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Dust mites are tiny spider-like creatures that live and multiply in the dust. Dust mite excrement is one of the most common allergens. How to fight dust mites?

In autumn and winter, when we spend almost all the time in the apartment with tightly closed windows,mitescan poison our lives. However, there are ways to limit the number of these little creatures. The mite cannot be seen with the naked eye: they measure only 0.1-0.5 mm. They like a warm, humid climate - the ideal temperature for them is 25 degrees Celsius, and the air humidity that suits them best is 70%.

One gram of dust can contain up to 10,000. mites! But they are not the cause of the allergy. Allergic reactions are caused by mite faeces, and more specifically by the proteins they contain. Allergic reactions are complex and their severity depends on the concentration of the allergen.

They include not only the respiratory tract, but also the mucous membranes of the digestive tract and the skin. An allergy to house dust can cause chronic gastritis and duodenal catarrh, as well as atopic eczema. As with other airborne allergens, exposure to house dust mites cannot be completely avoided. However, it can be definitely limited.

Dust mitesare sensitive to temperature changes. Both very low (minus 20 degrees C) and high (over 55 degrees C) can be effective in removing live mites. However, the temperature effect must be sufficiently long. For example, when freezing plush toys in the freezer, the temperature of minus 20 degrees Celsius should be for 8 to 24 hours (depending on the temperature outside).

It kills the mites themselves, but to remove allergens contained in their faeces, washing at a temperature below 60 degrees C is also required. It is only about flushing out allergens and frozen mites. In the case of stuffed animals, it is enough to perform such treatments once every 4 months.

Carpets and rugs provide an excellent environment for mite growth

Rugs and carpets are an ideal microenvironment for the development of mites. Only the removal of these elements of equipment allows for an effective solution to the problem and reduction of the concentration of house dust mite allergens.

Only use is allowedsmall rugs that can be washed, but also on condition that it is regular and effective (i.e. at a temperature above 60 degrees C). If, however, it is not possible to remove carpets and rugs, vacuum them regularly. For anti-mite prophylaxis, we recommend vacuum cleaners with HEP A filters and two-layer, exchangeable dust bags.

How to reduce the number of mites in the bedroom?

We spend the most time in the bedroom. What to do to reduce the concentration of allergens there?

  • You should choose furniture with a simple structure, without unnecessary decorations, in order to easily keep it clean.
  • Keep children's clothes, plush toys, rugs and other things that may be a reservoir of dust, outside the bedroom of a person allergic to mites
  • (even if they are washed frequently).
  • It is best to replace curtains and curtains with easy-to-clean blinds and roller blinds. Synthetic or cotton curtains are acceptable as long as they will be washed frequently.
  • Store books and papers in closed cupboards.
  • Do not vacuum the bedroom just before going to bed and in the presence of an allergy sufferer.
  • The air temperature should be kept to 21 degrees C, and the humidity below 50 percent. At higher levels, a desiccant is required.

The bed is the largest reservoir of mite allergens. To reduce their concentration, you should:

  • use barrier covers for mattresses and bedding. They are a barrier for mites and their excrement;
  • wash bedding - covers, pillows and duvets - at a temperature above 60 degrees C;
  • carefully wash all hard parts of the bed structure on which dust can settle;
  • vacuum the mattresses at least once a month;
  • do not let the duvets and pillows get wet - after night they should be aired and turned inside out.

Note! A child allergic to mites should not sleep on the bottom of a bunk bed - the severity of allergic and asthmatic symptoms may significantly increase.

To reduce the number of mites in your home, it's important to keep all rooms clean.

  • Clean up at least once a week.
  • Avoid using brooms and dry mops to sweep furniture and walls that may spray dust.
  • Surfaces that easily accumulate dust should be washed with a damp cloth, not forgetting the upper door frames, window sills, upper surfaces of the wardrobes, etc.
  • For cleaning without detergents, a steamer can be useful - the steam leaving the nozzle is approx. 100ºC. It is important to keep the room humidity below 50%.
  • You have to clean under furniture regularly.
  • During cleaning, a small amount of dust particles may not be retained even by the HEP A filter. It is therefore reasonable to protect the upper respiratory tract from dust during cleaning, using nose and mouth masks (possibly clean, moist gauze) .
  • It is also worth sealing gaps, damage in the floor, installation holes, i.e. those nooks and crannies where dust can accumulate.

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Category:

Allergies