Preventive measures to avoid contact with house dust mites and their allergens

Year 2020, Volume: 2 Issue: 1, 1 - 6, 31.01.2020

Kosta Y. Mumcuoğlu Ayşegül Taylan Özkan

Abstract

House dust mites (HDMs) of the genera Dermatophagoides
and Euroglyphus are the most important allergens in human
habitations to which ca. 7% of the human population in developed countries
become allergic. The allergens are excreted through their faeces and the
control of mites and the elimination of the produced allergens could alleviate
and allergic symptoms. For this purpose, the relative humidity should be kept
below 50% at home, as higher humidity enhances the development of HDMs. The
biggest attention should be given to the bedroom, and especially to the bed.
Mattresses, upholstered furniture, and heavy carpets are the most important
biotopes of HDMs and should be regularly vacuumed, treated with acaricides
and/or exposed to sunlight. Allergen-tight sheets and pillow covers which do
not permit the allergens existing on the mattress or pillows to come in direct
contact with the patient should be used. Sheets, blankets, pillowcases and
bedcovers should be washed every 2-3 weeks at 60^°C and above. Heat
will kill dust mites and neutralize a large part of the allergens. The floor
should be fitted with tiles, wood, linoleum or vinyl material, and not with
wall-to-wall carpets. Heavy carpets, especially those made from wool should be
removed from the bedroom. Any object which is not being used on a regular basis
and could collect dust, should be removed, washed regularly or kept in
allergen-tight plastic bags. In conclusion, mite and allergen avoidance could
alleviate the allergic symptoms of HDM allergic individuals and reduce the
medication taken to treat such symptoms.

Keywords

House dust mites, Dermatophagoides, Euroglyphus, prevention, control, control

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