10/21/2023
Around August I started to develop random skin rashes but the most concerning was the rash that developed around my lips. My lips began to swell, itch and peel around the lip line. I instantly thought I’m having an allergic reaction to the lip balms I was using, so I quickly threw them out. I was also noticing a lot more inflammation in my face, and breakouts around my mouth and jaw.
As someone with autoimmune diseases (including eczema) and sensitive skin, I didn’t think too much about the inflammation or breakouts because this often occurs if I’m eating inflammatory foods or not watching my diet, along with the occasional hormonal acne along the jaw area.
The rashes continued with not much healing even with applying ointments & the rash around my mouth continued even after throwing out lip balms.
After spending a week vacation away from home the rashes cleared up while gone. Once I returned back home they reappeared. My first thought was external sources so I deep cleaned the house, washed all linens, replaced my toothbrush, bathed my cat, switched to antibacterial/anti-fungal soap and adjusted all environmental factors that I could think of that may cause contact dermatitis or rashes. The rashes continued and progressed.
At this point I knew the issue was internal. I immediately went to the vitamin store in town and picked up a 2 week whole body cleanse. Thankfully after this the rashes seemed to go away.
Sadly in September the rash around my lip line began to come back and was inconsistent. Showing up occasionally throughout September and October.
At this point I’m wondering if it’s a food allergy and notice that it progressively gets worse when I drink coffee. I have been an avid coffee drinker pretty much my entire life (no exaggeration). Every morning I stop by the local coffee shop or bring coffee from home in my to-go cups. I’m of course in denial thinking “How could I possibly be allergic to coffee out of the blue? Maybe it’s a dairy allergy?”
At this point I start to notice I’m also struggling with horrible anxiety (worse than normal), trouble sleeping, and complete brain fog. All of which I generally don’t struggle with.
I immediately went back to the vitamin store to pick up yet another 2 week whole body cleanse.
I started the cleanse this week. It wasn’t until this morning, while I was grabbing my to-go coffee mug that I acknowledged the 2 part lid! I immediately take it apart to find mold! I immediately google mold toxicity symptoms and it confirms that I have indeed been struggling with mold toxicity.
I wanted to share this story because this isn’t the first time I’ve come in contact with mold on travel cup lids, however this is the first time that it has actually effected my health. If you use any form of travel cups please check your lids.
Also a complete reminder that our bodies are absolutely incredible and that our skin is such an amazing organ. The rashes, inflammation, and breakouts was my body telling me something wasn’t right internally.