How to Treat Dust Mites & Scabies
Dust mites are microscopic relatives of the spider. They live within carpet, bedding and dust bunnies, and thrive in dusty nooks and crannies. They feed on dead human skin cells. The feces of the dust mite causes inflammation in the nasal passageways of many people, causing allergy symptoms similar to hay fever. For some people, the symptoms progress into stages that resemble asthmatic-type breathing difficulties. Scabies mites are a bit different, as these microscopic relatives of the tick burrow beneath human skin. Serious lesions, scarring, and itching can occur with the allergic reactions. The condition is contagious.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Wash bed linens once a week. Strip your bed completely. Wash and change bed linens once a week. Wash them in hot water, at least 129 degrees F (54 degrees C), using the heavy cycle.
-
2
Matresses need to be enclosed in a casing, Enclose the mattress and all pillows in a dust mite encasing. Always use synthetic-filled pillows. Avoid feather beds.
-
-
3
Avoid having bookshelves in bedrooms. Remove all of the books out of the bedroom of the person in the home who is allergic to dust mites. Books are breeding grounds for mites.
-
4
Dust masks are important when dust mites are floating in the air. Clean dust from all surfaces in the home regularly. Those in the home that are having the reactions to dust mites need to wear dust masks while dusting is occurring.
-
5
Homes without carpet are healthier for those allergic to dust mites. Vacuum regularly and shampoo the carpet at least once a year with a hot steam carpet shampooer.
-
6
Cool soaks in water can ease itching. Treat your dust mite symptoms or scabies symptoms as directed by your health-care specialist. If you haven't yet seen one, a pill, cream, or set of regular allergy shots may be needed. The Itching may continue after treatment begins, but will decline after following the prescribed treatment plan. Itching for scabies can be reduced by cool soaks and calamine lotion. Your doctor may also recommend an oral antihistamine.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
For scabies, all bedding and clothes that were in skin contact within three days of symptom occurrence need to be washed to prevent reinfection. Clothes and bedding that cannot be washed should be sealed for 72 hours.
Avoid using chemicals to treat dust mites. The chemicals themselves may cause allergic reactions. Household cleaning chemicals cannot kill dust mites.
References
- Photo Credit mite-infested dragonfly image by Yangchen Lin from Fotolia.com laundry day image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com bed image by Leonid Nyshko from Fotolia.com old dusty books image by Laura Lupton from Fotolia.com signage dust masking image by Jauhari Subhi from Fotolia.com Dining Table and Hardwood Flooring image by Paul Hill from Fotolia.com bathtub fixures image by Leticia Wilson from Fotolia.com
