Diagnosis & Specialist Care of Allergy & Clinical Immunology - Since 1982
About House Dust Mites and Other Aeroallergens.
House dust mites are one of the most common airborne allergens, also known as aeroallergens. These microscopic creatures are a normal part of any household environment and are particularly fond of warm, humid areas. They tend to thrive in soft furnishings such as bedding, carpets, and upholstery.
Understanding House Dust Mites
Despite their association with allergies, house dust mites are not an indication of poor hygiene or an unclean home. No matter how rigorous your cleaning routine, it’s impossible to completely eradicate them. The mites feed on dead skin cells shed by humans, making them a constant presence in our living spaces.
Managing House Dust Mite Allergies
If you or someone in your household is allergic to dust mites, there are several methods you can use to reduce exposure and alleviate symptoms:
Regular Vacuuming
Using an anti-allergy vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter can help remove dust mites from carpets and upholstery.
Wash Bedding
Wash bedding that isn’t encased in allergy-proof covers weekly at a temperature of 60ºC or above to kill mites.
Humidity Control
Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor humidity levels below 50%, as dust mites thrive in moist environments.
Choose appropriate flooring
Replacing carpets with wooden or tile flooring reduces dust mite habitats.
Allergen-Proof Bedding
Invest in allergen-proof mattress covers, duvet covers, and pillowcases. These are highly effective at preventing dust mites from penetrating your bedding.
Use air filtration systems
High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can help remove airborne allergens from your home.
Windows & Curtains
Keep windows open for good ventilation and to help disperse airborne allergens. Opt for lightweight, washable curtains instead of heavy drapes, which can trap dust mites.
Damp-Wipe Surfaces
Wipe down surfaces weekly with a damp cloth to remove dust.
The single most effective strategy for reducing dust mite exposure is using allergy-proof bedding covers. These covers are available for mattresses, duvets, & pillows, and are designed to block mites from infiltrating your bedding. If you use a mattress cover, there’s no need to vacuum the mattress itself. On the other hand, if you don’t have a mattress cover, it’s recommended to vacuum the mattress weekly. Acaricide sprays, which are chemical agents designed to kill mites, are generally not recommended. They offer limited effectiveness and may cause irritation, especially in children and pets.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
House dust mite allergy symptoms can be very similar to those of hay fever.
A key difference between the two conditions is that hay fever is seasonal, usually peaking during the summer months, whereas a house dust mite allergy is present year-round (perennial). Additionally, symptoms of a house dust mite allergy tend to be worse first thing in the morning, especially after waking up in a bed where mites have been thriving.
House dust mite allergies can also exacerbate other conditions such as asthma, eczema, or hay fever. If you notice that your symptoms are persistent and do not correlate with the seasons, it may be worth considering that dust mites are the culprit.
Itchy nose
Blocked nose sensation
Runny nose
Sneezing
Stuffy sensation
Itchy throat & mouth
Itchy, red & watering eyes
