What is Mold Rash & How is it Treated?|Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis of Mold Rash

Mold is a fungus growing in the parts of the home that are moist. It can grow anywhere i.e. around the window, pipes, and near the roof.⁽¹⁾ It can also be seen growing in the basement or in the places of the house that have very little air circulation.

Molds can trigger an allergic reaction in the body. It happens when the immune system overreacts when you breathe in mold spores. The allergy can lead to cough, itchy eyes, and rashes.

The rashes caused due to molds are difficult to differentiate from the other rashes.

Molds reproduce by producing spores that are present in the air. On breathing in spores, an allergic reaction is triggered, which is due to an overreaction of the immune system.

This overreaction leads to the production of antibodies, inflammation, and other symptoms of an allergic reaction including rashes.

As the rashes due to mold do not differ much from the other rashes, it is unlikely for a doctor to diagnose a mold rash immediately.

The common symptoms of these mold rashes include:

• Small raised bumps on the skin
• Dry and scaly skin
• Itchiness
• Brown and pink skin
• Sensitive skin

There are a few factors that can make you more likely to develop mold allergy or worsen the existing mold allergy symptoms.

• Family history of allergy
• A workplace that exposes you to molds
• House with high humidity
• A house with poor ventilation
• A building that is exposed to excess moisture

A mold rash is diagnosed by symptoms and medical history. If mold allergy is suspected, various tests are advised.

Allergen-specific immunoglobin E tests can help determine if the allergic rash is due to mold.

Immunoglobin E is an antibody that is present in the immune system during allergy. A unique type of antibody is produced depending on the substance you are allergic to.

In-mold allergy, there would be mold specific antibodies.

Skin prick test can detect 50 kinds of allergies and is commonly used to identify mold or pollen allergy.

During the test, the skin is cleaned with an alcohol swab and the type of allergen to be tested is applied on the arm.

After that histamine, glycerine, or saline are applied to the skin. After 15 minutes signs of an allergy are checked.

If you are diagnosed with mold rash, make sure you move away from the source of the mold to prevent further reaction.

To treat mold rash the medications given are as follows:

• Antihistamines: These medicines help relieve symptoms of allergy.
• Cortisone creams: These creams are available by prescription and help in the management of swelling, redness, and itchiness.
• Antibiotics: The rashes get infected on scratching and can be treated with antibiotics.
• Moisturizers: Moisturizers help in soothing itchy and dry skin.

There are a few home remedies that can help in alleviating the symptoms of mold rash.

1. Aloe Vera: It soothes the itchy rashes.
2. Cold Compress: It helps in reducing itchiness and swelling.
3. Oatmeal Bath: Put one cup of powdered oatmeal in lukewarm water and soak the rash area in it. It gives a soothing sensation.

It is good to consult a doctor to know about the type of allergy. He would help you come to a confirmation whether it’s due to mold or something else.

Visit a primary care doctor or a dermatologist in case of the following symptoms:⁽²⁾

• If there is fever
• The rash covers the entire body
• There is a pain in the rashes
• Rashes are spreading rapidly
• The rashes are getting infected

Continuous exposure to molds can lead to several potential health risks such as worsening asthma symptoms, upper respiratory infection, and lung inflammation.

If you experience mold allergy, it is better to clean the home and visit a doctor if any allergy is present.