Medically reviewed by
Morgan W. Hubeli, MSN, FNP-BC
Springtime has officially arrived, which means it’s prime allergy season. You may rely on over-the-counter or even prescription medication to get you through, but this year has been different. You’re still taking your medication, but you can’t seem to stop itching, sneezing, and feeling congested.
You’re starting to wonder if this is an issue with your allergies or perhaps something more. Could it be asthma or a previously undiagnosed allergy, such as a dust mite allergy?
What Are Dust Mites?
If you have a dust allergy, then that means you’re allergic to tiny arthropods known as dust mites. These are indeed tiny creatures, measuring far less than a single millimeter and thus cannot be seen with the human eye. With about 13 species (and maybe more than that), a dust mite’s diet consists of human skin flakes that you naturally lose throughout the day. The skin flakes make their way onto various surfaces of your home, providing a feast for the dust mites. A million of these arthropods could feed on the amount of skin an average adult sheds in one day. In addition to eating human skin, dust mites prefer home environments that are about 75 degrees Fahrenheit and humid.
Dust Mites and Skin Reactions
While dust mites don’t actually bite humans, they can cause significant skin reactions that many people mistake for bites. The allergic reaction occurs when your immune system responds to dust mite proteins found in their body fragments and waste products. These particles can land on your skin or be inhaled, triggering symptoms that include:
- Red, itchy patches of skin
- Raised, bumpy rashes that may look like hives
- Eczema flare-ups in people with atopic dermatitis
- Small, red bumps that can be mistaken for insect bites
- Skin irritation that worsens after lying in bed or on upholstered furniture
What Are Dust Mite Allergy Symptoms?
If you have an allergy to dust mites, you may experience the following dust mite symptoms:
- Persistent coughing
- Mucous dripping from the back of the nose to the throat, which is also known as a postnasal drip
- Itching, reddened skin
- A scratchy throat and mouth as well as nose itchiness
- Congestion
- Watery, red, irritated, and itchy eyes
- Excessive sneezing
If you already have asthma, you can expect your symptoms to be more severe. Be prepared for:
- Wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath that makes it hard to engage in physical activities and sleep well
- Wheezing or whistling each time you take a breath
- Consistent chest pain and tightness
- An inability to breathe at times
When Do Dust Mite Allergies Get Worse?
Dust mite allergies can fluctuate in severity depending on various factors:
- Morning hours, when you first wake up after spending hours in close contact with dust mites in your bedding (which is one reason many people experience severe morning allergies)
- During humid seasons, as dust mites thrive in moisture-rich environments
- While cleaning, especially when disturbing dusty areas
- In older homes with more upholstered furniture and carpeting
- During home renovation projects that disturb accumulated dust
- When using heating systems that circulate dust throughout your home
How to Reduce Dust Mite Allergies
If you want to keep your home free of dust mites, try the following:
- Reduce humidity with a dehumidifier; if it’s under 50 percent, dust mites cannot survive.
- Limit carpeting in the home. Use area rugs instead, and be sure to dry-clean these with very hot water to get rid of dust mites.
- Wash all bedding weekly in hot water (at least 130°F) to kill dust mites
- Replace traditional air filters with HEPA filters in your home
- Wipe surfaces with damp cloths rather than dry dusting, which can stir up allergens
- Consider removing stuffed animals from bedrooms or washing them regularly
- Keep pets out of bedrooms, as their dander can contribute to dust mite populations
- If you’re vacuuming or dusting the house, use a filtering mask. This will prevent allergic reactions as you clean your home. Also, limit your time in the room as you’re cleaning it and afterwards.
- Consider throwing out down-filled pillows and blankets, upholstered furniture, blinds, and curtains in addition to carpeting. These surfaces are all hotbeds for dust mites.
- Use dust-proof covers for pillows and mattresses to keep dust mites out of bed.
