Table of Contents
What are
Mites are tiny arachnids, invisible to the naked eye, which belong to the phylum of anthropods and which are normally found among the vegetation but also in our homes. There are numerous species of mites and many proliferate in domestic environments by nesting in beds, sofas, carpets and that also stay among the dust that accumulates on the furniture and in the linen of the house. The mites in fact feed on dead cells and dandruff, therefore of small scales of the skin, and can be found in any room of the house, especially if it is hot, humid and rich in nourishment.
Some species of mites, such as those belonging to the Demodex genus, live as commensals within our sebaceous glands and hair follicles and they do not cause problems except as a result of excessive proliferation. When instead mites attack humans they can cause infestations or infectious diseases. Sarcoptes scabiei mites, for example, bite humans to dig superficial burrows on the skin in which to lay their eggs and are responsible for ainfestation known as scabies. Other species of mites can transmit pathogens that cause serious diseases, such as leprosy. There are also mites capable of attacking pets causing skin discomfort and inflammation of the ears in cats, dogs and rabbits.
In most cases the mites that inhabit our homes – known as dust mites – they are mostly harmless but, in predisposed subjects, they can give rise to allergic reactions it’s at inflammation of the skin, eyes or airways. Allergic symptoms are triggered by their waste substances that are released into the air and are inhaled. Even in the absence of allergies, living in a mite-infested environment can lead to stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, asthma, eye redness, skin rashes and other discomfort, especially in children. For prevent allergies, irritation or stings it is therefore important to try to keep the mites under control.
How they are eliminated
Completely eliminating the mites is practically impossible but it is possible to significantly reduce their presence trying to make their home as less hospitable as possible for them. For this purpose, cleaning and hygiene are essential: removing dust from furniture and surfaces often and using a good electric broom are the first steps to get rid of mites. Carpets, curtains and sofas should also be washed or vacuumed frequently. To get rid of bed mites, mattress and pillows should be vacuumed and, if possible, expose them to sunlight. Bed linen should be machine washed at a temperature of at least 60 ° C in order to successfully eliminate the mites. The same thing goes for towels, bathrobes and linen used in the kitchen. A good practice for reducing airborne particles released by mites is to ventilate the house daily, especially in the morning or during housekeeping to clear the air.
In case of allergy to mites, the measures to be taken must be more drastic, to be evaluated in relation to the severity of the symptoms. To prevent reactions it is in fact preferable to give up carpets, fabric lamps, curtains and sofas in fabric and in general any complement or ornament that can attract and capture dust such as puppets, stuffed animals, Better to choose materials that collect as little dust as possible and opt for anti-mite mattresses, pillows, blankets and bedding.
Mite bites: symptoms and what to do
Lesions caused by mites cause the appearance of small bumps close together, redness and itching. Generally i symptoms caused by the mite attack are not relevant unless there is an anaphylactic reaction. In any case, the lesions should be checked by the doctor or dermatologist, especially when they occur extensive on different areas of the body or if they persist over time.
If you notice numerous injuries on arms, legs or other areas of the body it is good to consult a specialist because, as we have seen, different species of mites can give rise to infestations or even serious diseases. For example, scabies is an infestation that occurs following lesions by Sarcoptes scabiei, known precisely as the scabies mite. The female of this mite digs burrows on the surface of the skin and deposits its eggs, from which other mites will then be born after a few days. Scabies causes the appearance of numerous red spots and streaks on the skin, as well as very intense itching that gets worse during the night. Scratching can lead to secondary skin infections. Besides being very annoying, scabies is contagious, therefore it can be transmitted to all members of the family by contact. The diagnosis is very simple and is based on the observation of the lesions and the therapy is generally short and involves the application of specific ointments. It is therefore worthwhile go to the doctor to treat the disease and eliminate symptoms in a short time.
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