What are mites in children? - briefly
Mites are microscopic arthropods, such as dust or scabies mites, that can colonize a child's skin or trigger allergic responses. They may cause itching, rashes, or respiratory symptoms and require proper diagnosis and treatment.
What are mites in children? - in detail
Mites that infest children are microscopic arthropods capable of living on the skin or in the environment. The most common species involved in pediatric cases are Sarcoptes scabiei (the scabies mite) and Dermatophagoides spp. (house dust mites). Both can provoke cutaneous reactions, but their biology, transmission routes, and management differ significantly.
Scabies mites burrow into the epidermis to lay eggs, producing intense itching that intensifies at night. Typical lesions include erythematous papules, vesicles, and linear burrows, often found on the wrists, interdigital spaces, waistline, and genital region. Transmission occurs through prolonged skin‑to‑skin contact, shared clothing, or bedding. Diagnosis relies on clinical pattern and, when necessary, microscopic identification of mites, eggs, or fecal pellets from skin scrapings.
Dust mites reside in household fabrics, feeding on shed human skin scales. They do not bite but their fecal particles and body fragments become airborne, triggering allergic responses in susceptible children. Symptoms manifest as persistent nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, and exacerbation of asthma. Diagnosis is based on history of exposure, skin prick testing, or specific IgE assays.
Management of scabies includes topical scabicidal agents such as permethrin 5 % cream applied to the entire body from neck down, left for eight hours, then washed off; repeated after one week to eliminate newly hatched mites. Oral ivermectin is an alternative for resistant cases or when topical therapy is impractical. All close contacts should receive simultaneous treatment to prevent reinfestation. Environmental measures involve washing clothing and bedding at ≥60 °C or sealing items in plastic bags for at least 72 hours.
Control of dust‑mite allergy focuses on reducing indoor allergen load:
- Encase mattresses and pillows in allergen‑tight covers.
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water.
- Maintain indoor humidity below 50 % using dehumidifiers.
- Remove carpets, upholstered furniture, and heavy curtains where possible.
- Use high‑efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.
Complications of untreated scabies may include secondary bacterial infection, impetigo, or post‑streptococcal glomerulonephritis. Persistent dust‑mite exposure can worsen asthma control and lead to chronic rhinosinusitis.
Early recognition and appropriate therapy are essential to limit morbidity and prevent spread within families and schools.