Dust Mite Bites

House dust mites actually belong to the same class (arachnid) as that of spiders and scorpions. Dust mites are off white in color and are sized hardly more than 0.3 mm and are not visible without a microscope. These are the "cosmopolitan guests" typically found in bedsheets, mattresses, pillows, carpets, soft toys, upholsteries, drapes, etc. A mattress affected by dust mites can be consisting of more than 2 million dust mites which can be the reason behind the sudden itchiness that you experience when you sit on your favorite old couch.

Dust Mite Bites
Dust mites are fed mainly on organic detritus like human dead skin and are allergic. As dust mites survive on dead skin and the most ideal spot where they can get their feed is the beds, blankets, mattresses, bed sheets and towels. As a matter of fact, a normal person sheds approximately 1.5 grams of skin flakes and dead skin per day. The allergens produced in the fecal matter of the dust mites can cause reaction and some sort of allergy to the skin, which we know as "dust mite bites" or "spider bites".

Dust Mite Bites Symptoms
Dust mite bites symptoms are similar to those of normal mosquito bites. When the allergens released by the dust mites enter the body, the immune system considers them to be some harmful intruders like viruses or bacteria and releases antibodies to protect the body. Other than causing skin irritation and itchiness, dust mite bites or dust mites can lead to several other allergies like asthma, frequent sneezing, runny nose, itching in the nose and throat, cough, watery and swollen eyes, redness of eyes, etc. Prolonged exposure to dust mites can give rise to asthma, eczema and atopic dermatitis. Read on for dust mites allergy symptoms.

Dust Mite Bites Prevention
To learn how to get rid of dust mites, one must find a way to detect whether the place is contaminated by the same. Detection of dust mites is the first step towards controlling and treating of dust mite bites. One can also find several dust mite detection kits that are available for better pest control results in home improvement stores. These kits try to detect the presence of the dust mites from the samples collected throughout the dwelling.

One can also carry out the examination, the DIY way. All that you have to do is put a small amount of dust on water and examine it under the microscope that is with 20 times more magnification. Well, isn't this method of dust mites detection a bit tricky? It requires proper technical knowledge and a microscope. One can go for a better option and that is to not let the dust mites last long in the dwelling.

There are many simple things that can be done to avoid the dust mite bites. First and foremost is to wash the bed covers, pillow covers, blankets and drapes at least once a week with hot water. Replacing feather filled pillows with those of synthetic materials can also prove useful in dust mite bites prevention. Read on for allergy bedding for dust mite allergy relief. Dust mites grow vigorously in humid and moist conditions. These humid conditions can be controlled with air conditioners and de-humidifiers. Using the HEPA filter (filters with high efficiency particulate air) can also prove very useful.

Dust Mite Bites Treatment
Dust mites survive in any kind of climate, but places having humidity higher than the normal, can prove to be a great shelter for dust mites. If the controlling measures for dust mites are just not helping and you or one of your family members is still suffering from dust mite bites, you can try the following dust mite bites treatments.

• Application of a chemical called hydrocortisone can sooth the skin irritation, inflammation and redness of the skin.
• There are several over-the-counter drugs available for dust mite bites that are useful for topical allergies. These medications contain antihistamines, that help combat the bite-like reactions of dust mites.
• There are several oral medications available that can treat the allergies caused by dust mite allergens.

Precautions to be taken here are, not to scratch and pick the irritated skin as it can worsen the dust mite bites. If the bite like formations are severe and don't seem to go with the above mentioned medications, it is high time to see a health care provider.

Well, this was all about the dust mite bites. Timely prevention of dust mites will definitely rescue you from the ordeal of dust mite bites!