How to Stop Itching From Mold Allergies
Although mold allergies can cause nasal congestion, nasal discharge, dry or scaly skin and sneezing, some individuals find the itching they experience from their mold allergy the most unpleasant or bothersome. Many lifestyle modifications or medications designed to treat other symptoms of a mold allergy can also prevent, reduce or eliminate itching from a mold allergy as well.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Minimize your outdoor exposure to mold. When possible, stay indoors on days when the published mold count is high. Wear a mask over your mouth and nose when mowing your grass, picking weeds or raking leaves, suggests the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America 1.
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Prevent mold from growing in your home. Use a dehumidifier or air conditioning unit to lower the humidity levels in your house to be less than 50 percent. Frequently clean or disinfect areas where mold is more likely to grow, such as basements, bathrooms and kitchens. Keep your windows and doors closed to prevent mold spores from entering your home, especially on days when the pollen counts are high.
Take an over-the-counter allergy medication 3. Read the labels of the medication carefully to make sure the medication treats itching. Although products containing an antihistamine may also prove beneficial for nasal or eye itching, corticosteroid products may be particularly useful in controlling skin itching, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
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See a doctor if over-the-counter medications and minimizing exposure to mold proves ineffective at relieving the itching. Ask about the possibility of taking prescription medication to treat your itchiness. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using prescription allergy medications.
Take the prescription medication regularly. Always follow your doctor’s dosing instructions. Do not modify your dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your doctor, but promptly report any unusual or unpleasant side effects from the medication.
Try different allergy treatments until you find one that works. Do not become discouraged if the first medications you try do not work as well as you expected, as it takes some people multiple attempts before finding the allergy medication that is most effective for them. Continue to work with your doctor or allergist until you find the treatment that best relieves the itching.
Tips
Use HEPA filters in your vacuums, air conditioning or furnace units, suggests the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Warnings
Always check for potential drug interactions before taking any over-the-counter or prescription allergy medicatio
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References
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Mold Allergy
- MayoClinic.com: Mold Allergy: Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Cleveland Clinic: Over-the-Counter – Choosing the Right Allergy Medication
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Allergies: Things You Can Do to Control Your Symptoms
- Amirhosein Ghaffarianhoseini, Husam AlWaer, Hossein Omrany, Ali Ghaffarianhoseini, Chaham Alalouch, Derek Clements-Croome & John Tookey (2018) Sick building syndrome: are we doing enough?. Architectural Science Review,61:3, 99-121.
- American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Mold Allergy. Reviewed April 23, 2018.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fungal Diseases. Reviewed May 6, 2019.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mold. Basic Facts. Reviewed December 20, 2017
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Mold Allergy. Reviewed October 2015.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Molds in the Environment. Rreviewed December 20, 2017.
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Mold Allergy
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mold, Basic Facts
- Rudert A, Portnoy J.Mold allergy: is it real and what do we do about it?Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2017 Aug;13(8):823-835. doi: 10.1080/1744666X.2017.1324298. Epub 2017 May 17.
Writer Bio
Elizabeth Wolfenden has been a professional freelance writer since 2005 with articles published on a variety of blogs and websites. She specializes in the areas of nutrition, health, psychology, mental health and education. Wolfenden holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in counseling from Oakland University.