What symptoms do mites cause and how can they be treated?

What symptoms do mites cause and how can they be treated? - briefly

Mite bites can cause itching, redness, rash, and may trigger allergic or respiratory reactions. Effective management includes topical acaricides, antihistamines, and comprehensive cleaning of bedding and living spaces to eradicate the infestation.

What symptoms do mites cause and how can they be treated? - in detail

Mites infestations manifest through a range of dermatological and systemic signs. Common cutaneous reactions include intense itching, erythema, papular or vesicular eruptions, and localized swelling. In cases of scabies, burrows appear as thin, grayish lines within the stratum corneum, often in interdigital spaces, wrists, and the genital region. Dermatophagoides (dust mite) exposure frequently triggers allergic rhinitis, characterized by sneezing, nasal congestion, watery discharge, and post‑nasal drip. Ocular involvement may present as conjunctival redness, itching, and tearing. In susceptible individuals, chronic exposure can exacerbate asthma, producing wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

Effective management requires a two‑pronged approach: eradication of the parasite and control of the host’s inflammatory response.

• Pharmacologic eradication

  1. Topical scabicidal agents (permethrin 5 % cream, benzyl benzoate, ivermectin lotion) applied to the entire body for the recommended duration.
  2. Oral ivermectin (200 µg/kg) administered as a single dose, repeated after one week for resistant cases.
  3. Antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine) to alleviate pruritus.
  4. Corticosteroid creams or systemic steroids for severe inflammatory reactions.

• Environmental control

  1. Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
  2. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and mattresses; discard vacuum bags promptly.
  3. Use allergen‑impermeable covers for mattresses and pillows.
  4. Reduce indoor humidity below 50 % to limit dust‑mite proliferation.
  5. Apply acaricidal sprays or powders to carpets and upholstered furniture when necessary.

• Adjunctive measures

  1. Moisturize skin to restore barrier function and reduce secondary infection risk.
  2. Educate patients on avoiding skin scratching to prevent bacterial superinfection.
  3. Monitor for treatment failure; repeat therapy if symptoms persist after two weeks.

Timely identification of mite‑related manifestations and strict adherence to therapeutic protocols prevent complications and reduce recurrence.