Dust Mite Allergy

Dust mites are the most common trigger of indoor allergy symptoms - much more so than food allergies and intolerances.

House dust is a complex mixture of fibres, minerals, dried food, moulds and microscopic spider like creatures called house dust mites which live in nearly all homes and feed on flakes of human skin. They normally thrive unnoticed in warm and moist places such as bedding, sofas, curtains, carpets and children’s furry toys - but if you have an allergy to them you may well notice the symptoms .

Many people with asthma, eczema and rhinitis (hay fever type symptoms) can have their allergies triggered all year round if they are sensitive to the waste products of dust mites causing;

- itchy, runny or blocked nose and sneezing
- itchy red, sore eyes
- itchy sore throat and tongue
- rashes and eczema

It is almost impossible to completely eliminate dust mites in your home but as a general guide, if the amount of moisture (humidity) in the air in your home is high -then so will be the level of house dust mites.

- reduce indoor humidity with a dehumidifier
- use a high filtration vacuum cleaner
- vacuum you mattress, carpets and soft furnishings at least once a week to remove mites
- wash sheets, blankets, duvet covers and pillowcase regularly (A minimum 60C is required to ensure dust mites and eggs are killed)
- damp dust all surface to stop the allergens becoming airborne
- keep your bedrooms well ventilated to prevent the build up of humidity
- air your mattress once per month if possible
- protective bedding can be purchased

GP and advisor to ITV’s This Morning, Dr Chris Steele, is a true advocate of self diagnosis. He says: “Understanding allergy and it’s causes can have a considerable impact on a person’s quality of life. Anyone suffering with allergy will tell you that living with symptoms from itchy skin to a constantly running nose and flu-like symptoms can be incredibly debilitating. Add to this the long waiting lists and it’s easy to see we have a very real allergy management problem in the UK.

“Quick, reliable and convenient home allergy testing gives people the knowledge to take the next steps towards choosing the most appropriate course of action whether it be a doctor’s appointment, an over the counter treatment or lifestyle changes such as house dust mite or cat avoidance which could considerably improve their quality of life.”