2 minutes ago, Furioso said:

I chased my mold theory for a long time. At first I thought it was the air conditioner. Then I thought it was in the sinks, down in the pipes, then I looked underneath all the cabinets and any dark place I could find in the condo. But I didn't have all the other allergy symptoms that usually come with molds, like runny nose, watery eyes, breathing issues. I was chasing a phantom.

How long do you have AC on for? this time of year particularly important

Edited June 16Jun 16 by scubascuba3

3 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

How long do you have AC on for? this time of year particularly important

Actually, I moved into a new condo on 3 June then I flew to Koh Samui on the 5th. Now at Koh Phangan.

On 6/15/2026 at 11:08 AM, impulse said:

I'd consider the possibility of changing laundry detergents, too. Especially if it goes away when you're not at home sleeping in your own bed.

^^^^^
This worked for me. Look for mild detergent without bleach. I had some terrible rashes a few months ago because the wife bought the wrong detergent. Most detergent in 7-11 are extremely harsh. Also keeping the face clean helps. If you exercise, don't let dry sweat stay for hours.

17 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

How long do you have AC on for? this time of year particularly important

Why? I thought one of my AC was having some internal issues but maybe it just needs a few hour break every day.

35 minutes ago, Furioso said:

Actually, I moved into a new condo on 3 June then I flew to Koh Samui on the 5th. Now at Koh Phangan.

Yeah but you've had this mould problem for some time? so how long do you usually have AC on? AC would stop mould

1 hour ago, scubascuba3 said:

Yes, same as the Fada B i mentioned further up. I asked Gemini what they thought of your advice as it is different to what I'm doing. Worth reading:

this is classic internet forum advice: a mix of a correct general observation and some highly dangerous instructions regarding medication.

The person who wrote this means well, but their advice on how to use that specific cream is a medical disaster waiting to happen. Here is the breakdown of why you should tread very carefully with what they are suggesting.

1. The Cream: A Dangerous Recommendation for "Several Months"

The user in 1000402636.jpg recommends using Canasone C.B. (Clotrimazole + Betamethasone) "over several months."

This is a massive red flag.

What it is: Canasone C.B. is the exact same class of medication as your Fada-B. It is a combination of an antifungal (Clotrimazole) and a potent topical steroid (Betamethasone).

The Danger: You should never use a potent steroid on your face for several months. Doing so causes topical steroid-induced skin atrophy (severe thinning of the skin), permanent spider veins (telangiectasia), and can trigger an even worse condition called perioral dermatitis.

The Reality: Combination creams like Canasone C.B. or Fada-B are strictly meant to be "fire extinguishers"—used for a maximum of 3 to 7 days just to knock down acute inflammation.

If that forum user has been rubbing a strong steroid on their face for months, they are destroying their skin barrier, which ironically makes them more susceptible to the "Pattaya swamp" flare-ups long-term.

2. The Tablets: Sporoxyl (Itraconazole)

They also mention Sporoxyl tablets for 30 days.

What it is: Sporoxyl is a brand name for Itraconazole, a potent, systemic oral antifungal medication.

When it's actually used: Doctors prescribe oral antifungals for severe, deep-seated fungal infections (like severe fungal nail infections or widespread body ringworm) that topical creams can't reach.

The Catch: Itraconazole is processed heavily by the liver. Taking it for 30 days requires strict medical supervision, and doctors often run blood tests to monitor liver enzymes. Popping these casually based on a forum post to fix a localized facial rash—before even trying a routine change like a Day 2 shaving schedule—is total overkill and risky.

3. The "Spores on Sheets and Shirts" Panic

The poster claims the spores are "all over your sheets and shirts, so hard to stop."

This is a bit of a misunderstanding of how Malassezia (the yeast behind seborrheic dermatitis) works. This yeast is already permanently present on 100% of human beings. You cannot escape it by boiling your sheets or throwing away your shirts.

The issue isn't that you are catching "spores" from your laundry; the issue is that the Pattaya heat and humidity create an environment that allows the yeast already living on your skin to overgrow. Keeping sheets clean is great for general hygiene, but obsessing over sterilizing your clothing won't fix a greenhouse environment on your face

I've used an antifungal cream that contains 2% ketoconazole..but to limited effect. Scuba what do you think about the hard water contributing to all this? Regardless I'm going to but filters when I get back. Back to the mold on my skin. Like I said earlier one of my theory's was that I had mold on my skin and that because I'm severely allergic to mold that it was causing my face/neck to be red itchy.

