Think that pinkish goo around your sink or shower is harmless? You might want to think again.A doctor has gone viral on TikTok after explaining why the ‘pink slime’ lurking in your bathroom isn’t just gross – it could actually be a warning sign of something much bigger.
Dr. Karan Raj recently posted a video after another user admitted they ended up in the hospital because they failed to clean the “pink mold” from their university dorm showers.
Responding to the video, Dr. Karan explained: “If you’ve seen this pink slime lurking in your bathroom it’s not mould – it’s bacteria.”He revealed that the pink substance often found near drains, sinks, or shower crevices isn’t actually mold at all. It’s a bacteria known as serratia marcescens.
And according to him, this bacteria can “vomit hot pink all over your bathroom.”
Look familiar?TikTok/ @dr.karanr
“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 bathoom,” he explained.According to Infectious Disease Advisor, this bacteria is widespread and isn’t just found in homes. “It can be found in soil, water, plants, and animals.”
“In homes and hospitals, it may be found in the corner of wet showers or wash basins, where it is visible due to the red-colored pigment (prodigiosin) it produces.”
While the doctor reassures that, for most people, this bacteria is “pretty harmless” even if they come into contact with it, he does offer a word of caution.“But you still want to avoid getting it in your eyes or open wounds,” he warns.
However, for people with weakened immune systems, or those who are hospitalized or critically ill, exposure to this bacteria can be much more serious. Infectious Disease Advisor notes that it is “often resistant to multiple antibiotics, which can make it difficult to treat.”
Yes, it’s bacteriaTikTok/ @dr.karanr
Dr. Karan explains that for immunocompromised individuals, serratia marcescens can cause infections in the gut, urinary tract, and even the lungs.He adds: “If your home has enough damp for pink slime to consistently develop, you could actually be growing other things as well, like actual household mould which could be causing respiratory issues or allergies.”
So, how do you stop it from taking over your bathroom?
His first piece of advice? Prevention is key. “The first rule of Pink Slime Club is to keep the bacteria from forming in the first place.”“By curbing its growth, you’ll be preventing other dangerous moulds from forming as well.”
To keep the bacteria at bay, Dr. Karan suggests keeping your bathroom well-ventilated.
That means using an exhaust fan or cracking open a window when things get too humid.
