh basically it's there's enough antibiotic And I'm no doctor here. I'm just like this is what I understand of the science. Personal hack. It's my personal hack and I believe there's a science to it.

Your body has anyway created a lot of antibacterial uh elements in your mouth when you wake up in the morning first thing because there is you slept and you're waking up. So, hence your eyes are full of mucus, your nose is full of mucus, your mouth is battling all the bacteria that has happened at night if you haven't brushed your teeth. Um. And if you use that spit, actually that is it dries up the pimple immediately."

The claim can be seen here.

Fact Check

The claim is FALSE. There is no scientific evidence or medical consensus supporting the claim that human saliva (spit or "thook") cures pimples. In fact, doctors caution that applying saliva to the skin may introduce harmful bacteria, potentially worsening acne or leading to skin infections.

What are Pimples?

Pimples, commonly referred to as acne, are a frequent skin condition that occurs when oil glands connected to hair follicles become inflamed. Normally, sebaceous glands produce sebum (oil), which travels through pores to reach the skin’s surface. These pores are lined with skin cells called keratinocytes that regularly shed. In acne, however, sebum, dead skin cells, and hair can become trapped in the pore, blocking the sebum’s path. This blockage creates an ideal environment for bacteria naturally found on the skin to grow, triggering inflammation characterized by redness, swelling, pain, and heat. If the clogged pore’s wall breaks, its contents spill into surrounding tissue, resulting in pimples or skin lesions.

What is Saliva (Spit)?

Saliva is a clear, watery fluid produced by the salivary glands in your mouth. It plays several important roles, including helping with digestion and safeguarding your teeth. While it is primarily made up of water, it also contains vital proteins and other essential components.

Can Spit (Thook) Cure Pimples?

Although saliva does contain certain antimicrobial properties, applying it to acne-prone skin can introduce harmful bacteria and potentially aggravate the condition. The viral claim made by actress Tamannaah Bhatia is FALSE, with no scientific evidence or medical consensus supporting it. In fact, doctors caution against it and have highlighted possible side effects.

There have been studies exploring effective treatment for acne. A study by Dawn Z. Eichenfield et. al. notes that topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and azelaic acid are first-line treatments, while severe cases may need oral antibiotics, hormonal therapy, or isotretinoin for acne.

Another study published in the International Journal of Scientific Development and Research, various medications are used to treat acne, including benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, salicylic acid, retinoids, azelaic acid, hormonal therapies, antiandrogens, sulphur, sodium sulfacetamide and alpha hydroxy acids.

Further, there is no scientific backing or medical consensus for actress Tamannaah Bhatia’s claim that spit (thook) can cure pimples. On the contrary, doctors have dismissed the claim and warned about its potential side effects.

In a video posted in December 2024, AIIMS dermatologist Dr. Gargi Taneja debunked the myth that saliva can treat acne. In the short, it is said, "This is a common misconception that application of saliva on your pimples as well as rubbing it on your face can result in healthy and glowing skin as well as can decrease the acne. It should not be done because it can result in lots of side effects compared to benefits. Because in our saliva because of unhealthy oral condition, poor dental hygiene, lots of unhealthy bacterial proliferation, the pH H of the saliva is acidic instead of being alkaline.

So, when we apply this acidic saliva on the face, it can one worsen your acne and damage your skin barrier and then can destroy your healthy skin also. Also, since the bacteria are not commensals, but are harmful bacteria can result in lot of infection on your skin also. So, beware before following these trends."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

The claim that spit (thook) can cure pimples is FALSE. Although saliva contains mild antibacterial components that help inside the mouth, it is not recommended as a treatment for acne. Doctors warn that applying saliva to pimples may cause irritation or side effects. Moreover, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus supporting this claim.

Hence, the claim by the user is FALSE.