One doctor is coming clean with just how important keeping a spotless bathroom can be to your health.
Dr. Scott Walter revealed people should clean their bathroom shower heads to avoid damaging their skin and lungs.
“I learned [this] at a dermatology conference this year and here’s why: biofilms,” the Denver dermatologist shared in the viral TikTok video with 5.5 million views.
In the 45-second clip, Walter described biofilms as “bacterial colonies, actually, they’re more like a fortress, because they’re very impenetrable, and they live inside our shower heads, according to studies.”
Biofilms are an assemblage of microbial cells that is irreversibly associated with a surface and enclosed in a matrix of primarily polysaccharide material, according to the Emerging Infectious Diseases journal. It cannot be removed “with gentle rinsing,” per the publication.
Bacterial biofilms can cause skin conditions and respiratory issues that often develop in neglected areas during the cleaning process.
People who are immune compromised, such as smokers or those with lung diseases, should be aware of the bacteria lingering in their shower, Walter adds.
“When you shower, those bacteria, yeast and fungi get aerosolized, converting to a fine spray,” the dermatologist continues. “Those can get into your lungs, they can affect your skin and elsewhere on your body.”
The bacteria “can be linked to skin diseases and other conditions,” said Walter, then gestured to this list in his TikTok: “Malassezia: Scalp; Acanthamoeba: Ocular; Pseudomonas: Ears; M. avium: GI tract; Lehoonella/Mycobacterium: Lung; Folliculitis & post-op infection.”
The Post reached out to Walter for comment.
Another bacteria found in shower heads is mycobacteria — a harmful organism linked to a type of lung infection known as nontuberculous mycobacterial — according to Medline Plus.
A study from the American Society for Microbiology found bacteria “in shower heads and the inhalation of aerosolized mycobacteria while showering.” Although bacteria seem more common in metal shower heads compared to plastic, Walter revealed a cleaning solution that can eliminate the bacteria’s presence.
In a follow-up video, the dermatologist teaches followers how to clean their shower heads with white vinegar using two methods.
First, he submerged the shower head in a bowl of white vinegar and advised letting it soak for four hours or overnight. In the second approach, he wrapped the shower head in a plastic bag filled with white vinegar and tied a rubber band around the shower pipe.
According to The Shower Head Store, a shower head should be cleaned at least once a month, which the average person does not do.
The disturbing information shocked many TikTok watchers, who were disappointed to find out they had another item to clean.
“One. More. Thing. To. Clean,” sighed one watcher.
“Here I was the other day just letting the water collect into my mouth for the fun of it,” quipped one woman.
“Gonna pretend I didn’t see this,” added another. “So we need to clean everything all the time. I can barely keep up with my dishes.”
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August 25, 2023 at 04:44AM
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