Can Mold Cause Rashes? The Surprising Answer

Published January 10, 2022

If you feel you have mold rashes, it is critical to identify your symptoms and determine whether your rash is truly caused by mold exposure. Once your symptoms and causes have been determined, you can begin treating rashes from mold.

Continue reading to learn about the symptoms, drugs, treatments, and possible risks connected with mold rashes.

Can Mold Cause Rashes?

Rashes from mold are an allergic reaction to mold spores discharged into the air. However, not everyone reacts to mold in the same way; in fact, some people will get no rash after inhaling mold spores carried in the air.

What Does Mold Rashes Look Like?

The problematic part about a mold-related rash is that it frequently looks identical to other types of rashes caused by allergies. A rash generated by an allergic reaction may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Itchiness
• Sensitivity
• Bumpy texture in a particular area
• Patches of dry and scaly skin
• Discoloration (either pink or red)

Your mold-related skin rash may appear in various areas of your body and may even appear in multiple locations.

Bear in mind that irritation of the skin can be caused by a variety of different conditions other than allergies. Many people suffer from skin irritations such as eczema or psoriasis. Therefore it may be worthwhile to contact a specialist to discuss your symptoms and seek assistance diagnosing your rash type.

When Are Rashes From Mold

Because allergic reactions are difficult to distinguish, the best approach to determine if you have a mold-related skin rash is to decide whether or not you have a mold allergy and whether you have recently been exposed to mold.

Without prior knowledge about your sensitivities, doctors are unlikely to be able to classify your rash, particularly as a mold-related one. However, allergy testing is rather simple and can be requested by any medical professional.

Another effective method of identifying your rash is by comparing it to other rashes and narrowing down the possible reasons for your irritation.

Mold Making You Sick: How to Spot It

Consistent exposure to mold may have harmful side effects in addition to mold skin rashes, even in those who are not allergic to mold.

According to the National Capital Poison Center, there are numerous allegations that exposure to indoor mold, or what many people refer to as “black mold,” can cause unpleasant side effects. While there is no definitive scientific evidence that mold, specifically S. chartarum, can cause serious medical issues, the majority of professionals agree that damp and moist settings can contribute to or worsen the situation:

• Sinus conditions 
• Coughs 
• Runny noses 
• Asthma
• Allergies
• Any respiratory issues 

Mold-Associated Allergy Testing

If you believe you have developed mold rashes, testing for allergens is an excellent method to begin unraveling the source of your rash.

There are two types of tests that doctors generally use to diagnose allergies. Your specialist may choose either one or the other, or a mix of the two:

• Blood tests — Blood tests can detect immunoglobulin E, a protein produced by your immune system in response to allergen activation.
• Skin prick testing — After applying glycerin, histamine, or saline to your arm with a lancet, a healthcare practitioner will monitor your skin for symptoms of an allergic reaction after 15 minutes.

You can speak with an online doctor about ordering testing or visit your primary care physician or allergist in person. Even some services allow you to purchase tests online and submit your samples directly to a lab.