What are the Consequences?

By Cesar Collado

Our skin is made of biodegradable material just like other organic substrates that grow mold, such as home furnishings and building materials. Our skin, in fact our bodies, shed up to  40,000 skin cells each day! Dead skin cells are common nutrients for mold.  Many people aren’t aware that mold can colonize and reproduce on our skin.  It takes time for the microscopic spores to grow to where they are visible. In fact, there can be up to 250,000 mold spores on the head of a pin.  It is important to note that mold and mycotoxins  on skin can be absorbed and as dangerous as than dealing with mold inhalation or ingestion.

Who is in Danger of Having Mold Issues on Skin or Hair?

There are a several professions where  people are exposed to extreme moldy conditions.

• Medical professionals who see mold patients, since mold travels on clothing
• Mold Inspectors and Remediation Professionals
• Construction Workers
• Employees working in dusty warehouses/plants that have high humidity
• Homeowners who enter attics, basements, and crawlspaces
• Any other persons exposed to humid, hot conditions for prolonged periods

How Mold Can Grow on Skin

There are a variety of circumstances which can cause the growth of mold on skin.

• Moldy environment or work conditions
• Excess moisture from humidity or improper drying procedures
• Diet; too much yeast from sugars/carbohydrates, etc.
• Skin reaction from infection or other outside source

Avoiding Moisture

Mold needs moisture, warmth, and food to reproduce and grow. The human body is an optimal place, as our body temperatures are high, and our skin is made of biodegradable, slightly porous material that mold spores love to attach onto. If your skin has too much moisture, it will be the perfect environment for mold growth.

If you aren’t drying your skin immediately and properly, or if the humidity levels are high, and your skin remains moist constantly without being able to dry out, it would only make sense that mold spores would begin to reproduce.

The use of a dehumidifier will reduce the humidity continuously for comfort and mold hygiene.

Diets with Sugar and Simple Carbohydrates Fuel Candida (Yeast) growth in your Gut

How does mold infect skin? Skin is the largest organ of the human body. It also tends to be the last place on your body that shows signs of inner problems. Many of your body’s waste products are secreted out of your skin through sweat glands and pores. Many times, if too many yeast containing products are consumed, there is an over-abundance of yeast in the blood, which can result in yeast infections, or in an outbreak of mold on the skin.  Candida overgrowth can also occur after a course of antibiotics, or just from a poor diet that is high in sugars and/or carbohydrates. In the worst-case scenario, candida blood infections can be fatal.

If your body is already dealing with a problem, such as an infection, reduced immune system, or other problems, your natural defenses are compromised, and mold is more likely to get a foothold on your skin.

There are Solutions

The following suggestions and treatments can help people deal with the growth of mold of their skin. If you are uncertain, always seek advice from your healthcare provider or dermatologist.

CitriSafe Remedy Shampoo and Body Wash

• Remedy Shampoo and Body Wash is specially formulated to remove mold from your
  body and hair when showering. The unique formulation is fortified with nutrients to support moist, healthy skin and hair.  Learn more about the ingredients of Remedy Shampoo and Body Wash HERE.

Wash Mold from Clothing and Bedding

Clothing can hold fungus or mold spores, re-introducing them even after you have cleaned your skin.

• Remedy Laundry Liquid Detergent cleans mold from clothing. It has a combination of citrus seed extracts known for their antimicrobial properties and works during both the wash and rinse cycles.

External Topical Treatments

There are a number of different things that have been suggested for topical use on mold growth or fungal breakouts on the skin. If you  develop a serious skin condition or infection, see a dermatologist immediately.

Address Mold in Your Environment

There are a number of different treatments for your environment.

• HavenMist can be used to spray non-washable clothing items, coats, and shoes. It can also be used in bathrooms and to wipe moldy surfaces and food preparation surfaces.
• HavenMist Kit can be used to cold mist entire homes for immediate reduction of mold counts in the air.
• HavenFog systems can be used to systemically fog the entire home or space to reach all surface areas in a room and inside ductwork and HVAC machines to keep mold spores down to a minimum.
• HEPA vacuums, microfiber cloths, and air purifiers can help reduce mold spores in the air and remove mold from carpets and upholstery.
• HavenClean can be used to treat mold residing in carpets and cloth furniture.