You Won't Believe Tyra Banks' Disgusting Hygiene Habits

There's no doubt about it: Celebrities can exhibit some quirky or even gross hygiene habits. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., was seen walking around a public airport barefoot, while Jessica Simpson claimed she went days without using a toothbrush. (Here are other celebrities with questionable oral hygiene habits.)

Hence, it might not come as a shock to learn that supermodel and TV host Tyra Banks also has gross go-to behaviors. Although all of Banks' self-described unusual behaviors might fall under the category of being questionable, one stands out as being particularly shocking. During an interview on Today, Banks admitted that she enjoys "digging" under other people's toenails for dirt, debris, and bacteria (via Parade).

Banks explained that she found the process of extricating "toe jam" from others' feet an addiction that was "disgusting" as well as "erotic." However, she quickly noted that she didn't just dive into the process without implements. "You have to have a kit. Some alcohol, you know," said Banks.

The foot-related penchant Banks described ultimately puts her in contact with the substances that can gather under toenails, including lint, skin particles, and fungi. Although mostly harmless (albeit sometimes unpleasantly aromatic), a constant buildup of smelly substances may be caused by an underlying medical condition like an infection or athlete's foot.

The Cleveland Clinic estimates that up to 15% of people have athlete's foot. Touching someone else's athlete's foot could transfer the fungal infection that causes the condition. Consequently, Banks may be putting her own skin at risk depending upon whose feet she's scraping.

Another of Banks' odd preferences is one shared by plenty of others: popping other people's pimples. In an article in Men's Health, Dr. Abigail Cline explained why pimple popping holds fascination, noting that some individuals "enjoy the grotesque aspect of extractions and feel a bit of bizarre fascination when they see the outburst of pus." (You can stop yourself from picking pimples with this trick.)

While Dr. Cline was speaking about people popping their own pimples, the article mentioned that watching another person pop a pimple can cause a response of "disgust" that is somehow satisfying. She continued, "When watching a popping video, some audience members get a rush of dopamine, while others get a rush of nausea." However, she noted that popping zits should only be done by medical professionals to avoid complications like inflamed skin or more pimples. (For the record, Banks is not a medical doctor, although she does hold higher education degrees.)

The last of Banks' less-than-hygienic preferences is to eat crumbs from her bed. According to a survey by Kellanova (via New York Post), about 44% of adult late-night snackers eat while they're in the sack.

In the case of Banks, she continues to feast on the remnants that remain on her sheets for days. Why doesn't she simply clean the sheets and toss the crumbs? She claims that by eating them instead of scraping them, she reduces the chances of pests entering her home. Banks said that "if you put it in the trash, I'm like, 'You might get roaches or something.' So just clean it up with your finger and eat it" (via E! News).

Assuming that the food Banks eats is past its prime, she might be getting more than she bargains for with each bite. Although WebMD notes that stale food by and large isn't dangerous to eat, food that's covered in mold or bacterial growth can make someone sick or cause an allergic reaction. Banks may be a model, but not necessarily the best role model for healthy snacking choices.