What does an allergy from bed mites look like? - briefly
Typical symptoms include itchy, red, or inflamed skin on the face, neck, or arms, often accompanied by sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose. These reactions appear shortly after exposure to contaminated bedding and may worsen during sleep.
What does an allergy from bed mites look like? - in detail
Allergic reactions to the microscopic arthropods that inhabit bedding typically manifest in two major systems: the skin and the respiratory tract.
Skin symptoms appear as localized redness, itching, and small raised bumps (papules) that may coalesce into larger hives. In some individuals, prolonged exposure leads to chronic eczema‑like lesions, especially on the neck, forearms, and torso where the skin contacts the mattress or pillow. Scratching can cause secondary infection, evident by increased warmth, swelling, or pus formation.
Respiratory manifestations include sneezing, nasal congestion, watery eyes, and a runny nose that resemble seasonal rhinitis. Asthmatic patients may experience wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness that worsen at night. Coughing, especially a dry, persistent cough, often intensifies after lying down.
Systemic signs such as low‑grade fever, fatigue, or malaise are uncommon but may accompany severe reactions. Symptoms usually emerge within hours of exposure and intensify after several nights of uninterrupted contact.
Diagnostic steps involve:
- Detailed exposure history focusing on bedding, upholstered furniture, and recent cleaning practices.
- Skin prick testing or specific IgE blood assays targeting dust‑mite allergens, which include the common house dust mite species.
- Nasal or bronchial lavage to detect eosinophils, indicating allergic inflammation.
Effective management combines environmental control and medical therapy. Reducing allergen load requires washing bedding at ≥60 °C weekly, encasing mattresses and pillows in allergen‑impermeable covers, maintaining indoor humidity below 50 %, and using HEPA air purifiers. Pharmacologic treatment may consist of topical corticosteroids for skin lesions, oral antihistamines for itching and sneezing, and inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators for respiratory involvement. In refractory cases, allergen‑specific immunotherapy offers long‑term reduction of sensitivity.
Monitoring response involves tracking symptom frequency, severity, and medication usage over several weeks. Persistent or worsening signs warrant reevaluation of exposure sources and possible referral to an allergist.