The signs
- Sneezing and a blocked or runny nose all year, often worse in autumn and winter.
- Symptoms worst in bed, first thing in the morning, or after making the bed or vacuuming.
- Itchy eyes, a cough at night, or eczema that flares.
- Feeling better when you are away from home.
Why they cause symptoms
Dust mites are too small to see. They feed on flakes of skin and live in mattresses, pillows, duvets, carpets and soft toys. People react to their droppings, which stick to dust and get into the air when it is disturbed.
What works
- Put allergen-proof covers on your mattress, pillows and duvet. This makes the biggest single difference.
- Wash sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers at 60°C every week.
- Keep the bedroom simple: fewer cushions, throws and soft toys, and a hard floor if you can.
- Vacuum with a HEPA filter, and dust with a damp cloth. Leave the room for a while after.
- Keep humidity down. Mites need damp air, so air rooms daily and dry clothes away from bedrooms.
- Freeze soft toys in a bag for a day now and then, then wash them.
What helps less than you might think
Air purifiers on their own do little for dust mites, because the particles are heavy and settle quickly. Sprays sold to kill mites have little proof behind them. Bedding covers, hot washing and lower humidity matter far more.
Testing and treatment
A GP can arrange a skin prick or blood test to confirm a dust mite allergy. Antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays from a pharmacist help with symptoms. For people with severe, long-lasting symptoms, an allergy specialist may offer immunotherapy, which treats the allergy itself over about three years.
Questions
How do I know if I am allergic to dust mites?
Year-round sneezing that is worst in bed or first thing in the morning is a strong clue. A skin prick or blood test arranged by your GP can confirm it.
What temperature kills dust mites?
Washing at 60°C kills dust mites and removes most of the allergen. Cooler washes remove allergen but leave many mites alive.
Do air purifiers help with dust mite allergy?
Not much on their own. Mite particles settle within minutes, so they are rarely in the air long enough to be filtered. Covers and hot washing work better.
This is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried about symptoms, talk to your pharmacist or GP.
Further reading
Useful for someone you know?