Ever spotted some pinkish slime in your bathroom and assumed it was mould?
A doctor has issued a warning, as it turns out this could potentially cause infections. Dr Karan Rangarajan took to TikTok to alert his followers: "If you see this pink slime lurking in your bathroom, it's not mould, it's bacteria."
The NHS surgeon, who goes by the name of Dr Karan Raj online, identified the bacteria as serratia marcescens, which "vomits hot pink all over your bathroom". "This bacteria loves damp, moist places and enjoys munching on fatty deposits like those found in soaps and shampoos, hence why it likes to hang out in your steamy bathroom."
The doctor reassured that for the "average person it's pretty harmless" but advised to still "avoid getting it in your eyes or open wounds." He further added: "However, it can cause gut, urine, or chest infections in those who are immunocompromised."
If you experience any concerning symptoms, you should consult a GP urgently. If you do spot the pink gunk in your home, there's a high chance you have damp, which means you might also encounter some regular mould. This can lead to "respiratory issues or allergies". Ensuring to tackle the damp will prevent pink slime and mould formation.
The best method to do this is to ensure your bathroom is well ventilated - either by regularly opening windows or using an extractor fan. You should also frequently clean and disinfect your bathroom as it's "filthier than you think", he noted. Thankfully, if you're battling with pink slime in the bathroom, there are measures you can take to tackle it.
A variety of off-the-shelf products such as bleach can help eliminate the bacteria - however, for tougher stains, a grout cleaner might be required. When utilising bleach or potent cleaning agents, wearing gloves is recommended and ensuring the space is well-aired is crucial. To combat dampness, mould, and condensation, consider using condensation and moisture trapping bags. Online influencer Gazza Thompson discovered they made a significant difference in his house, not to mention their cost-effectiveness.
"The last two years these have been an absolute life-saver, and it's as simple as hanging it up behind the curtain," he shared. Gazza added: "Before I started hanging these up in winter I used to get horrible, horrible mould marks above the window, but now since I [started using them], no more."
Mould isn't just unsightly - it's a health hazard, with the NHS revealing how it can wreak havoc on our wellbeing. Prolonged exposure can also affect your immune response, boost the chance of respiratory issues and asthma, and even trigger allergies.
