How to Treat Dust Mite Bites

People often complain about dust mite bites that are characterized by red itchy bumps on the skin. It is a common misconception that these bumps are caused by dust mite bites. In fact, these mites that belong to the class Arachnida and are related to other mites, ticks, spiders and scorpions. They are not insects and they lack wings and antennae. These microscopic animals with eight legs are almost invisible to the naked eye, as an adult dust mite has a body size of around one-fourth of a millimeter. As the name suggests, these mites are usually found in house dust and they thrive on dead skin cells shed by humans. So, they tend to colonize beds, mattresses, other furniture, clothes, rugs and carpets. They feed exclusively on the dead skin cells that are shed by humans. As dead skin cells are found abundantly in the above said locations, they don't have to bite humans. Otherwise too, dust mites do not bite humans. In fact, the itchy, red skin rash that is often referred to as dust mites bites, is an allergic reaction to the proteins in the fecal matter of these mites.

Dust Mite Bites

So the condition is not actual bites caused by dust mites, but is the allergic skin rash. They love humid and warm locations, where they get plenty of dead skin cells. So, the best place for them to thrive is the mattress, pillows and sheets. It is said that a single mattress may contain millions of dust mites. Each dust mite is said to defecate around twenty times a day. It is the fecal pellets with certain proteins that can trigger allergic reactions to some of those, who come in contact with them. So, dust mite allergy may not be experienced by all.

Only those with allergies are prone to this condition that may be manifested with symptoms like wheezing, sneezing, breathing trouble, red and watery eyes and running nose. Skin rash is another symptom of dust mite allergy and is often referred to as dust mite bites. In fact, this condition is found as red, itchy bumps on the skin and may sometimes resemble insect bites.

Dust Mite Bite Treatment

As mentioned above, dust mites are not parasitic in nature. They do not inflict bites and are found to be scavengers that feed on dead skin cells shed by humans as well as certain animals. If you develop allergic skin rash due to the presence of dust mites, then, contact your doctor and get the condition diagnosed. Even bed bugs can cause a skin rash, but, in this case, there is nothing allergenic. So, once diagnosed with allergic reactions, you can get yourself treated. The doctor may prescribe oral and/or allergy medications. Even application of hydrocortisone cream may prove helpful in reducing the swelling and irritation associated with the skin rash. If there is no relief, even after using the medication for a few days, contact your doctor to rule out the possibility of other skin diseases.

In short, the condition that is referred to as dust mite bites are allergic skin rashes, caused by the allergens released by these mites. You can treat dust mite bites by using anti-allergic medication as prescribed by your doctor. It will be always better to prevent the condition by washing the bedding and clothes, in hot water, on a regular basis. You may also try the dust mite covers for mattresses and pillows. Vacuum the house, especially, furniture, mattress and carpet, regularly. You may also use a dehumidifier for getting rid of these mites. So prevention is always better than cure.