The spot you’re forgetting to clean in your bathroom that could damage your skin and lungs
A top dermatologist has revealed why you should never forget to wash your shower head.
Dr. Scott Walter said the oft-neglected bathroom spot contains bacterial biofilms known to cause skin conditions and respiratory problems, especially in people with underlying health conditions.
But he told fans not to panic, as showerheads are easily cleaned with a simple solution of water and vinegar.
“Apparently we need to wash our shower heads. I learned that at a dermatology conference this year and here’s why: Biofilms,” the dermatologist explained in a TikTok video.
‘They are colonies of bacteria, more like a fortress really, because they are very impenetrable and, according to research, live in our shower heads.’
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Dermatologist Dr. Scott Walter has revealed why you should always remember to clean your shower head. He said the fitting could contain harmful bacteria leading to skin and lung problems
Dr. Scott said that while showering, the bacteria, yeast and mold become airborne or become airborne, where they can enter the lungs and also affect the skin and other parts of the body.
“It certainly matters if you have a weakened immune system, smoke, or have had lung disease, but the same bacteria have been linked to skin disease and other conditions — and I’ve found several studies that support that.”
Mold and spores thrive in warm and humid conditions, such as those in the nooks and crannies of the shower head.
A study of the American Society of Microbiology found mycobacteria in the biofilms in hundreds of shower heads across the United States.
Mycobacteria are a potentially harmful organism related to a type of lung infection known as non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM).
The organism lives in the slimy biofilm that lies in the shower head and can become airborne during a shower and then be inhaled by the steam.
The study also found that mycobacteria are more common in metal showerheads than in plastic showerheads.
NTM symptoms include chronic or recurrent cough, weight loss, fever, and loss of energy Healthline.
Dr. Scott said the bacteria can lead to malassezia on the scalp, which may be harmless in 50 percent of the population but can cause dandruff in the remaining half.
It can also cause eye, ear, and respiratory infections, as well as folliculitis and postoperative infections.
The video of dr. Scott has been viewed more than 5.5 million times and thousands of followers have been alarmed.
“This is where I made my mouth water just for fun,” one viewer replied.
‘A. More. Thing. Nasty. Clean,” another wrote while a third joked, “I’m going to pretend I didn’t see this.”
“I’m honestly surprised I’m still alive today,” laughed another.
Dr. Scott has done a follow up investigation video show fans how to effectively clean their shower heads so they can breathe easy in the bathroom.
He started by soaking his detachable shower head in a bowl of vinegar, dish soap, and baking soda, which many quickly said was a useless method.
“Combining baking soda and vinegar just neutralizes the solution, so it doesn’t actually have any cleaning power after the reaction has taken place,” said Dr. Scott.
He found that soaking the showerhead in white vinegar for four hours or overnight was just as effective at cleaning the fitting, and the task needed to be done about once a month.
Dr. Scott said those who don’t have a detachable shower head can fill a plastic bag with white vinegar, tie it around the overhead pipe with a rubber band, and let it soak for four hours or overnight.