Dust mites don't bite people, but they may cause rashes and other allergy symptoms. Regularly washing bedding and vacuuming floors may help get rid of dust mites.
Dust mites are among the most common triggers of allergies and asthma in the home.
Although these tiny creatures look like bugs, dust mites don't leave bites on your skin. But they can cause itchy skin. You may also be more likely to experience other allergy symptoms, such as sneezing and postnasal drip.
Do not confuse dust mites with bed bugs, a separate species that leave visible bites on your skin.
If you have persistent allergy symptoms year-round, discussing a possible dust mite allergy with your doctor is worth discussing. While it can be challenging to get rid of dust mites completely, there are ways you can manage the dust mite population in your home while dealing with allergies.
What are dust mites?
Due to their tiny size, dust mites are difficult to detect. These microscopic arthropods are estimated to be only 1/4 to 1/3 millimetres long. You can only see them under a microscope; even then, they look like tiny white spider-like creatures.
Male dust mites can live for more than a month, and female dust mites can live for up to 90 days.
The reason dust mites are so common in people's homes is because they feed on dead skin cells. An average day, a person may shed 1.5 grams of dead skin cells, which can feed a million dust mites at a time.
Dust mites make their home in areas where dead skin cells are most likely to accumulate, such as bedding, furniture and carpets. Carpets and stuffed toys are also good homes for dust mites.
While dust mites can be found around the world, these creatures tend to prefer hot and humid climates. Because they can penetrate deep into fabric fibers, they can also travel with you when you move or go on vacation or business trips.
Dust mites are themselves allergenic, meaning they may trigger allergic reactions. They also leave skin and excrement behind and may also trigger allergic reactions.
What do dust mite bites look like?
While you may be bitten by other bugs, dust mites themselves do not actually bite your skin. However, allergic reactions to these nasty creatures can trigger itchy skin. These itches are usually red and itchy.
Allergic reactions to dust mites are common and are usually caused by inhalation of skin and fecal matter from dust mites.
If you are allergic to dust mites, you may experience symptoms year-round. You may also notice that your symptoms peak during the hot and humid summer months. Common symptoms of dust mite allergy include:
Sneeze
Cough
Postnasal drip
Runny or blocked nose
Itchy eyes and tears
Red, itchy skin
Itchy throat
Depending on the severity of your dust mite allergy symptoms, this condition may also trigger asthma.
You may notice asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and chest pain. Your symptoms may be worse when you lie down. The longer you spend indoors, the more likely you are to develop dust mite complications.
How to get rid of dust mites?
Dust mites are difficult to get rid of entirely, but there are steps you can take to reduce their numbers and your risk of allergies. Here are some ways to get rid of dust mites:
Wash bedding regularly: Bedding sheets, quilt covers, pillowcases and other bedding should be washed once a week, preferably with hot water. Hot water can kill dust mites. Also consider hypoallergenic sheets and pillowcases.
Vacuum and wipe surfaces: Vacuum floors, furniture, and curtains regularly to reduce the buildup of dust mites. A vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency filter can help capture more dust mites.
Reduce indoor humidity: Use a dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity since dust mites multiply faster in moist environments. Make sure the bathroom is well-ventilated and fix any leaks.
Avoid heavy curtains and carpets: These can harbor more dust mites, so consider curtains and floor coverings that are easy to clean.
Clean stuffed toys regularly: If your child has stuffed toys, dry them regularly in a high-temperature dryer to kill dust mites.
Tips to prevent dust mites:
To avoid dust mites and reduce allergic reactions, here are some precautions:
Control the humidity in your home: Keeping indoor humidity below 50% and keeping room temperature below 21°C can help reduce the survival and reproduction of dust mites.
High-temperature washing of sheets: The water temperature for washing sheets should be kept above 54.4°C, which can effectively kill dust mites.
Exposure to sunlight and high temperatures will also help eliminate dust mites.
Clean mattresses, pillows and bedding regularly. Vacuuming and cleaning bedding regularly can reduce the number of dust mites.
Choose hypoallergenic bedding, such as Fossflakes andFossflakes pillows, that can keep your sleeping environment clean and healthy.
Use air purifiers and dehumidifiers to reduce airborne allergens. This helps keep indoor air fresh.
Fossflakes and Fossflakes pillows Use high-quality filling to ensure you sleep warm and comfortably every night. Its unique snowflake fiber design maintains high breathability, keeping you cool and dry while you sleep. Additionally, its anti-dust mite design ensures your sleeping environment is clean and healthy as dust mites require 54.4°C to be eliminated entirely. In addition, Fossflakes quilt cores and pillows can be washed in the washing machine (below 60 degrees Celsius) to avoid the breeding of dust mites and will not deform after repeated cleanings.
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