Do Dust Mites Make One Itch?
There are many different kinds of mites. Some, such as the dust mite, are very tiny and cannot be seen with the naked eye. Many mites bite humans, leaving very itchy red marks on the skin. Dust mites, however, are not known for this. Dust mites eat dead skin--they do not live off blood, like bedbugs do, for example. Nevertheless, dust mites are a nuisance as they do cause allergic responses (respiratory) in many people. Does this Spark an idea?
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Features
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Like most mites, dust mites look like a miniature version of a crab, only more elongated. They prefer moist and environments. These mites feed on "dust" that is mainly comprised of dead skin (from humans or pets) and they prefer this over most other foods. This is why these mites are called "dust" mites.
Itch
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According to the Illinois Department of Health, dust mites are rarely the cause of itching.
If you are experiencing itching, you probably have other mites present--many other mites do have bites that cause itching. -
Prevention/Solution
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Preventing dust mites in the home requires keeping dust levels as low as possible--cutting off the food supply will cut down their numbers. Use dehumidifiers to lower moisture levels. Wash bedding frequently. Vacuum floors. Keep surfaces clean of dust. The more clean, dry and dust-free you can make your home, the fewer dust mites you'll have.
Other Possibilities
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If you are itchy and are not sure what is causing this, it may be bedbugs, scabies, chiggers or itch mites. Bedbugs hide in crevices of mattresses (check the seams for their droppings) and feed on human blood at night. Scabies live in the skin and cause visible bumps and burrows, as they tunnel. To rid yourself of scabies, you will need a prescription cream from your doctor. Chiggers are usually picked up outdoors in warm weather--especially in grassy areas. Topical over-the-counter treatments will relieve chigger bites. Itch mites are also picked up outdoors. They are tiny mites and leave very itchy visible bites.
Considerations
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Allergic rashes and other bites (spider bites, for example) may be mistaken for mite bites. You can relieve some of the itching with topical antihistamines; however, if you are unsure what is causing your red bumps, a physician may be able to determine what they are and find a suitable treatment to bring you relief.
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