7 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

Yeah but you've had this mould problem for some time? so how long do you usually have AC on? AC would stop mould

I use the A/C almost all the time I'm in the Condo. I have an air purifier and I think when I get back I'm going to buy a dehumidifier.

Ultimately, I think my skin is getting a double whammy by both the salty polluted air and hard, mineral rich water. The future is looking much brighter, thanks to your suggested fix actions. I'll add water filters as well.

Thanks again Scuba!

39 minutes ago, atpeace said:

^^^^^
This worked for me. Look for mild detergent without bleach. I had some terrible rashes a few months ago because the wife bought the wrong detergent. Most detergent in 7-11 are extremely harsh. Also keeping the face clean helps. If you exercise, don't let dry sweat stay for hours.

Very true, I do a good amount of exercise outside and I've learned the hard way.

18 minutes ago, Furioso said:

I've used an antifungal cream that contains 2% ketoconazole..but to limited effect. Scuba what do you think about the hard water contributing to all this? Regardless I'm going to but filters when I get back. Back to the mold on my skin. Like I said earlier one of my theory's was that I had mold on my skin and that because I'm severely allergic to mold that it was causing my face/neck to be red itchy.

I use the A/C almost all the time I'm in the Condo. I have an air purifier and I think when I get back I'm going to buy a dehumidifier.

Ultimately, I think my skin is getting a double whammy by both the salty polluted air and hard, mineral rich water. The future is looking much brighter, thanks to your suggested fix actions. I'll add water filters as well.

Thanks again Scuba!

Unlikely to be hard water, but no harm in trying, it's a case of trial and error after all

57 minutes ago, atpeace said:

Why? I thought one of my AC was having some internal issues but maybe it just needs a few hour break every day.

AC lowers humidity so the more you use it the less likely you'll have mould, i don't know how long you need to have it on minimum for that

7 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

You get mould if you don't use AC enough or don't use dehumidifiers

No, you don´t!

12 hours ago, Furioso said:

I chased my mold theory for a long time. At first I thought it was the air conditioner. Then I thought it was in the sinks, down in the pipes, then I looked underneath all the cabinets and any dark place I could find in the condo. But I didn't have all the other allergy symptoms that usually come with molds, like runny nose, watery eyes, breathing issues. I was chasing a phantom.

Have you considered getting a mould test? Without a test, you'll never know for sure if you have a mould issue with your body or not. As this appears to be an ongoing, unresolved issue, it would be good to know for sure. I did a mould test a couple of years ago which that I did indeed have an issue with mould. The test is a urine test that checks for metabolites of mould mycotoxins. I arranged it outside of Thailand and the test itself was sent to a lab in the United States for processing. It wasn't cheap (something like $US350 ?) - but it was worth it as I had suffered mysterious health issues for a long time that doctors could not diagnose. Iy let me know once and for all what the issue was. There are a few different mould tests out there. The one I did was the Mosaic MycoTox Profile. More info here: https://mosaicdx.com/test/mycotox-profile/

6 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

No, you don´t!

From Gemini

Yes, mould can absolutely grow under those conditions—in fact, it is almost a certainty.

An environment with 80% relative humidity combined with Thailand's typical warm ambient temperatures (usually between 25°C and 32°C indoors) creates the absolute perfect breeding ground for mould spores.

Here is a breakdown of why this happens and where you will likely see it first:

The 60% Threshold

Mould spores exist naturally in the air everywhere, but they remain dormant until they find moisture.

Below 60% RH: Mould struggles to grow.

70% RH: Growth becomes possible, especially in stagnant air.

80%+ RH: Growth becomes aggressive and rapid. At this level, surfaces absorb moisture directly from the air, providing the exact environment spores need to germinate within 24 to 48 hours.

High-Risk Zones in a Closed Condo

If a condo is left locked up without air conditioning or a dehumidifier, moisture gets trapped, and the lack of airflow accelerates the problem. You will usually find mould appearing first on:

Organic & Porous Surfaces: Leather shoes, bags, and belts; wooden furniture (especially the unvarnished backs or insides of wardrobes); and clothing.

Walls and Ceilings: Especially behind furniture where air doesn't circulate, or near the bathroom and kitchen walls.

Bedding and Mattresses: Fabrics will absorb the airborne moisture and start to smell musty before visible patches even appear.

