What is dust mite allergy?

Dust mite allergy is when your immune system reacts to tiny insects called dust mites. It is a very common type of allergy.

Dust mites are very common and can be found in every home. Dust mites are most common in bedrooms and sleeping areas, especially in:

• pillows
• mattresses
• stuffed animals
• bedding
• clothing
• upholstered furniture
• carpet

You cannot see dust mites without a microscope.

What symptoms are related to dust mite allergy?

If you have a dust mite allergy, you may experience some of these symptoms:

• allergic dermatitis, a type of eczema — you may see red, dry and itchy patches of skin on your wrists, ankles, face, behind your knees or the creases of your elbows
• year-round rhinitis — runny nose, blocked nose, sneezing, itchy nose and sometimes an altered sense of smell
• conjunctivitis — itchy and watery eyes
• asthma — shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and tightness in your chest
• anaphylactic shock — this is a very rare reaction

Not everybody living with eczema, rhinitis or asthma is allergic to dust mites.

If you think you or someone you know is experiencing anaphylaxis, use the adrenaline autoinjector immediately. Then call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. Follow an ASCIA allergy action plan, if you have one.

If you or someone else is showing signs of a severe asthma attack, call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance.

What causes dust mite allergy?

Dust mite allergy occurs if your immune system mistakenly reacts to proteins in dust mites or their poo. This triggers a reaction, causing your symptoms.

Your symptoms depend on which part of your body is affected. Symptoms may vary depending on whether your eyes, nose, skin, gut or lungs come into contact with dust mites.

When should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor if you are:

• worried you have a dust mite allergy
• receiving treatment for dust mite allergy, and it is not helping

How is dust mite allergy diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose dust mite allergy by:

• asking you about your symptoms and examining you
• referring you to for allergy tests, such as skin prick testing or a blood test

It's important to confirm that dust mites are a trigger for your asthma or allergy.

Read more about allergy testing.

How is dust mite allergy treated?

If you have a dust mite allergy, treatment may include reducing contact with dust, medicines to reduce your symptoms and immunotherapy.

Self-care at home

Here are some tips to reduce the number of dust mites in your bedroom:

• Wash your bedding in hot water every week.
• If you do your washing in cold water, use laundry products that contain tea tree oil.
• Tumble dry your washing on 'hot' for 10 minutes to kill dust mites.
• Open your curtains to allow sunshine in your room onto your bed.
• Put dust mite-resistant protective covers on your mattress, doona and pillows.
• Avoid sleeping or lying on upholstered furniture.

Here are some general tips to reduce the number of dust mites in your home:

• Use air filtration systems.
• Use acaricides (a type of pesticide) in household cleaners.
• Wear a mask when you vacuum. Install a filter in the outlet port of your vacuum.
• Keep your home cool and dry.
• Wash soft toys in eucalyptus oil or put them in the freezer overnight.
• Use a damp or electrostatic cloth to dust your hard surfaces every week.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to completely remove all dust mites from your home.

Medicines to treat your symptoms

Your doctor can prescribe medicines or recommend over-the-counter medicines to manage your symptoms. Medicines include:

• antihistamines
• nasal corticosteroid sprays
• nasal decongestants
• saline nasal sprays or drops
• immunotherapy

Your local pharmacist can also guide you. They can recommend over-the-counter medicines that are right for you. It is important you get advice that is right for your symptoms.

It is important you take your medicines as your doctor or pharmacist has recommended.

Immunotherapy

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe allergen immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is available as a tablet you put under your tongue, or as a series of injections. Allergen immunotherapy changes the way your immune system reacts to something it is allergic to (the allergen).

This involves taking gradually increasing doses of the dust mite allergen to help reduce the severity of your symptoms, such as asthma. It can take 3 to 5 years for treatment to be effective.

What are complications of dust mite allergy?

If dust mite allergy is not treated, symptoms may get worse over time.

An asthma attack triggered by dust mite allergy can cause serious and life-threatening complications.

If you or someone else is showing signs of a severe asthma attack, call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance.

Can dust mite allergy be prevented?

Dust mite allergy can't be prevented.

You can reduce your symptoms by following recommendations on how to reduce dust mites in your home. Immunotherapy treatment can also reduce the severity of your symptoms.

Resources and support

• To learn more about dust mite or other allergies, visit the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) website.
• The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network have a useful factsheet about house dust mite allergy.
• Visit Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia for tips to improve your quality of life if you are living with allergies.
• Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak with a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria).

Other languages

The Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) has translated their first aid for anaphylaxis resource into many community languages.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Download 'Lung health for kids', an app for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and families that will teach you about some common lung conditions.