The field of environmental medicine is growing by leaps as bounds as we are expanding our understanding of the deleterious impact of toxins in our environment on human health. Mold and mycotoxin exposure at home and at work is on the rise.  Mycotoxins are toxic compounds that are naturally produced by certain types of molds. Mycotoxins can negatively affect many systems in the body including the kidneys, immune system, liver and the GI tract.  While rashes can be a known symptom of mycotoxin exposure, the potential impact of these toxins on the skin and hair goes much deeper than just causing rashes.  Mycotoxins can exacerbate autoimmune diseases and can aggravate existing dermatologic conditions. This presentation will discuss how to test for mycotoxins in your derm patients and what to do if they are present. Two in depth case studies will be presented showing how mycotoxins and mold can be a major contributor to dermatologic conditions and autoimmune disease. One case will feature an eczema patient and the other will feature an alopecia areata patient. The discussion will also include naturopathic options to treat mold and mycotoxin problems in your derm patients so that you can address the root cause of their issues and help them heal.

Session Learning Objectives:

1.) Explain the difference between mold and mycotoxins.

2.) Recognize the variety of ways that mycotoxins can negatively impact human health.

3.) Discuss treatments for mycotoxin exposure.

4.) Describe how testing for and treating mycotoxins can benefit dermatology patients.