How To Treat My Skin Rash

Do you suffer from itchy, dry, or inflamed areas on your skin? It could be a skin rash due to mold or fungus allergies. Let's face it, a skin rash isn't fun to deal with regardless of the cause or symptoms, but there are ways to treat the rash and prevent it from returning.

Generally, a skin rash is caused from an allergic reaction to something you're putting in your body or something in the air. Unlike other environmental allergies, mold doesn't leave once it's crept into your home. If your rash has lingered through a season change, you may be allergic to mold spores. Depending on the type of mold, your symptoms may be worse in the summer and fall, or occur year-round.

What is Mold?
Mold is a fungus, and it lives everywhere. You may or may not see it. Often it lurks in damp, dark places like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. Or it can be tucked away in neglected crevices. Mold produces spores, or "seeds," that are airborne and can be inhaled without your knowledge. Unlike pollens, molds don't die with the first frost.

Symptoms of a Mold Allergy
A skin rash may or may not be present on those suffering from mold allergies. Mold allergy symptoms are similar to symptoms of other allergies and include: sneezing, runny nose, itching, congestion, and scaling, dry skin. Since mold spores are airborne, they can get into your nose and replicate hay fever symptoms. Spores can also be breathed into the lungs and cause asthma-related symptoms. A rare, but serious illness called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) may develop as both an allergic and inflammatory response to the mold. Symptoms for ABPA include severe coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing.

The best way to know if your skin rash is from a mold allergy is to talk to your doctor. Often, a visit will include an exam, a skin test, and possibly blood work. You may be prescribed medication or directed to take over-the-counter antihistamines.

How to Prevent an Allergic Reaction to Mold
Prevention of mold is key, but what if you suspect a mold allergy? While there's no cure for allergies, you can drastically reduce your symptoms by avoiding contact with mold and mold spores. Here are several tips to rid your home of mold:

• Mold be gone!
  If there's visible mold growth in your home, it's time to call an expert. Cleaning with bleach will not kill the mold spores, so it's recommended you call a certified mold removal company. Not only will they rid the area of any visible mold, but they can perform a mold test to check spore levels in the air.
• Breathe clean air.
  The ductwork of your home function as the lungs of the house, cycling air throughout. You want to make sure the air you breath is contaminant and pollutant free so your health isn't affected. Be sure to have your HVAC unit serviced and cleaned regularly by a reputable contractor.
• Repair those leaks!
  Is there a small water leak in the basement, bathroom, or kitchen that you've been putting off? Because mold thrives where moisture enters, repair any leaky pipes pronto. Depending on the damage, you may want to hire an environmental cleanup company to professionally dry and treat affected areas to prevent future mold growth. Remember, just because you don't visibly see the mold doesn't mean it's not there.
• Redirect outside water away from your home.
  Cleaning the gutters is a dreaded chore, but very necessary. When gutters are damaged or full of leaves, it can cause leaking. Likewise, remove dead vegetation and debris near the foundation of your home. Repair any roof leaks that you've been putting off to prevent water damage in your attic or crawl space.
• Banish dampness.
  Dehumidifiers are a great option to remove moisture in the air and keep humidity in your house below 45 percent. Anywhere where moisture condenses and collects can become a haven for mold growth. Mold thrives in unused areas of the home like attics, crawl spaces, and basements because these areas are often closed up without circulating air. By allowing a professional environmental cleanup company to perform a walk-through of your home, they will be able to offer preventative solutions tailored to suit you.

Live Allergy Free!
Knowing how to treat the and prevent future mold growth and mold spores in your home will go a long way toward a healthier lifestyle. Allergy symptoms like a skin rash or that lingering nasal congestion will clear up and you'll feel better and live happier. If you suspect a mold allergy or simply want peace of mind, give us a call today to schedule a consult. We're here to help!

More info? For more information on how mold may affect your health, check out our post: WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF TOXIC MOLD EXPOSURE

Call 877-800-2382 to schedule an appointment with an AdvantaClean mold remediation specialist today!