Rashes From Mold and 5 Other Surprising Symptoms of Mold Poisoning

By: Diana Rodriguez-Zaba
Updated on: March 20, 2024

That aggravating rash seems to come and go, so you think about changing bath soap or laundry detergent. The kids blow their runny noses and rub their itchy eyes, but you blame the high pollen count. It’s easy to mistake mold symptoms in adults and children as simple allergies.

Are you overlooking possible toxic mold rashes or signs of mold poisoning? What does mold do to your body?

Can mold cause hives? If you’re dealing with existing health problems, mold exposure can result in hives. You should always see your doctor immediately for any unusual skin outbreaks.

For most of us, eliminating mold allergies starts with eliminating the mold. However, even low-level mold exposure can result in serious health problems for individuals with compromised immune systems.

5 Signs of Mold Exposure and Recommended Treatments

Just a little bit of mold hiding in crawl spaces or lurking in closets can make you miserable. The cleanest home can harbor enough fungal growth to cause a variety of health issues.

When airborne spores circulate through the house, you’re exposed to microbial volatile organic compounds and potent mycotoxins. It’s important to recognize the signs of mold allergies, know how to treat mold exposure symptoms and eliminate the source of this threat to your health.

1. Irritated Eyes

Airborne mold spores can settle on the clear eye tissue that covers the pupil and iris. Eyes often feel gritty and become sensitive to light. The symptoms are similar to pink eye.

Treatment: Cold compresses ease the discomfort of itchy eyes. In serious cases, a doctor recommends prescription eye drops and oral antifungal medications.

2. Itchy Rashes

Rashes from mold are usually itchy, red and warm to the touch. Be on the lookout for swelling and discomfort. Mold-related rashes appear as bumps, scales or blisters.

Treatment: Relieve minor rashes with antihistamine creams, cool compresses and baking soda baths.

3. Nose and Throat Problems

Nasal mold allergy symptoms include a runny nose, swollen sinuses and post-nasal drip. The cumulative effect often causes a painful throat and difficulty in swallowing.

Treatment: OTC antihistamines help control nasal and throat symptoms. A salt water gargle or cold popsicles are good home remedies for sore throats.

4. Chronic Cough

After exposure to mold spores, an irritated throat can trigger a chronic cough. Excess mucous in the nose and throat drain into the lungs resulting in congestion and coughing.

Treatment: Sip lemon and honey in warm water or honey and warm tea to soothe a cough. A steam inhaler can also help by breaking up congestion.

5. Recurring Headaches

Headaches that seem to always occur when you’re home can be symptoms of mold allergies. In severe cases, migraines develop causing blurred vision and sensitivity to light and sound.

Treatment: Take OTC medications, and stay hydrated. Immediately consult with your doctor about any severe or prolonged headaches.

Symptoms of Toxic Mold Exposure

The effects of exposure to toxic black mold can become very serious. You can test fungal growth in the house and determine exactly what you’re up against, but never ignore these warning signs.

  • Chronic nausea and vomiting that increase over time
  • Repeated appearance and disappearance of painful toxic mold rashes
  • Persistent, unexplained muscle aches, fatigue and fever

Over time, exposure to any type of mold can have serious effects especially on children. If you suspect any health issues might be signs of mold poisoning, contact a medical professional immediately.

Positive Ways to Take Control

Often, symptoms of mold exposure clear up when you’re away from the house and return when you get back home. That’s when you know it’s time to take back your health and sense of well-being.

Develop indoor routines that reduce the chances of a mold outbreak. Take a look around outside, and take care of problems before they turn into mold and allergy headaches.

These tips can really make a difference.

  • Get the whole family on board with mold patrol routines.
  • Address water leaks inside and out as soon as possible.
  • Clean up mold growth right away, but always wear protective gear.
  • Have your home’s air duct system professionally cleaned at least once a year.

Dealing with Mold in the Chicago, IL Area? We can Help

We know you can handle most mold cleanup jobs on your own, but don’t take any chances. If you or family members deal with any health issues, you don’t want to risk making mold exposure problems worse. Give us a call here at ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

Our technicians are industry certified mold removal experts. We know how to clean your home and protect the surrounding environment while we work. From mold inside walls to toxic growth in the basement, we handle it all. We’re proud to be Chicago’s leading mold remediation company, and we’re always at your service.

Call now for mold removal: 773-647-1985

Disclaimer: The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and does not constitute medical or other professional advice.

How does mold cause a skin rash?

Skin rashes caused by mold are allergic reactions to mold exposure. Scaly, itchy and dry skin are all symptoms of mold allergies. If you suspect mold in your home is the source of your skin rash, have the house inspected by a certified mold removal company.

How do you treat a mold rash?

Treat a mold rash in the same way you would any other type of rash. Cool compresses and antihistamine creams can relieve the itching. If the mold rash doesn’t clear up quickly, consult with your doctor right away.

Can toxic black mold cause a skin rash?

Yes. Stachysbotrys chartarum, commonly called toxic black mold, can cause serious skin irritation. People with allergies or weakened immune systems are vulnerable to health problems caused by toxic black mold.