Dust mites dwell almost in every single house and office. In every nook and corner of house especially on bedding, upholstery, rugs and carpets you will find dust mites. They are microscopic organisms and therefore they are not visible to naked eyes. These tiny insects can cause devastating effect on health of an individual who is allergic to it.
Dust mite bites as we think are not actual bites caused by the mites, but the red itchy bumps are an allergic reaction on skin produced by the dust mite allergen. In this case it is fecal matter of dust mite.
Scientifically dust mites do not fit in insect category as they are devoid of wings and antennae. They belong to arachnida family which consists of mites and ticks. Dust mites as the name suggests live in dust particles and feed on sloughed dead skin cells present in abundance on bedding and mattresses and elsewhere in house and offices.
They can live in any place where the humidity is more than 40% and presence of humans. Humans shed small amount of dead skin every day and thus abundant food source for the dust mites.
Symptoms Of Allergic Reaction To Dust Mites
All persons who come in contact with dust mites may not be affected by the allergic reaction to the protein present in feces of dust mites. Only those hypersensitive individuals who are prone to allergic reaction to dust mite allergen may manifest symptoms of dust mite.
When particles of feces come in contact with the susceptible person, either through skin contact or inhalation the body’s immune system reacts and produces antibodies. These antibodies release a substance called histamine which is responsible for various symptoms of dust mites in skin and in the airway. Person suffering from dust mite allergy may present with;
- Sneezing
- Running nose
- Red and itchy eyes
- Watering from eyes
- Skin itching
- Skin rash which resembles similar to insect bites.
How To Treat Dust Mite Skin Allergy?
If you are susceptible to allergies and you experience rash and bumps after waking up from bed or after coming in contact with carpets, upholstery in your house or offices, one of the possibilities is dust mite bites. You should contact your physician to differentiate between bed bug bites and dust mite skin allergy. Bed bug bites are not associated with allergy.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the physician will recommend anti allergic creams and medications. He may also prescribe corticosteroids and decongestants to relieve the symptoms. Applying cream containing steroids may help to alleviate itching, swelling and red bumps associated with dust mite bites.
How To Prevent Dust Mite Bites?
Prevention is better than cure in case of dust mite bites. It is impossible for a person to completely prevent contact with dust mite. However, it is possible to reduce its direct contact by regular washing of bedding and clothing in hot water.
If you are allergic to dust mites, use dust mite proof pillows and mattresses. Vacuuming your house furniture, mattresses, carpets and curtains daily will reduce dust particles and dust mites.
Dust mites prefer moist and humid environment to live. Keep the temperature of your house below 20 degree Celsius and humidity below 50%. Use of humidifier and air conditioners reduces the population of dust mites in the house.