All About Allergens: Dust

Dust mites are the true culprit behind your dust allergy .¹ A common trigger for indoor allergies , dust mites can be found in the day-to-day dust that accumulates in your home. These microscopic creatures live off of our dead skin cells, burrowing in household fabrics. Pillows, upholstered furniture, beds, blankets, curtains, and carpets make for ideal hiding places.

All About Allergens: Dust

Dust mites don't feed directly off of us – they don’t latch onto human skin or bite us. Rather, it's the particles they shed that trigger allergies, which manifest in symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes, or runny nose. Left unaddressed, these particles can accumulate and lead to worse dust allergy , if not problems with your health and your wellbeing.¹

DID YOU KNOW?

An average-sized house may accumulate approximately 40 pounds of dust each year.¹

Causes of Dust Mites and Dust Allergy

When you visit a home or stay in a hotel room that has dust mites , they can hitch a ride on you or on your belongings, making their way back to your home.

Once in your home, dust mites can thrive given the ideal conditions. They like warm, musty places away from direct sunlight. To “drink,” they absorb water particles from the air, which means they’re pervasive in rooms that retain moisture. In a tropical and humid location like Singapore, dust mites can be all but inescapable, as the climate keeps them “in season” year-round.²

Dust mites shed particles, including fecal matter, that contain proteins that some individuals are sensitive to. These proteins are what leads to dust allergy symptoms².

Symptoms of Dust Mites and Dust Allergy³

Sneezing
Itchy nose or eyes
Runny nose or watery eyes
Wheezing or congested airways
Coughing
Itchy skin or skin rash

Prevention Tips for Dust Mites and Dust Allergy

KEEP YOUR HOME CLEAN
Clean often and learn how to clean smartly. Dust mites and their allergens can become airborne when you stir them up, so choose cleaning methods that can get rid of them. Instead of sweeping, use a dust mite vacuum equipped with HEPA filters or a double-vacuum bag, and make sure to dispose of or clean out the filter after use.³ Instead of dusting, use a sponge dampened with cleaning solution to wipe down surfaces and mop the floors regularly. Be sure to wear a protective mask and a pair of rubber gloves to minimise your exposure to dust when cleaning.
KEEP FURNITURE CLEAN
Wash all bedding and blankets at least once a week in hot water (at least 54°C).⁴ Air out pillows and mattresses on a hot, dry, sunny day. Place them under direct sunlight if you can. Dry heat and sunlight can keep moisture as well as dust mites from accumulating within the material.
KEEP IT BARE
Dust mites can thrive in wallpaper and carpeting. Remove them from your home where you can, opting for bare walls and floors instead.³
INVEST IN ANTI- ALLERGEN COVERINGS
Use anti dust mite mattress covers, pillowcases, and upholstery. These anti-allergen or allergy -proof coverings make use of vinyl, laminate, and woven or non-woven microfibre material to keep dust mites from burrowing into your furniture.⁵
DEHUMIDIFY
Maintain humidity levels of below 50% in your home. Use a dehumidifier in rooms that tend to retain moisture. Keep an eye on your weather app too, making sure to keep windows shut and moisture out whenever your local weather report shows high levels of humidity.³

Solution for Dust Allergy

Clarityn® is your go-to solution for allergic reactions to dust for quick-acting and non-drowsy allergy relief that lasts 24hours. No more sneezing; runny or blocked nose; watery, itchy eyes; or itchy skin rash at home.

Keep your indoor allergies at bay. With Clarityn®, you can kick back, relax, and enjoy true comfort within your home.