House dust mites are present in all homes in the UK1, regardless of cleanliness1. Dust mites are small, eight-legged creatures, like spiders, that are too tiny to see with the naked eye2.
A dust mite allergy is when you have an allergic reaction to the proteins found in dust mites3. It’s quite common, with around one in five adults and one in 20 young children testing positive for this allergy in the UK4.
Here, you’ll learn more about dust mite allergies, how to manage the symptoms, and steps you can take to minimise the effects of dust mite allergies in your home.
In this guide:
What is a dust mite allergy?
Dust mite allergies are one of the most common causes of indoor allergies, alongside mould and pet dander5. We can’t see dust mites because of their size, but they can live on upholstered fabric, curtains, carpets, mattresses, and beddings3 – being particularly common in bedrooms1. They feed on the dead skin cells shed by you or your pet3.
When you encounter the proteins found in the waste or remains of these dust mites, your immune system may react to these proteins, leading to dust mite allergy symptoms3.
Dust mite allergy symptoms
Dust mite allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe6. Common symptoms of a house dust mite allergy include2:
Sneezing
Coughing
Stuffy or runny nose
Postnasal drip
Itchy skin
Itchy throat, nose, or mouth
Red, itchy and watery eyes
If your allergy to dust mites triggers your asthma, you may also experience additional symptoms such as
Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
Wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing out
Chest pain or tightness
Dust mites allergy causes
A dust mite allergy is caused by a reaction to the proteins found in the waste and body parts of dust mites2. These substances can trigger an allergic response in some people and can aggravate conditions such as asthma1.
Dust mites prefer warm and humid conditions, and therefore are well adapted to the environment inside your home2. They feed mainly on the tiny flakes of human skin we shed each day. These flakes can make their way deep into the inner layers of carpets, furniture, beddings. An average adult person can shed up to 1.5 grams of flaked skin a day – enough to feed one million dust mites2.
You might clean your house regularly, but even the average bedroom is an ideal place for them. You might experience an increase in dust mite allergy symptoms over time as you continue to inhale waste particles from these dust mites6.
Dust mite allergy management
While dust mite allergy treatment is available to manage symptoms, the most important step is to limit exposure to dust mites as much as possible. Doing so will help to reduce the severity of your symptoms. However, it’s almost impossible to completely rid dust mites from your home2
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are medicines that are often used to help relieve symptoms and reactions of allergies7. They can help to reduce effects of a runny nose and nasal stuffiness, to a lesser extent. They are available as liquids, tablets or nasal sprays2.
Products like BENADRYL® Allergy Relief Capsules and BENADRYL® Allergy Natural Relief Nasal Spray can help relieve sneezing and itching in the nose and eyes from allergies.
Nasal corticosteroids
This is a type of nasal spray that helps to reduce blockage and swelling in your nose from allergic reactions. They can be effective for allergic rhinitis because they help to reduce the symptoms, including nasal congestion2.
Decongestants
Decongestants are available as tablets, drops, nose sprays and liquids. They help in relieving stuffiness and shrink the lining of the nasal passages. You should only use decongestant sprays and nose drops for a short time2.
How to see dust mites in your home
Dust mites are small, only measuring about 0.33mm in length. This is why you cannot spot them with the naked eye. You can only see them under a microscope8.
They don’t actually live on us. Because they prefer warm, humid environments, and feed on dead skin cells that we shed, you may find dust mites in your clothing, soft furnishings, carpets and bedding. No matter how clean your house is, it’s impossible to remove all dust mites from your home9.
How to help get rid of dust mites
While you cannot completely get rid of all dust mites in your home9, you can reduce exposure to dust mites in your home in the following ways3:
Regularly washing your bed
Put your bedding in a 60C degree wash at least once a week3. It can also be a good idea to let your bedding air after use, by folding the duvet back, for example1.
Use allergy-proof bedding covers
You can use allergy-proof covers on your mattresses, pillows and bedding help prevent dust mite droppings and body parts from accumulating3. These can be used under your usual cases and covers and can be left in place for months at a time1.
Clean rugs, carpets, upholstered furniture and other surfaces regularly
It’s a good idea to vacuum your home at least twice a week, preferably with a vacuum bag with a microfilter to help prevent triggering your dust mite allergies from allergens3.
While domestic steam carpet cleaners will have no effect – and may even encourage dust mite populations due to the increased moisture – professional steam cleaning of carpets can help to kill off the mites and clean the waste that leads to allergy symptoms1.
You may wish to consider removing or reducing carpets, rugs and soft furnishings as much as possible in the bedroom1.
Wipe down hard surfaces regularly
You can use a wet cloth or a microfibre cloth to wipe down surfaces when cleaning. This can help prevent dust mite allergens from escaping into the air and possibly triggering your dust mite allergies3.
Reduce the humidity in your home
Maintaining humidity below 50% in your home can help prevent dust mites from reproducing. You can use dehumidifiers or air conditioners to keep the humidity low3, and you should avoid drying clothes on radiators1.
It’s also recommended that you regularly ventilate your bedroom by keeping windows and doors open for most of the time1.
Filter the air in your home
Dust mites can easily enter the air in your home if you use fans. You can opt for a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter to help remove dust mite remains that can trigger your dust mite allergies. Make sure to clean these air filters regularly3.
Dust mite allergy FAQs
How do you test if you’re allergic to dust mites?
If needed, dust mite allergies can be tested for by specialists using a skin prick test1. This is where a small amount of the allergen is placed on your skin, then your skin is pricked with a needle to see how you react2.
How long does it take for a dust mite allergy to go away?
Once you’re away from dust mites, your dust mite allergy symptoms may resolve within a few hours. However, if you’re symptoms are severe, they could last for several days3.
What is considered a severe dust mite allergy?
You may feel tired and weak if you have a severe dust mite allergy. You may have swollen eyelids and eyes that are itchy and watery. Asthma-like symptoms may also be present, such as shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing10. If you have a severe allergic reaction, consult your doctor or call 999 if you require immediate medical attention.
How do I test my room for dust mites?
As dust mites are so small in size, they cannot be seen by the naked eye8. Dust mites can be found in all homes in the UK4, no matter how tidy or clean your house is1. While it’s almost impossible to get rid of all dust mites, if you have dust mite allergy symptoms, it’s best to limit your exposure. Medication is also available to help control symptoms2.
Are there foods to avoid if I have a dust mite allergy?
People who have dust mite allergies may become allergic to foods such as shrimps, crabs, snails and shellfish, due to a phenomenon known as ‘cross-reactivity’10.
References:
1. https://patient.info/allergies-blood-immune/allergies/house-dust-mite-and-pet-allergy
2. https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/insect-allergy/dust-mite-allergy
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17712-dust-mite-allergy
4. https://allergynorthwest.nhs.uk/resources/allergy-leaflets/housedustmiteavoidance
5. https://www.allergyuk.org/living-with-an-allergy/indoor-allergies
6. https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/dust-mites#causes
7. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/antihistamines
8. https://www.healthline.com/health/dust-mites-bites
9. https://www.allergyuk.org/resources/house-dust-mite-allergy-factsheet
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK447098