A Manchester baker is issuing a vital health warning to motorists across the UK after discovering a shocking cause for her severe eczema flare-ups: a mould-infested car air filter.
The £300 Dermatologist Revelation
Jen, the owner of Meet Cute Cakes in Manchester, took to TikTok to share her distressing story, posting photos of her face covered in angry, persistent rashes. She revealed that she had been suffering for months and eventually paid £300 for a private dermatologist consultation in a desperate search for answers.
The specialist diagnosed her with atopic dermatitis and identified the triggers as airborne. This crucial piece of information made Jen realise the source of her problem was likely inside her own vehicle.
The Shocking Discovery in the Car
"I'll get straight to it, change or check the air filter in your car," Jen urged her followers. The breakthrough came during a visit to a new garage, where a mechanic pointed out that the air filter in her six-year-old car had never been changed.
Upon inspection, they made a horrifying discovery. The filter was thick with black mould. Every time Jen used the car's heating system, it was firing a direct stream of mould spores onto her skin, particularly affecting exposed areas like her face, neck, and hands.
A Widespread Problem with a Simple Fix
Jen's video prompted a flood of responses from other viewers who had experienced similar issues. One person commented that their skin flare-ups, which had been severe every autumn, nearly healed after they got a new car. Another shared that their skin problems at work, triggered by the heating system, completely resolved after they left the job.
The solution, Jen emphasises, is simple and inexpensive. She advises drivers to either check and replace the filter themselves, a quick and easy task, or have a garage do it for around £20.
She concluded with a heartfelt plea: "Please just check your air filters. If you know someone with eczema or if you have eczema, especially at this time of year, I feel like a lot of people are suffering."
