Dust mite allergy

A dust mite allergy is a sensitivity or reaction to the waste of microscopic parasites called dust mites. Learn about the symptoms and how to reduce exposure to dust mites in your home.

Key points

A dust mite is a microscopic parasite that lives in soft materials found around the home.
A dust mite allergy occurs when a person is sensitive or has a reaction to the waste of dust mites. This may cause or worsen upper and lower respiratory symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing and wheezing.
The best way to reduce dust mite exposure is to focus on the sleep environment, as that is the place where we spend the largest amount of our time and get our greatest exposure.
There are treatments available to manage symptoms as well as reduce the body’s allergic response to dust mites.

Introduction

Signs and Symptoms

Treatment

How can I reduce exposure to dust mite allergen?

Dust mites like to live in warm dark places where our skin cells collect. The best way to reduce dust mite exposure is to focus on the sleep environment, as the soft bed and sheets provide the optimal place for dust mites to live and our beds are where we spend the largest amount of time in the home.

Below are some strategies you can try to reduce exposure to dust mites:

Use zipper-enclosed dust mite covers for the mattress and pillow. These should be made of tightly woven material and specifically labeled for dust mite allergy.
Wash all sheets and bedding weekly in hot water (55°C or 130°F) and dry in a dryer for at least 15 minutes. Hot water and heat from the dryer will kill dust mites.
Reduce the number of stuffed animals your child has and other fabric items, such as curtains, in the bedroom. Stuffed animals that cannot be laundered in hot water should be placed in the freezer for 24 hours and hand washed in cool water to eliminate dust mites.
Vacuum, use a damp mop and a damp dusting cloth to clean all sleeping areas at least once per week. Use a vacuum with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter if you can. Vacuuming and dusting may temporarily increase dust in the air, so it is ideal to vacuum and dust while your child is out of the room and allow dust to settle prior to their return.
Avoid excessive humidity in the home. Dust mites thrive in dark, humid conditions. The humidity in the bedroom should be kept between 30-50%. Hygrometers (humidity meters) can be inexpensively purchased if you are unsure of the humidity level in your home.
If possible, consider removing rugs and fixed carpeting in the bedroom. If this is not possible, consider steam cleaning on a regular basis. Select furniture made of wipeable materials such as wood, plastic, leather, or vinyl, and blinds instead of fabric curtains.

Where can I purchase dust mite covers?

Covers can be purchased from many home goods stores online or from many linen and department stores.

Is there treatment available for dust mite allergy?

There are medications available to manage symptoms of dust mite allergy as well as treatments that manage the body’s allergic response to dust mites (immunotherapy).

Symptomatic treatment

Medications that manage the symptoms of dust mite allergy include eye drops, nasal saline rinses, steroid and antihistamine nasal sprays, and oral antihistamines, which provide relief for itchy eyes, nasal congestion and itching, hives and other allergy symptoms. Please discuss any symptoms your child is experiencing with their health-care team who can advise on appropriate treatment.

Immunotherapy

Dust mite immunotherapy may also be a treatment option. Immunotherapy gradually desensitizes or decreases the allergic response to the allergen by consistently exposing your child to a small dose of the allergen. This treatment is typically used for children four years of age and older, although younger children may be candidates on a case-by-case basis. Immunotherapy may be given orally as a tablet (placed under the tongue) or by injection. This treatment is prescribed by an allergist and is only given to children who do not have asthma or whose asthma is well controlled.

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Resources

Last updated: February 6th 2026

Dust mite allergy

Key points

What is a dust mite?

What is a dust mite allergy?

What are the signs and symptoms of a dust mite allergy?

If my child has symptoms around dust, does that mean they have a dust mite allergy?