Dust mite allergy
A dust mite is a microscopic organism that lives in the dust in your home, feeding on shed skin flakes.
They can’t harm you, but can aggravate asthma and other respiratory problems in babies and young children. Dust mites thrive in warm humid places such as bedding, carpets and couches – it’s their waste products that aggravate asthma.
It’s a good precaution to try to minimize the number of dust mites in your home by reducing dust, particularly if you have a family history of allergies. The dust from your home comes from a variety of different sources such as household pets, foods, plants, fabric, lint and the skin you shed. There are some simple ways you can reduce it and any dust mites:
- Wash your child’s bedding once a week in water heated to at least 130 degrees.
- Turn your child’s bedclothes down during the day to air the mattress.
- Keep stuffed animals out of your baby’s crib (infants under 12 months should not have soft toys in their cribs because of the risk of sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS). Placing toys in the freezer overnight and then washing at a high temperature can kill dust mites.
- Keep clutter to a minimum in all areas of your home, especially your child’s room, as it attracts dust.
- Dust areas such as the top of bookshelves, corners and window blinds in your child’s room.
- Install a hard floor in your child’s room.
- Use hypoallergenic pillow and mattress covers.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 27/06/2008
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