Doctor reveals the common shower product she’d NEVER use: ‘It’s filled with bacteria’

A top doctor has revealed the common shower accessory she would never use—warning it can harbour bacteria and mould that trigger skin infections.

Dr Sasha Haddad, a US-based family doctor with 1.2 million TikTok followers, shared the tip in a video that has already racked up more than 117,000 views. 

In it, she listed three everyday shower habits she avoids – and one in particular sparked debate online.

The item in question? The loofah. 

Traditionally made from dried tropical gourds but now more often synthetic mesh, the scrubbers are a staple in many bathrooms—but Dr Haddad said she would never touch one.

‘It’s damp, filled with bacteria and mould, and you don’t want to rub that back into your skin,’ she explained.

The clip prompted a flood of comments from viewers, with many asking what they should use instead as they ‘don’t feel clean’ without their loofah. 

In replies, Dr Haddad recommended a washcloth that can be replaced regularly, or a silicone scrubber.

One TikTok user asked: ‘Why can’t people just rinse their loofah and put it out to dry in the sun? Of course, if you leave something moist in a closed space it will be full of all sorts of things.’

Dr Haddad replied: ‘Possibly, if someone uses a disinfectant and leaves it in the sun, [it] can have a mild disinfectant effect. But I don’t think everybody will be doing that every single time they shower.’

Her warning echoes advice from Orlando-based dermatologist J. Matthew Knight, who has also urged people to ditch netted loofahs. 

He explained that the mesh traps dead skin cells released when scrubbing, creating the perfect breeding ground for germs.

‘Then you put them in this environment in the shower that’s warm and moist and it’s a set-up for bacteria, yeast and mould to grow,’ he told Women’s Health.

Studies have shown that loofahs can harbour dangerous bacteria including E. coli, staphylococcus, streptococcus and pseudomonas—all of which have the potential to cause serious, even life-threatening infections.

In her TikTok video, Dr Haddad also warned she would ‘never let anyone crack her neck’, explaining: ‘They can dissect an artery which, while rare, can leave you with a stroke. Call it bad luck, I’ve seen it three times this year. I’m not taking that risk.’

Her comments struck a chord with viewers who shared their own experiences of the little-known danger. 

One wrote: ‘Young stroke survivor here. I would absolutely never let anyone crack my neck either now. This is good advice and people have no idea about the risk. I don’t even like firm massages now.’

Another added: ‘I had my neck cracked; the carotid artery was dissected and caused a stroke which led to the loss of my peripheral vision and loss of my professional driver’s licence.’

Earlier this year the Daily Mail reported on 28-year-old Caitlin Jenson, who was left with four severed arteries in her neck after going to a chiropractor. 

During the session, the therapist performed an adjustment—a sudden twist and pull of her head to ‘align the spine’. 

She collapsed shortly afterwards, unable to speak or move, and was later told the injury had triggered a series of strokes and heart attacks.

Although Caitlin has regained some movement in her head, arms and legs, she remains unable to speak, is partially blind and relies on a wheelchair.

The final thing Dr Haddad said she would never do is share make-up—particularly mascara—which she described as the ‘easiest way to spread eye infections’. 

She explained this can include conjunctivitis and styes, both of which can be painful and irritating.