How to Cope with Dust Mite Allergy

A cousin of the spider and tick, dust mites are microscopic bugs that thrive in dark, humid areas. Dust mites are found in every home; they eat the skin and dander that people shed daily and make their home in pillows, mattresses, carpeting and other soft material. Ninety percent of allergy and asthma sufferers are sensitive to dust mites. Learn to cope with dust mite allergy by avoiding the dust mites.

Instructions

• 1

  Purchase special allergy reducing covers for the mattress, box spring and pillows of all beds in your home. Dust mites thrive in mattresses and pillows because there is a steady supply of food and they can burrow down into the material where it is dark.

• 2

  Clean your beds. Vacuum the mattress on both sides; wash pillows in the hottest water available. Place the box springs in a cover and proceed to the mattress and freshly washed pillows.

• 3

  Vacuum your home regularly. Carpeting contains a high concentration of dust mites. If feasible, replace carpeting with hardwood, laminate or tile.

• 4

  Dust with a wet washcloth frequently and eliminate clutter to minimize places for dust to collect. Keep stuffed animals to a minimum; wash them regularly or freeze them overnight to kill the dust mites.

• 5

  Lower the humidity in the home 30 to 50 percent and use the air conditioner if available. Test the humidity regularly with a special tool called a hygrometer.

• 6

  Visit an allergist who can prescribe medicine to help control the symptoms of dust mite allergy. Nasal sprays are a typical prescription for dust mite allergy sufferers.