Mold allergy in adults

Mold is a fungus that can be found almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. There are many different types of mold, but only a few cause an allergic reaction. Mold spores are released into the air and then inhaled by humans. In people at risk, it can cause allergy symptoms or provoke breathing problems such as asthma.

Mold lives in damp, dark and warm places. Mold can grow on anything from old books to fallen leaves or straw. Outdoor mold grows best in autumn and spring due to the low temperatures and high moisture content. Indoors, it can grow all year round in damp or damp places (bath, basement, garage, corners of rooms).

There are over 300 species of mushrooms in the world. Some of them are dangerous to health, causing various diseases ranging from athlete’s foot to fungal infections and allergies. Mold is a type of fungus that usually lives in damp parts of the house or outdoors. You may have seen it grow on food, around your windows, pipes, or roof. It can also appear in a damp basement or other areas of the house where air circulation is difficult.

Mold is a common cause of allergies. It produces spores that can cause an allergic reaction when inhaled or on the skin.

Can adults be allergic to mold?

Although there are many types of mold, only a few dozen are known to cause allergic reactions, and only in people who have an allergic predisposition. Types of mold that can cause an allergic reaction include:

• alternaria;
• aspergillus;
• aureobasidium (Pullularia);
• Hormodendrum (Cladosporium);
• epicoccus;
• Fusarium;
• helminthosporium;
• mucor (Mucor);
• Penicillium
• rhizopus.

An allergy is an adverse reaction of the immune system to something that comes into contact with the body, is inhaled or swallowed. The mold reproduces by creating tiny spores that are carried through the air. When you inhale these spores or get them on your skin, they can cause an allergic reaction, which means an overreaction of the immune system. This overreaction leads to antibody production, inflammation, and a host of non-specific symptoms that can include sneezing, wheezing, coughing, itching, skin rashes, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or even a drop in blood pressure that can cause dizziness or unconsciousness. But scientists don’t understand why some people have allergies and others don’t.

How does mold allergy manifest in adults?

Symptoms of a mold allergy may include:

• rashes in places where spores directly hit or all over the body (urticaria);
• coughing or persistent coughing, perspiration, discomfort in the throat;
• nasal congestion;
• common allergy symptoms.

A rash caused by mold exposure is difficult to distinguish from other types of rash. It’s unlikely that you or your doctor can diagnose a mold rash just by looking at it. Some common symptoms of these rashes include:

• itching;
• dryness and scaly skin;
• weeping and sensitivity of the epidermis;
• brownish or pink, red tint;
• small raised bumps, at the top of which liquid can ooze.

The symptoms of a mold allergy are similar to those of other allergies. The extent of your reaction to mold may depend on your level of sensitivity and how much mold you are exposed to.

Other mold allergy symptoms include:

• watery eyes;
• cough;
• runny or stuffy nose;
• sneezing;
• red and itchy eyes;
• high fever;
• shortness of breath, chest tightness;
• wheezing.

How to treat mold allergy in adults

People who are allergic to mold may develop skin rashes and other common symptoms of an allergic reaction. If you suspect that you are allergic to mold, the first thing to do is to clean your home of visible mold. You can also visit a doctor to take an allergy test to confirm if you are allergic to mold.

Diagnostics

Mold can cause a wide variety of rashes. A doctor can diagnose mold allergy based on symptoms and a medical history. If your doctor is not sure if you are allergic to mold, they will do several tests, including a blood test or a skin test.

Blood tests. An allergen test – specific immunoglobin E can help a doctor determine if they are allergic to mold or something else. Immunoglobin E is a type of antibody that the immune system produces in response to allergies. The human body produces a unique type of these antibodies for each substance to which it develops an allergy. If a mold allergy is determined, the results will show that the amount of specific antibodies to mold is increased in the blood.

Skin test. It allows you to identify up to 50 types of allergic reactions at the same time. It is usually used to detect allergies to mold or pollen. Usually the test is done on the forearm. During the test, the nurse will clean the skin with an alcohol swab and apply a drop of each test allergen to the arm using a lancet. She will then apply histamine, glycerin, or saline to the skin. After about 15 minutes, a nurse will check your skin for an allergic reaction.

Modern methods

If a rash develops due to mold exposure or other reactions, it is important to remove the sources of mold to prevent further reactions. The following can be used to treat a rash:

Antihistamines. Various over-the-counter antihistamines can help relieve the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Creams with cortisone. Cortisone creams are available with or without a prescription. These creams help with swelling, redness, and itching.

Antibiotics. The itchy rashes usually itch and become infected when scratched. If an infection develops, antibiotics can treat it.

However, if over-the-counter medications do not relieve symptoms or cause unpleasant side effects, you should discuss alternative treatment options with your doctor. For moderate to severe allergy symptoms, a doctor may prescribe medication to be taken on a regular basis.

Moisturizers. Moisturizers can help soothe dry and itchy skin.

Many home remedies can also help relieve an itchy rash.

Aloe vera. Applying aloe vera helps soothe an itchy rash.

Cold compress. Apply a damp cloth or paper towel to the rash to reduce itching and swelling.

Oatmeal bath. When taking an oatmeal bath, diluting about a cup of powdered oatmeal in warm water may help soothe the rash.

Prevention of mold allergy in adults at home

The better you can prevent the growth and spread of mold spores, the more likely you are to reduce your exposure to the allergen:

• install an exhaust fan or open a window in the bathroom;
• repair any leaks in the plumbing;
• eliminate clogged drains and seepage of water through basement walls;
• raise the temperature in the basement or other damp areas to reduce humidity levels – small space heaters or low wattage light bulbs can be helpful in damp toilets, however be careful when placing them so as not to create a fire hazard;
• remove the carpet in the bathroom if there is a problem with moisture;
• clean trash cans often;
• wash sinks and bathtubs at least once a month – mold breeds on soap and other organic films covering tiles and grout; for problem areas, use bleach, it kills mold and neutralizes allergens;
• add fungicides to paint, primer, or wallpaper paste to slow down fungus growth in treated areas (this approach is not effective if excess moisture remains);
• clean the refrigerator door seals and trays;
• get rid of old books, newspapers, clothes or bedding – places where mold can grow;
• ensure that groundwater is drained away from your home;
• remove leaves and dead vegetation near foundations and in gutters.

Popular questions and answers

Answered the most common questions about mold allergies pharmacist, teacher of pharmacology, editor-in-chief of MedCorr Zorina Olga.