MOULD ALLERGY

Mould or mildew is an umbrella term for a large number of fungal species. Mould is a microbe that causes the degradation of natural elements. In other words, mould causes food to spoil and damages possessions, such as walls or furniture.

Where does mould usually hide? There are some obvious, but also less obvious places where mould likes to hide:

•  On and under doormats


• Under wallpaper and drywall


• In the toothbrush tumbler


• Under sinks, in showers or bathtubs


• On windows and windowsills


• On and under the mattress


• In flower pots


• Around boilers and instantaneous water heaters


• In the pantry and refrigerator


• On curtains, carpets and upholstered furniture

The following types of mould often cause allergic symptoms in sensitised patients:

•  Alternaria alternata: grows on carpets, clothing, windows, walls, etc.


• Aspergillus fumigatus and Penicilum chrysogenum: grows in flower pots, piles of leaves, compost heaps, on spoiled vegetables and other spoiled food.


• Cladosporium herbarum: grows in damp areas such as bathrooms and cellar compartments.

7DROPS tests for 12 different mould allergens, including all those in the list above. For a complete list of all allergens tested, click here.

Contact with mould spores can trigger the following allergy symptoms:

• Sneezing


• Runny or stuffy nose


• Coughing


• Itchy eyes, nose and throat


• Red and watery eyes


• Dry, scaly skin

In addition, contact with mould spores can also trigger allergic asthma, which manifests itself in the following symptoms:

• Coughing


• Whistling


• Shortness of breath


• Tightness in the chest