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

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.?