9 hours ago, beautifulthailand99 said:

We have an inline one in the shower that just screws in from the bathroom tap to the shower attachment and installed in seconds. And were so impressed with that and the way the smell came out of the water that we went to Home Pro and bought one to install under the bathroom sink that has an inline charcoal filter - we only come for 3 months a year so they are fine. If I lived there permanently I would strongly consider some form of filtration for all the water that you use in the kitchen and bathroom other than flushing the loo or watering the garden and that probably includes laundry as well. We live in View Talay 2A and I think it's not just the water coming into their tanks but al;l the chemicals they use to stop it having bacteria. It's the single best thing we have done that improves our lives for not much more then 5k baht. My scalp stopped itching and my wife is delighted in every respect.

I just read these filters filter out over 90% of chlorine and other heavy metal minerals. Supposedly Thailand adds a lot of chlorine in their water all over the country, not just Pattaya area.

Everytime I go someplace else in Thailand my skin problems go away. And I've lived in 3 different condo's in the Pattaya area in the last 4 years.

Still, I'm going to filter the water anyway.

1 hour ago, scubascuba3 said:

From Gemini

Yes, mould can absolutely grow under those conditions—in fact, it is almost a certainty.

An environment with 80% relative humidity combined with Thailand's typical warm ambient temperatures (usually between 25°C and 32°C indoors) creates the absolute perfect breeding ground for mould spores.

Here is a breakdown of why this happens and where you will likely see it first:

The 60% Threshold

Mould spores exist naturally in the air everywhere, but they remain dormant until they find moisture.

Below 60% RH: Mould struggles to grow.

70% RH: Growth becomes possible, especially in stagnant air.

80%+ RH: Growth becomes aggressive and rapid. At this level, surfaces absorb moisture directly from the air, providing the exact environment spores need to germinate within 24 to 48 hours.

High-Risk Zones in a Closed Condo

If a condo is left locked up without air conditioning or a dehumidifier, moisture gets trapped, and the lack of airflow accelerates the problem. You will usually find mould appearing first on:

Organic & Porous Surfaces: Leather shoes, bags, and belts; wooden furniture (especially the unvarnished backs or insides of wardrobes); and clothing.

Walls and Ceilings: Especially behind furniture where air doesn't circulate, or near the bathroom and kitchen walls.

Bedding and Mattresses: Fabrics will absorb the airborne moisture and start to smell musty before visible patches even appear.

Wow! From Gemini! Fantastic dude!

You know, I would like you to do a test. Ask Gemini to write an article on 1250 words covering ant subject. After that count the words. Then you will find out how far AI has evolved, and you will get the knowledge Gemini can´t even do a simple thing as counting the words correctly. 😂

3 hours ago, SBNZ said:

Have you considered getting a mould test? Without a test, you'll never know for sure if you have a mould issue with your body or not. As this appears to be an ongoing, unresolved issue, it would be good to know for sure. I did a mould test a couple of years ago which that I did indeed have an issue with mould. The test is a urine test that checks for metabolites of mould mycotoxins. I arranged it outside of Thailand and the test itself was sent to a lab in the United States for processing. It wasn't cheap (something like $US350 ?) - but it was worth it as I had suffered mysterious health issues for a long time that doctors could not diagnose. Iy let me know once and for all what the issue was. There are a few different mould tests out there. The one I did was the Mosaic MycoTox Profile. More info here: https://mosaicdx.com/test/mycotox-profile/

Good suggestion..I just don't know. I'm having no issues at all here in Koh Phangan and I've never had any issues outside of Pattaya..and I've lived in 3 different Pattaya condos in the last 4 years.

I've used anti-fungal cream(ketoconazole) over the last year but it doesn't seem to help much. Since I'm super allergic to mold I think I'd have more symptoms than just rashes on my skin.

There's a good chance my problem is either the polluted salty air or the water in Pattaya. Might be unsolvable and force me to move. I'll find out soon enough.

43 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

Wow! From Gemini! Fantastic dude!

You know, I would like you to do a test. Ask Gemini to write an article on 1250 words covering ant subject. After that count the words. Then you will find out how far AI has evolved, and you will get the knowledge Gemini can´t even do a simple thing as counting the words correctly. 😂

Let's agree AI Gemini knows a million times more than you

Edited June 16Jun 16 by scubascuba3

On 6/16/2026 at 7:12 AM, scubascuba3 said:

Yes, same as the Fada B i mentioned further up. I asked Gemini what they thought of your advice as it is different to what I'm doing. Worth reading:

this is classic internet forum advice: a mix of a correct general observation and some highly dangerous instructions regarding medication.

