Carl asks: |
Q |
I can't afford to get rid of my carpets. Is there a spray that I can use? |
A |
Benzo bezoate has been used by scientists to reduce mite populations in carpets. It is best to talk to your doctor before adding any chemicals to your home environment. Some people may be sensitive to chemical tratments for mites. |
Bonita asks: |
Q |
What methods can be recommended to reduce mite allergens in the home? |
A |
Doctors in England have successfully reduced mite allergens in the home by the following methods:
1) Mite-proof covers on all bedding
2) High filtration vacuum cleaners
3) Installing vinyl flooring
4) Applying benzyl benzoate (Acarosan) on carpets and soft furniture
5) Washing all bed linen and soft toys in hot water weekly
These avoidance measures proved successful in the UK. None of the homes in this study had any pets. |
Anna asks: |
Q |
Why is there no vaccine against mites? |
A |
Scientists have been working hard for many years to develop a vaccine. Presumably the problem is the number of enzymes (4) that cause the problem in the first place. To create one vaccine to block four enzymes must be very difficult. Until they create the vaccine, it is best to avoid mites. |
Carroll asks: |
Q |
If mites don't bite, how do its droppings get into the body? |
A |
For people sensitive to mites, the enzymes contained in mite droppings cause a breakdown in the protective mucous lining of the eyes, nose, lungs and skin. Once the defences are broken down, the allergens can enter the body and disperse into the blood stream or glands. |
Jessica asks: |
Q |
Is it possible for 2 people to sleep in the same bed and only one person be
affected by the dust mites and have an allergic skin reaction?
|
A |
Yes, not everybody is allergic to the house dust mite. It all depends on a person's genetic make up (family background) and exposure to the mite's allergens. Two people sharing a bed and only one person suffering the adverse effects of allergy to the mite is possible and quite common. Our sympathy goes to the allergic partner who may suffer in silence. Approximately 20% of the population may be sensitive to mites in one way or another. The other 80% wonder what all the fuss is about!
All the best |
Michelle asks: |
Q |
Is it possible to have a home 100% free of dust mites if you do all the
things you are supposed to do to keep them out. Or are there always going to
be mites no matter what? |
A |
Mites have always lived with humans and until now haven't presented such a big
problem in allergy. We need to reduce mite levels. In modern homes we are actively
encouraging them to breed by providing damp, warm and dark conditions, with lots of nesting sites.
Reduce nesting sites and you will reduce mite colonies. |
Chris asks: |
Q |
Asks
Skin tests show that I am mild to moderately allergic to house dust/mites.
However I live in the desert (have for 9 years) and my house is below 40%
humidity year round. My allergist says I do have dust mites, but everything
I read says they can't survive below 50% or even below 64% humidity. So do
I have dust mites or not?
|
A |
You may be demonstrating a cross-reactivity to another mite. A
good allergist will be able to help you. Ask the allergist to check out storage
mites as a possible cause of allergy. Mites can live at 64% relative humidity (RH). The critical
cut off for mite growth is below 50% RH. What is your indoor RH?
Note: RH is relative humidity, or the amount of water that air can hold. RH means life or death to house dust mites. Under 50% they cannot live, over 85% they become sick from mold toxins.
|
Jo asks: |
Q |
My husband has been diagnosed with a dust mite allergy and has had several reactions over the past 6 years. We have taken all the household precautions to reduce the dust mite population in our home (we live in Maryland). His allergist has suggested relocating to a state with a drier climate. Would this prove beneficial for his condition? |
A |
Have you considered his office as a potential source of the excabation of his allergy?
Jo Answers
His workplace can definitely be a source of dust mites. He has the option through his employer to transfer to Albuquerque NM or Phoenix AZ. Could these areas in the US provide some relief to his condition?
Answer
yes....big step.....and a very brave one!
|
Donna asks: |
Q |
I have recently been told that a rash I 've had for
fifteen years is caused by dust mites. Is this possible? Is there any help
for the itching which is unbearable. Thank you.
|
A |
Doctors say, "it is not the sore that itches but the itch that causes the
sore". This is an allergic reaction caused by something in the environment such as mites
or something that you may have eaten. Most allergic people are allergic to
several things. Avoid the mite by following the advice on this site and check with your
doctor for relief of the itch.
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