DUST MITES
Your allergy tests confirm that you are allergic to dust
mites. Dust mites are the most common triggers of allergy symptoms, and in
different people can aggravate the nose and sinuses, contribute to ear problems,
asthma, and eczema.
The mites are microscopic and cannot be seen. They require
human skin flakes for food, and therefore are found in quantity only in the
bedroom. They cannot live in very dry areas, but thrive with higher humidity.
They are found especially in the bedclothes, sheets and
blankets, and sink into the pillows, mattresses and box springs. Did you know
that the average mattress will double its weight in ten years as a result of
being filled with dead dust mites and their products?
How do I avoid or
reduce exposure to dust mites?
·
Use plastic encasings for pillow, mattress and box springs.
(see LINKS below)
·
Remove all bedroom carpeting
·
Wash bedding weekly in hot water of at least 130 F.
·
Keep all unnecessary dust collectors out of the bedroom –
stuffed toys, books, toys, clutter.
·
Dust bedroom regularly with a damp mop and rag.
·
Remove upholstered furniture and draperies from the bedroom
Do we really have to
remove all the stuffed toys?
As a compromise, the stuffed toys can be washed regularly
in hot water, and putting the stuffed toys in the freezer for 8 hours will
inhibit dust mite growth!
How about mite
sprays, mite powders, air cleaners, special vacuums?
Unfortunately, most do not work very well, and usually are
not worth the cost, especially as compared to the much more effective simpler
measures outlined above.
Ask at our desk for
brochures from the commercial companies selling allergy proof encasings. We
do not necessarily endorse all the products in these catalogues.
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