The person who wrote this means well, but their advice on how to use that specific cream is a medical disaster waiting to happen. Here is the breakdown of why you should tread very carefully with what they are suggesting.

1. The Cream: A Dangerous Recommendation for "Several Months"

The user in 1000402636.jpg recommends using Canasone C.B. (Clotrimazole + Betamethasone) "over several months."

This is a massive red flag.

What it is: Canasone C.B. is the exact same class of medication as your Fada-B. It is a combination of an antifungal (Clotrimazole) and a potent topical steroid (Betamethasone).

The Danger: You should never use a potent steroid on your face for several months. Doing so causes topical steroid-induced skin atrophy (severe thinning of the skin), permanent spider veins (telangiectasia), and can trigger an even worse condition called perioral dermatitis.

The Reality: Combination creams like Canasone C.B. or Fada-B are strictly meant to be "fire extinguishers"—used for a maximum of 3 to 7 days just to knock down acute inflammation.

If that forum user has been rubbing a strong steroid on their face for months, they are destroying their skin barrier, which ironically makes them more susceptible to the "Pattaya swamp" flare-ups long-term.

2. The Tablets: Sporoxyl (Itraconazole)

They also mention Sporoxyl tablets for 30 days.

What it is: Sporoxyl is a brand name for Itraconazole, a potent, systemic oral antifungal medication.

When it's actually used: Doctors prescribe oral antifungals for severe, deep-seated fungal infections (like severe fungal nail infections or widespread body ringworm) that topical creams can't reach.

The Catch: Itraconazole is processed heavily by the liver. Taking it for 30 days requires strict medical supervision, and doctors often run blood tests to monitor liver enzymes. Popping these casually based on a forum post to fix a localized facial rash—before even trying a routine change like a Day 2 shaving schedule—is total overkill and risky.

3. The "Spores on Sheets and Shirts" Panic

The poster claims the spores are "all over your sheets and shirts, so hard to stop."

This is a bit of a misunderstanding of how Malassezia (the yeast behind seborrheic dermatitis) works. This yeast is already permanently present on 100% of human beings. You cannot escape it by boiling your sheets or throwing away your shirts.

The issue isn't that you are catching "spores" from your laundry; the issue is that the Pattaya heat and humidity create an environment that allows the yeast already living on your skin to overgrow. Keeping sheets clean is great for general hygiene, but obsessing over sterilizing your clothing won't fix a greenhouse environment on your face

I've been using the cream for 6 months, but only on one wrist, but both my arms and neck V have 'thin skin' so it's unlikely to be the cream (more likely my age and skin type).

The instructions on the pills, say use for 1 month, maybe it's dangerous for my liver, but the alternative appears to be live with the fungal problem (in my case ringworm).

So are you suggesting we all just live with the fungus?

As there appears to be no alternative treatment.

15 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

So are you suggesting we all just live with the fungus?

As there appears to be no alternative treatment.

A good question for Gemini, give it a go

1 minute ago, scubascuba3 said:

A good question for Gemini, give it a go

I don't use AI, it's pointless and likely to destroy the world.

6 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

Let's agree AI Gemini knows a million times more than you

AI Gemini, like all Ai models, are subject to easy manipulation. AI today, work on quoting the correct answers by checking how many repetitions it is posted online about a specific subject, and then chose that as the right answer, together with including authority and trust of pages showing experience and expertise in the field. There are many today that works in big scale in manipulating AI, and therefore not very reliable in many areas. But you need to work with it to know how that is done at scale in an effective way.

Edited June 17Jun 17 by Gottfrid

I was looking at houses in Rayong last month. Long story short my agent called me today and said the house I like is available for rent. With any luck this will solve my face/neck/skin issues.

and yes, I will still have the condo in Jomtien for 11 more months unless the landlord is willing to find a renter before my lease expires. All in all my skin problems may be solved.

6 hours ago, Furioso said:

I was looking at houses in Rayong last month. Long story short my agent called me today and said the house I like is available for rent. With any luck this will solve my face/neck/skin issues.

and yes, I will still have the condo in Jomtien for 11 more months unless the landlord is willing to find a renter before my lease expires. All in all my skin problems may be solved.

