If one said that mold got all over one's feet and molds can fly, is this person crazy?

Question

This is what was said... "I was just cleaning just one (clothing item)... in the bath tub and the mold got all over my feet. I cleaned my feet a couple of times it still there and I am getting allergy reaction right now. .... I cannot use a fan or air condition right now because I don’t want the molds flying all over the house again after the carpet is cleaned."

How does one help this situation?

Answer 1

Mold spores can actually become airborne, however, we cannot see them. I would not say the person is crazy per se. It really sounds like he/she has obsessive complusive disorder (OCD). It is similiar to a germ phobia where someone will wash their hands continuely due to a distorted thought process. They want to get rid of the germs but germs are a part of life and everything we touch has germs and they cannot handle this. It is very irrational but to them it becomes habitual and overwhleming. Whomever you are refering to has came across info on mold spores and they are taking the info far and beyond normal and reasonable activity. The more this person learns about germs/molds, the worse their compulsive disoder may become unless they seek professional help to desensitize them to irrational thoughts. They need to see a doctor and maybe try meds to control their possible OCD. But I would not refer to them as crazy. It really can be a life altering disorder.
Maybe, if close with the person, after you read up on OCD mention it to them and see how accepting they are to the idea. Do they know that what they are processing is unreasonable? Out of the ordinary to most people? Ask them if they have other rituals/ habits that are troublesome for them at times. They probably do. They may open up about it and they probably realize their actions are unreasonable at times. Ask them if they are willing to talk to a med doc about it (not a psychiatrist - at least not at this point). Good luck!!

Answer 2

It sounds like the mold might have stained this persons feet. Mold can definately cause an allergic reaction. Tell this person to use an antihistimine, and clean the bathroom with bleach. Then they will be able to use the fan or air conditioner.