July 2025 |  ✓  Medically Reviewed by: Magnus Borres, Director of Medical Affairs

Dust mite allergy is one of the most common forms of respiratory allergy ^4-6. It manifests through a range of symptoms that can vary in intensity depending on individual sensitivity. Dust mites, tiny arthropods that nest in domestic environments, are the main culprits for this allergic reaction.^2,3

The most common symptoms of dust allergy include:^1-3

• Frequent sneezing
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Dry cough and irritated throat
• Wheezing or breathing difficulties in asthmatic individuals
• Worsening of atopic dermatitis in predisposed individuals

Allergic reactions can be especially severe in the morning or during household cleaning, when dust particles tend to rise into the air and be inhaled.^2,3.

Dust mites: the allergens responsible for a common household allergy

House dust mites are the primary source of indoor allergens.¹ Discovered in the 1960s, these microscopic arthropods belong to the arachnids class and proliferate in hot, humid environments.^5,7 The most common species found in homes are Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae, which feed on human and animal skin scales.^1,2,4,5,7

The mites are mainly concentrated in mattresses, cushions, carpets and furniture fabrics, where they find the ideal conditions to survive and reproduce.^1,2,7 The primary source of allergens is the proteins in their faeces, which are dispersed into the air and can be inhaled, triggering allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.^3-5,7 Chronic exposure to these allergens can lead to the development of diseases such as allergic rhinitis, asthma and atopic dermatitis.^2,5

Can dust allergy also affect the skin?

Yes, dust mite allergy can also manifest itself with skin symptoms, particularly in individuals predisposed to atopic dermatitis[1] . Mite allergens can worsen this condition, causing severe itching, redness, dryness and eczematous lesions. In some cases, contact with dust-contaminated surfaces can result in hives (urticaria) or localised skin irritations.

The interaction between mites and the skin results from impairment of the skin barrier,^5,6 which facilitates the penetration of allergens and the activation of the immune system. For this reason, it is essential to take preventive measures to reduce exposure to mites and protect the skin from further irritation.

How to clean the house to improve dust allergy symptoms

To reduce the presence of house dust mites it is essential to maintain a well-ventilated and clean home environment. Some useful measures include:

• Using vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters, which capture allergenic particles without dispersing them into the air.^1,2,7
• Washing sheets and blankets at least once a week at over 60°C to eliminate mites.^1,7
• Using mite-proof mattress and pillow covers made of tightly woven materials to prevent the proliferation of mites.¹
• Avoiding heavy carpets, rugs and curtains, which can trap dust.⁷
• Keeping the relative humidity in the house below 50%, using dehumidifiers if necessary.²
• Avoiding the use of duvets and pillows made of natural materials, opting for those made of synthetic materials.⁷
• Air the rooms daily to reduce humidity and improve the air quality.¹

Following these practices can significantly reduce exposure to dust mites and improve the quality of life for allergy sufferers.

The importance of specific IgE tests for the diagnosis of dust allergy

The diagnosis of dust mite allergy is based on the patient’s medical history, clinical observation of symptoms and specific tests designed to detect sensitisation to dust mites.

Among these, specific IgE tests play a key role^3,4: through a blood sample, the level of IgE antibodies directed against mite allergens, such as Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae, can be measured.

There are two main types of specific IgE blood tests as an aid in the diagnosis of allergies:

• Whole allergen tests, which can help confirm or exclude a suspected allergy with certainty
• Allergen component tests, through which the individual proteins responsible for the allergic reaction can be identified⁶

The latter, allergen component testing, is particularly useful for assessing the risk of systemic reactions, understanding possible cross-reactivity with other allergens (such as mite tropomyosin, seafood and shellfish), improving the accuracy of diagnosis and selecting the appropriate immunotherapy.^1-6,8

Adding diagnostic tests to a simple, objective examination can increase diagnosis certainty by up to 90%, reducing the risk of inappropriate treatment and optimising the management of allergic disease.⁹ Furthermore, a more accurate diagnosis can help improve the patient's quality of life by reducing the misuse of drugs and unscheduled medical visits.

If the tests are negative, an IgE-mediated allergy can be excluded with certainty as the cause of the symptoms, allowing the patient to be directed towards a more appropriate course of treatment.