The Connection Between Dust Mites and Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality can significantly impact the severity of dust mite allergies. Several factors affect your home’s air quality:
- Ventilation systems and their maintenance
- Humidity levels
- Age and condition of carpeting and furniture
- Presence of other indoor allergens like pet dander or mold
- Type of air filters used
- Frequency of cleaning and dust removal
Dust Mite Allergy Treatment
If you’re diagnosed with a dust mite allergy, you have plenty of treatment options. Some of these are for mild allergy sufferers and others are for those with more severe symptoms. Treatments include:
- Decongestant drops, nose sprays, liquids, and pills. These control congestion by reducing nasal passage lining size.
- Sublingual under-the-tongue immunotherapy or SLIT, which gradually alleviates symptoms through direct contact with the allergen.
- Subcutaneous immunotherapy or SCIT allergy shots, which also gradually let you build up a tolerance to the allergen.
- Nasal corticosteroids, a common nose spray treatment that alleviates congestion and other uncomfortable symptoms.
- Antihistamine nose sprays, liquids, or pills. These are used to treat congestion, stuffiness, runny noses, itching eyes, and sneezing.
If you suspect you might have dust mites in your home that are contributing to your allergies, visit Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center. Dust allergies can severely detract from quality of life. If you already have asthma, leaving your allergies untreated can be dangerous.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dust Mite Allergies
How do you know if you have dust mite allergies?
The most reliable way to confirm a dust mite allergy is through professional testing at an allergist's office. However, you may suspect a dust mite allergy if you experience:
- Symptoms that worsen in the morning or after cleaning
- Year-round allergic reactions that are worse indoors
- Increased symptoms when handling bedding or upholstered furniture
- Relief when leaving your home for extended periods
- Symptoms that improve in low-humidity environments
Only an allergist can provide a definitive diagnosis through skin prick testing or specific blood tests.
Is a dust allergy and dust mite allergy the same?
While these terms are often used interchangeably, they represent slightly different conditions. A dust allergy is a broader condition that involves reactions to multiple components found in household dust, including pet dander, mold spores, pollen, cockroach particles, and dust mites. A dust mite allergy specifically refers to reactions to proteins found in dust mite bodies and their waste. Since dust mites are typically the primary allergen in household dust, many people diagnosed with a dust allergy are primarily reacting to dust mites.
Can dust make you itchy?
Yes, dust can make you itchy due to dust mite allergens present in household dust. These microscopic particles can cause skin reactions and itching when they come in contact with your skin or when you inhale them. People with dust mite allergies are particularly sensitive to these particles.
Do dust mites bite humans?
No, dust mites do not bite humans. The itchy, red marks that people sometimes attribute to dust mite "bites" are actually allergic reactions to dust mite proteins found in their waste products and decomposing bodies. These reactions can look similar to insect bites but have a different cause.
What does a dust mite rash look like?
A dust mite allergic reaction on the skin typically appears as:
- Red, itchy patches
- Small, raised bumps
- Eczema-like patches in people with atopic dermatitis
- Areas of redness and irritation
- Hive-like welts in some cases
The rash may be more noticeable after spending time in bed or on upholstered furniture where dust mites commonly live.
How quickly do dust mite allergy symptoms appear?
Symptoms can appear within a few minutes to several hours after exposure to dust mite allergens. Some people may experience immediate reactions upon entering a dust-mite-heavy environment, while others might notice symptoms gradually developing over time.
Can dust mite allergies develop suddenly?
Yes, you can develop dust mite allergies at any age, even if you've never had allergies before. Repeated exposure to dust mites can cause your immune system to become sensitized over time, leading to the development of allergic reactions.
How can I tell if I have a dust mite allergy versus regular seasonal allergies?
Dust mite allergy symptoms tend to be worse:
- In the morning after waking up
- When cleaning or disturbing dusty areas
- Year-round rather than seasonally
- Indoors rather than outdoors
- In humid environments
The best way to confirm a dust mite allergy is through professional allergy testing at an allergist's office.
For more than 50 years, Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center has been a trusted choice for Charlotte residents and beyond. All physicians are board-certified in treating allergies and asthma. In fact, we’re the biggest facility of our kind.
Patients will asthma, venom allergies, drug allergies, food allergies, and more are welcome to set up an appointment with one of our physicians to discover a treatment for their allergies. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
