Doctor warns pink mould in your bathroom could lead to 'serious' infections

The pink-looking slime you've noticed in your bathroom you thought was relatively harmless and possibly mould, it's actually bacteria.

A few cleaning tricks can normally handle mould, but spotting something resembling pink goo in your bathroom might warrant more caution. Following a viral video of a young man getting hospitalised, a doctor issued a warning.

The video showed a man falling sick due to 'pink mould' present in his uni accommodation shower. Dr Ever Arias, a Resident Doctor at UCI Medical Center in California, US, begs to differ, arguing it's a potentially harmful bacteria instead.

Spotting the video, Dr Arias offered a word of caution: "Yes that can happen. But it's not mould, it's not what you think. That Pepto Bismol-looking thing is actually something called serratia marcescens. It's a bacteria that accumulates in damp areas with humidity. What happens is, if you don't clean your restroom, especially in damp areas, you can get an accumulation of this."

According to this medic, generally, this won't "cause any issues" or "symptoms", but in certain cases, it could lead to concerning infections.

Clarifying further, he stated: "If you are someone with diabetes or another condition which causes your immune system to be compromised, such as pregnancy, it could cause respiratory issues, lung infections, gastrointestinal infections or urinary infections which can be dangerous because those infections can lead to something called sepsis, or severe infection in your body."

But that's not all, ordinary mould can also trigger respiratory issues for those with allergies. It's crucial to eliminate humidity in the bathroom or any other damp-prone area.

"In general, mould will re-accumulate if you don't get rid of the humidity," the doctor emphasised. He advised cleaning the bathroom frequently and ensuring windows are opened to boost airflow.

If you notice any concerning symptoms, it's vital to consult a GP without delay.

Moreover, if pink slime has appeared in your home, it's a sign of damp conditions, which likely means mould is also present, potentially causing "respiratory issues or allergies". Preventing pink slime is key by maintaining good ventilation in your bathroom either by regularly opening windows or using an extractor fan.

Regular cleaning and disinfecting of your bathroom are also essential. If pink slime has already formed, there are measures you can take.

A variety of household products like bleach can eliminate the bacteria but tougher stains might need a grout cleaner. When using bleach or potent cleaners, wearing gloves and ventilating the area is recommended.