Are you damaging your skin and lungs by forgetting to clean this hidden spot in your bathroom?
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If you’re like most people, you’ll pay close attention to cleaning surfaces and surfaces in your bathroom like toilet seats, faucets, mirrors and taps. These areas can harbour bacteria, moulds, fungi and other nasties.
But did you know there’s another spot in your bathroom that you should be keeping clean?
Dermatologist Dr Scott Walter recently took to social media to explain why it's important that we regularly clean the shower head.
'Apparently, we should be washing our shower heads. I learned that at a dermatology conference this year, and here's why–biofilms,' he said.
Biofilms are colonies of microbes that form in crevices and other hard-to-reach places.
In the showerhead, these biofilms are particularly bad news because when the water is running, bacteria, fungi, and yeasts become airborne and can find their way into your lungs and skin. People with existing lung or skin conditions are especially at risk.
'That definitely matters if you're immuno-compromised, a smoker, or have known lung disease but these same bacteria have been linked to skin diseases and other conditions—and I found several studies to back that up,' he said.
Another issue is the presence of Mycobacteria, a type of bacteria that can cause severe lung infections.
A 2018 study by the American Society for Microbiology found mycobacteria in the biofilms in hundreds of shower heads from across the United States.
You can watch Dr Scott’s full video here:
So, what can you do to make sure your shower head is germ-free and safe for you and your family?
Dr Scott said the best way to clean your shower head is to use a simple solution of water and vinegar and soak it for a few hours or overnight.
If your shower head is not detachable, he advises filling a plastic bag with white vinegar, tying it up around the pipe with a rubber band, and then leaving it in place for a few hours or overnight.
Of course, it's also a good idea to give the shower head a physical cleaning at least once a month.
Dr Scott demonstrated how to clean your showerhead in a video here:
You may also use vinegar only, as we shared in this article.
We hope this tip came in handy, members, and we also hope you stay safe and healthy for as long as possible!
How often do you clean your showerheads, members? Share them in the comments below!
But did you know there’s another spot in your bathroom that you should be keeping clean?
Dermatologist Dr Scott Walter recently took to social media to explain why it's important that we regularly clean the shower head.
'Apparently, we should be washing our shower heads. I learned that at a dermatology conference this year, and here's why–biofilms,' he said.
Dr Scott Walter advised everyone to clean the showerheads to remove biofilms. Credit: Ellyy/Shutterstock
Biofilms are colonies of microbes that form in crevices and other hard-to-reach places.
In the showerhead, these biofilms are particularly bad news because when the water is running, bacteria, fungi, and yeasts become airborne and can find their way into your lungs and skin. People with existing lung or skin conditions are especially at risk.
'That definitely matters if you're immuno-compromised, a smoker, or have known lung disease but these same bacteria have been linked to skin diseases and other conditions—and I found several studies to back that up,' he said.
Another issue is the presence of Mycobacteria, a type of bacteria that can cause severe lung infections.
A 2018 study by the American Society for Microbiology found mycobacteria in the biofilms in hundreds of shower heads from across the United States.
You can watch Dr Scott’s full video here:
So, what can you do to make sure your shower head is germ-free and safe for you and your family?
Dr Scott said the best way to clean your shower head is to use a simple solution of water and vinegar and soak it for a few hours or overnight.
If your shower head is not detachable, he advises filling a plastic bag with white vinegar, tying it up around the pipe with a rubber band, and then leaving it in place for a few hours or overnight.
Of course, it's also a good idea to give the shower head a physical cleaning at least once a month.
Dr Scott demonstrated how to clean your showerhead in a video here:
You may also use vinegar only, as we shared in this article.
We hope this tip came in handy, members, and we also hope you stay safe and healthy for as long as possible!
How often do you clean your showerheads, members? Share them in the comments below!
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