This unclean spot in your shower could lead to skin, lung damage

health

by Taylor Knight

August 24, 2023 | 5:44 PM

A doctor has revealed just how important a clean toilet is to your health.

Dr. Scott Walter reveals that bathroom showerheads should be cleaned to avoid skin and lung damage.

“I learned [this] Biofilms are the reason at this year’s dermatology conference,” Denver dermatologist shared in viral TikTok video 5.5 million views.

In the 45-second clip, Walter describes a biofilm as “a colony of bacteria, research shows it’s so impenetrable that it lives inside your showerhead, so it’s really like a fortress. ‘ explained.

biofilms are aggregates of microbial cells that are irreversibly bound to surfaces and surrounded by a matrix of predominantly polysaccharide materials. Journal of Emerging Infectious Diseases. According to the publication, it cannot be removed “with just a gentle rinse.”

Bacterial biofilms can cause skin diseases and respiratory problems and often occur in neglected areas during the cleaning process.

Walter added that people with weakened immune systems, such as smokers and people with lung disease, should be aware of the bacteria left in the shower.

“When you shower, these bacteria, yeasts and fungi are aerosolized and turned into a fine spray,” continues the dermatologist. “They can get into the lungs and can affect the skin and other parts of the body.”

Walter said the bacteria “may be associated with skin diseases and other conditions,” and gestured to the list on TikTok. Acanthamoeba: eyeball. Pseudomonas: ears. M. avium: gastrointestinal tract. Lefunera/mycobacterium: lung; folliculitis and postoperative infection. ”

The Times has reached out to Walter for comment.

Another bacteria found in showerheads is mycobacteria. This is a harmful microorganism associated with a type of lung infection known as non-tuberculous mycobacteria. Medline Plus.

research from American Society for Microbiology They found bacteria that “inhaled aerosolized mycobacteria in showerheads and showers.” While metal showerheads seem more prone to bacteria than plastic showerheads, Walter revealed a cleaning solution that can eliminate the presence of bacteria.

in follow up videoa dermatologist teaches followers how to clean showerheads with white vinegar using two methods.

First, they advised soaking the showerhead in a bowl of white vinegar and letting it soak for 4 hours or overnight. In my second approach, I wrapped the showerhead in a plastic bag filled with white vinegar and tied a rubber band around the shower pipe.

according to shower head storeThe shower head should be cleaned at least once a month, but ordinary people do not.

The disturbing news shocked many TikTok watchers, who were disappointed to learn there was one more thing to clean up.

“One. More. One. To. Clean,” sighed one of the guards.

“The other day I was just putting water in my mouth for fun,” one woman joked.

“I’m going to pretend I didn’t see it,” added another. “So we have to clean everything all the time.