House Dust and Dust Mites

• House dust contains many types of debris, including fabric fibers, human skin scales, animal dander, bacteria, insect parts, mold spores, food particles, and dust mites.

• About 10% of the population is allergic to dust mite protein (called DER p1).

• Dust mites cause 25% of all allergic reactions, second only to pollen.

• DER p1 produced by the dust mite is thought to be the most important allergen associated with asthma. 50% of all asthmatic diseases are traceable to dust mites or cockroaches.

House dust mites are found in every household. Climate control and good insulation ensure constant room temperature and adequate humidity. Even with regular housecleaning, dust particles, human skin scales, finger nails, hair, pollen, mold, bacteria and animal dander continuously accumulate.

Dust mites themselves are not allergenic. Their fecal products and disintegrating body parts contain a protein called DER p1. These particles become airborne and we inhale them. A gram of dust can hold 250,000 of these particles.

Allergic reactions range from RHINITIS (allergic nasal mucous membrane inflammations), to itchy eyes (similar to hay fever), to ECZEMA, to severe ASTHMA attacks. Exposure to high concentrations of house dust allergens at a very early age greatly increases the risk of suffering from diseases such as asthma later on.

Microscopic dust mites live at peace with us, going about their business cleaning up our environment. They do not bite, sting or transmit diseases, so they pose no harm – except to people who are allergic to them.

If reducing the exposure to mites is not effective, please contact the Allergy Clinic of San Marcos for help controlling your symptoms.

Meet
Dermatophogoides
Pteronyssinus.

House dust mites are not insects; they are arachnids, related to spiders and ticks. Its Latin name means "SKIN EATING SPIDER."