House dust-mites: what to do |
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Skin Prick Tests can diagnose House Dustmite AllergyWhat are dust-mites?House dust-mites are tiny insects: they are less than half a millimetre (0.5mm) in length when fully grown. They like to live in your bedding. Who is allergic to dust-mite?Allergy tends to run in families. Unfortunately, if you have an allergic make up, then these dust-mites can become a big problem for you. Is dust-mite avoidance worthwhile?Yes. Research does show that lowering exposure to dust mite allergens can help allergy sufferers. By reducing dust mite exposure, you can reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms, and subsequently also reduce the need for medications. All of the major sources of dust-mite allergen in the home should be attended to. If you have a family history of allergies, then the exposure of your new born child to high levels of dust-mite allergen is likely to increase the chance of developing asthma in the future. How to avoid dust-mites – in the bedroomMattressUse a dust-mite mattress cover. This is like a big pillow-case. It is made out of a material that is woven so tightly that the dust mites are unable to get through. It is zipped around the mattress. Complete encasement with a specialised allergen-barrier cover (for example MiteGuard in New Zealand) is the only effective means of protection. The dust-mite mattress cover should be lightly vacuumed or wiped with a damp cloth each week to prevent build up of dust-mite allergen on the cover. The mattress is the major reservoir of dust-mite allergen. The complex construction of a mattress means that vacuuming or mite-killing sprays are ineffective. PillowsThis is perhaps the most critical mode of dust-mite allergen exposure. This is because your nose is pressed up against the pillow all night. Your breathing gives the dust-mite the moisture it needs to grow and thrive. You breathe in dust-mite allergens at every breath causing ongoing low-level allergic reactions. Your pillow needs the same treatment as your mattress, a dust-mite cover (that is a pillow-case made of a specialised allergen-barrier cover). Each week this outer pillowcase should be washed in hot water for maximum protection from dust-mite allergens. Soft ToysSoft toys can also be a significant reservoir of house dust-mite allergens. If soft toys get pressed against the nose, as with the pillow, then dust-mite exposure will occur in the nose, all night long. This can cause year-long symptoms. A solution for this is to put any of these soft toys into a plastic bag, and then place them into the freezer overnight. Afterwards, they should be washed every few weeks (soft toys should be washable). This effectively kills the dust-mites, and removes the allergens. Make a regular schedule for washing any soft toys in hot water when the toys are new, then allergen build up will be reduced to a minimum. BeddingThe bedding should be hot-washed: FlooringPolished flooring perhaps the best solution. Loose rugs/mats can then be regularly cleaned. Vacuum cleaningA vacuum cleaner is not effective in removing dust-mites. This is because these mites cling on to the carpet or mattress and do not get sucked up into the vacuum cleaner. Although, regular vacuuming of the mattress and bedroom floor does slightly reduce the allergen load, you only need to vacuum for a minute or two (vacuuming for longer has very little effect on the allergen levels). It is important use a vacuum cleaner that has effective exhaust filtration. Clean the filters and replace the dust bag frequently. Dusting / cleaningTo avoid stirring up the dust it is best to use a damp duster. Dust-mite covers are available at stores such as Harvey Normans, Warehouse and Briscoes. Also at Allergy help centers such as For New Zealand look at: |