Let us know when it clears up and why

3 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

Let us know when it clears up and why

Will do Scuba and I want to thank you for being so helpful!

On 6/17/2026 at 2:09 PM, BritManToo said:

I've been using the cream for 6 months, but only on one wrist, but both my arms and neck V have 'thin skin' so it's unlikely to be the cream (more likely my age and skin type).

The instructions on the pills, say use for 1 month, maybe it's dangerous for my liver, but the alternative appears to be live with the fungal problem (in my case ringworm).

So are you suggesting we all just live with the fungus?

As there appears to be no alternative treatment.

Tea tree oil is very effective against ringworm. I speak from experience. I imagine there are other essential oils / herbal supplements that would be effective too.

On 6/18/2026 at 4:53 AM, scubascuba3 said:

Let us know when it clears up and why

Hey Scuba, just one quick note before I hope on my bike to the beach. I've noticed my skin is still getting moldy here in Koh Phangan..however, it's not itchy or scratch or red hot. My face is clear. Therefore, the mold on my skin is a separate issue and the red/hot/itchy face/neck is being caused by something else in Pattaya/Jomtien. It really could be the heavy amount of chlorine they put in the water there. Regardless I feel great and feel confident I at least have a chance to figure this all out.

17 minutes ago, Furioso said:

Hey Scuba, just one quick note before I hope on my bike to the beach. I've noticed my skin is still getting moldy here in Koh Phangan..however, it's not itchy or scratch or red hot. My face is clear. Therefore, the mold on my skin is a separate issue and the red/hot/itchy face/neck is being caused by something else in Pattaya/Jomtien. It really could be the heavy amount of chlorine they put in the water there. Regardless I feel great and feel confident I at least have a chance to figure this all out.

Another thing that's helped me recently is avoid a steamy shower which creates a perfect greenhouse for skin to react after shaving, I now shower and shave in luke warm / cold water, feels ok, Safety blade glides through easily

4 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

Another thing that's helped me recently is avoid a steamy shower which creates a perfect greenhouse for skin to react after shaving, I now shower and shave in luke warm / cold water, feels ok, Safety blade glides through easily

I'll be back to Jomtien/Pattaya next week. I'm going to take your advice on lukewarm showers and I'm going to wash my

On 6/23/2026 at 8:32 AM, scubascuba3 said:

Another thing that's helped me recently is avoid a steamy shower which creates a perfect greenhouse for skin to react after shaving, I now shower and shave in luke warm / cold water, feels ok, Safety blade glides through easily

Funny thing here on the island I've been doing everything I can to cause my skin to break out, I don't shave for a few days, I take hot showers, use harsh soap and shampoo. But nothing happens, my face has totally cleared up, such a huge relief.. next week I have to go back to Jomtien for one month before I move to Rayong on Aug 1st. All through the month of July I'm going to use bottled water on my face, see if that makes a difference.

1 hour ago, Furioso said:

I'll be back to Jomtien/Pattaya next week. I'm going to take your advice on lukewarm showers and I'm going to wash my

Funny thing here on the island I've been doing everything I can to cause my skin to break out, I don't shave for a few days, I take hot showers, use harsh soap and shampoo. But nothing happens, my face has totally cleared up, such a huge relief.. next week I have to go back to Jomtien for one month before I move to Rayong on Aug 1st. All through the month of July I'm going to use bottled water on my face, see if that makes a difference.

Don't forget stress can be a factor causing skin issues, so relax when you get back to Jomtien, treat it like a holiday

2 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

Don't forget stress can be a factor causing skin issues, so relax when you get back to Jomtien, treat it like a holiday

True, stress doesn't help but in this case there's obviously some harsh chemical(s) inflaming my face & neck. I've done Google searches on "can Pattaya pollution or chlorine in tap water make my face hot, red, & itchy" and it comes up with a definitive yes

9 hours ago, Furioso said:

True, stress doesn't help but in this case there's obviously some harsh chemical(s) inflaming my face & neck. I've done Google searches on "can Pattaya pollution or chlorine in tap water make my face hot, red, & itchy" and it comes up with a definitive yes

I'm surprised there is chlorine in the water, swimming pools yes. Condo water from tanks is contaminated, a friends Dad got legionnaire disease from the water, LD was everywhere, tanks, swimming pool, showers. Once a year a somchai might go in the tank with his wellies on and sweep out the dirt