Allergies

European house dust mite

Allergy to European dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) is an allergy caused by microscopic insects that come in house dust. They feed on skin cells that people lose and thrive in warm, moist environments. The ideal environment for dust mites is bedding, upholstered furniture and carpets. The dust contains the excrement and decomposing bodies of the mites, these being the proteins that cause allergies. Dust mites encompass thousands of species, one of the most common being the Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus species. This species is one of the most studied, and is the most common variant in Europe, although it is found throughout the world, preferring humid and temperate climates. The symptoms are sneezing, runny nose and asthma. As a prevention, it is recommended to reduce exposure to mites by using allergenic bed covers, washing bedding weekly at 60º, keeping the humidity level low, avoiding stuffed animals and carpets, removing dust with a damp cloth, vacuum regularly and install filters on furnaces and air conditioners.