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Dust allergy

How to know if you have a dust allergy?

Dust allergies are especially common in people who have a sensitivity to house dust mites. These tiny creatures live in many homes and can cause skin irritation and an allergic response in people with sensitive skin.1 Dust allergies are caused by the body's reaction to dust mite secretions, which attach to the dust itself and spread easily throughout the home. These particles that cause symptoms cause the body to release histamines, which have been linked to skin and respiratory conditions like year-round allergy.2

What are dust mites?

Dust mites are microscopic creatures that can be found in almost all homes and areas where people live and spend time.1 They’re a quarter of a millimetre long and difficult to see with the naked eye. Specific proteins found in their bodies, secretions, and faeces can cause allergic reactions in those who are susceptible. House dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) are the most prevalent kind of dust mite in Australian homes.4 They prefers coastal regions over inland ones.2 Human allergies to this mite have been linked to skin and respiratory conditions like year-round allergies.1 

How to know if you have a dust allergy?

If you think you may have a dust or dust mite allergy, it's important to consult a doctor. They will be able to test your skin for histamines and determine whether you have an allergy to dust or dust mites. If you do have an allergy, you will need to take steps to protect your health. This could include avoiding exposure to dust mites and using antihistamine medication to relieve symptoms.

Symptoms of a dust allergy

If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be allergic to dust3:

  • Sneezing
  • watery eyes
  • itchy eyes
  • a runny nose
  • coughing

If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms and you think it might be a dust allergy, it's important to see a doctor for a diagnosis.  

Dust mite allergies usually cause milder symptoms than hay fever (a pollen allergy) does. But they occur all year round, whereas hay fever is seasonal. The symptoms are typically worse at night and in the morning because dust mites tend to live in mattresses, pillows and bedding.2

Treating a dust mite allergy

If you're suffering from a dust mite allergy, you know that it's not a fun condition. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help alleviate your allergy symptoms. Some treatments involve using antihistamines while others involve using air filters or vacuum cleaners to remove the dust mites from the environment. Whichever treatment strategy you choose, be sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid any adverse effects. And if you still experience symptoms after using a treatment, talk to your doctor about other options. In the meantime, keep your allergy symptoms in check by following these tips for preventing a dust mite allergy2:

  • Wiping the bedroom floor with a damp cloth
  • Use a mite-proof mattress cover 
  • Remove dust traps such as soft furniture and curtains 
  • Washing your bedding at temperatures above 60°C (140°F) 
  • Regularly open the windows to let fresh air in 

To find out more about common over‐the‐counter allergy treatments available for dust mite allergies, visit your local pharmacy.

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References

  1. House Dust Mite - Better Health Channel. Retrieved from http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/house-dust-mite [cited August 2025]
     
  2. InformedHealth.org. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Dust mite allergies: Overview. [Updated 2020 Apr 23]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK447098/ [cited August 2025]
     
  3. Dust Mite Allergies: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/dust-mites [cited August 2025]
     
  4. Tovey, Euan et al.. (2000). Domestic Mite Species and Der p1 Allergen Levels in Nine Locations in Australia. Allergy & Clinical Immunology International-journal of The World Allergy Organization - ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL INT. 12. 0226-0231. (cited Sep 2025)