Eczema Allergen: Dust Mites

House dust mites can be a major cause of eczema flare-up due to a protein found in their droppings. However, not many people are aware of these allergens because we can’t see these micro-organisms with our naked eye. It exists by millions in every house and usually concentrate on humid, warm and dark environments provided by mattress, linen, cushions, blackest and such. Dust mites feed on dead skin flakes; thus, eczema sufferers are particularly vulnerable.

There are several things which you can do if you are allergic to mites:

Indoor humidity is important, because house dust mites, a major allergen for asthmatics, thrive in moist air. Humidity also encourages mould, which may also be a respiratory irritant.

Consider pure cotton sheets, unbleached for preference, topped with cotton cellular blankets as an alternative to a duvet. You will find it easier to control the bedding temperature by using the blankets in layers and is the method recommended to eczema patients by health professionals.

Make sure that babies and children with eczema (and some adults too!) are not exposed to house dust mite allergen in soft toys. Cuddly stuffed toys in the bed are a major hazard for anyone with asthma or eczema as they offer an ideal breeding ground for dust mites. Destroying the allergen by frequently washing the toys at 60 degrees centigrade or higher is recommended. However most soft toys fall apart of go lumpy if washed in the machine at high temperature and manufacturers mostly suggest a surface wipe or a gentle cool cycle wash at best. A part solution is to put soft toys in the freezer for 24 hours. This will kill the dust mites but not the allergen in their droppings.