Mold can cause many health problems, including skin irritation. If you are experiencing this symptom, this is a clear sign that you are being exposed to mold that is affecting your health.
If your mold exposure is caused by the negligence of your landlord or those who sold your property to you, you may be able to take legal action to recover compensation for your losses and damages.
Matthew de Lira is here to help you understand your rights and take action, so give us a call at (858) 703-7048 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with a San Diego mold injury lawyer.
What does skin irritation from mold look like?
According to Healthline, rashes and skin irritation that occur as a result of black mold exposure are similar to other kinds of skin rashes. Potential signs and symptoms include:
- Dry skin
- Scaly skin
- Itchiness
- Rawness
- Brown or pink skin
- Small raised bumps that could potentially leak fluid
It can be difficult to distinguish a rash caused by mold exposure from other kinds of skin rashes. You and your doctor will need to determine if the allergic reaction is caused by mold by process of elimination or by looking for evidence of mold in your home or work environment.
If you are not being exposed to other allergens but have persistent symptoms of skin irritation, this could be an indicator of a mold-related rash.
Dampness in your home or work environment, a persistent musty odor, white or colored patches on the walls, dark grout on tile floors, and peeling and bubbling paint can all be signs of mold. If you notice these signs and develop a rash, there is a reasonable likelihood it’s a mold rash.
Causes of a mold skin rash
According to Healthline, mold creates tiny spores in order to reproduce. Those spores move through the air. If you are present in a location where there is mold, you may breathe in these spores. This, in turn, can trigger your immune system to react — and sometimes to overreact and cause an allergic reaction.
If your immune system overreacts to the mold spores, you may experience a variety of symptoms, including inflammation, the production of antibodies, and a skin rash. Some people are more prone to mold reactions than others and are more likely to develop a rash.
Unfortunately, the mold that causes a rash can also cause other issues, including breathing problems and serious health conditions like severe asthma, Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (an inflammatory disease), a systemic fungal infection, or Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA).
What are your rights if you develop a rash or other mold-related symptoms?
If you develop a rash or other mold-related symptoms and your condition occurs because a landlord fails to provide a safe, mold-free living environment, you may have a right to pursue a claim for damages.
California law guarantees you a habitable home, and you also may have the right to break your lease or to pay for mold remediation and then withhold the money from your rent.
You could also potentially take legal action if someone sells you a home with mold in it without properly disclosing that there was water damage.
Matthew de Lira can help you to understand your options when you develop skin irritation from mold or other health problems because of mold exposure. To find out how we can help you, give us a call or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a California mold illness lawyer today.