Credit: @drkaranr/TikTok
Terrifying Warning Issued To Anyone Who Discovers ‘Pink Slime’ In Their Home
A doctor has issued a troubling warning to anyone who discovers ‘pink slime’ in their home.
If you’ve recently noticed patches of pink-colored slime on your property, you may want to take action immediately.
Social media users have been sharing their experiences with it, with one person writing: “This appears in our tub every few weeks, I was wondering what it was.”
Another asks: “It doesn’t clean or go away; what do I do?”
A leading medical expert has cautioned that this substance is often mistaken for mold.
What people refer to as ‘pink slime’ is actually a type of bacteria known as serratia marcescens.
NHS surgeon Dr. Karan Rajan has taken to TikTok to explain that this bacterium flourishes in damp, humid environments and thrives on soap residue and shampoo deposits.
He said: “It enjoys munching on fatty deposits like those found in soaps and shampoos, hence why it likes to hang out in the bathroom.”
While he reassured that the bacteria is generally ‘pretty harmless’ for most individuals, he warned that getting it into ‘your eyes or open wounds’ could lead to infections such as conjunctivitis, leading to irritation, burning sensations, and discharge from the eyes.
For individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing cancer treatment or living with diabetes, exposure to this bacteria can pose more serious risks.
The bacterium has been linked to infections in the respiratory and digestive systems and may lead to painful urinary tract infections (UTIs), per the Spruce.
In severe cases, the infection can spread into the bloodstream, potentially resulting in pneumonia or sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection that affects hundreds of thousands annually in the U.K. alone.
According to The UK Sepsis Trust, sepsis contributes to the deaths of at least 48,000 people each year, per MailOnline.
Beyond its direct health implications, the presence of ‘pink slime’ can indicate poor ventilation and excessive moisture levels in the bathroom, conditions that can also encourage the growth of harmful household molds.
Black mold, in particular, is known to trigger respiratory issues, worsen asthma, and cause symptoms such as headaches, skin irritation, and body aches.
Dr. Rajan emphasized that regular cleaning is key to stopping bacterial and mold growth.
“As well as keeping your shower dry and well-ventilated, put on an exhaust fan or open a window after showering to keep humidity levels low and regularly clean and disinfect your bathroom – it’s filthier than you think,” he advised.
To eliminate ‘pink slime,’ experts recommend a combination of scrubbing and disinfecting.
Using a mixture of baking soda and dishwashing liquid to scrub surfaces can help loosen bacteria. A 50/50 solution of warm water and chlorine bleach should be used afterward to disinfect the area.
However, caution should be exercised when handling cleaning chemicals, and bleach should never be mixed with other cleaners like ammonia or vinegar.
Preventing its return involves keeping the bathroom as dry as possible, using an exhaust fan or dehumidifier, regularly washing shower curtains and liners, and wiping down surfaces after each use.
Persistent ‘pink slime’ issues could indicate underlying moisture problems, and in cases where black mold is also present, professional remediation may be necessary.
@dr.karanr Pink slime
♬ original sound – Dr Karan Raj
Related Article: Disgusting Reason You Should Never Sleep Naked In Bed
Related Article: Doctor Issues Warning Against Peeing In Shower
Want more stuff like this?
Get the best viral stories straight into your inbox!
