Dust Mites
What are dust mites? Dust mites are tiny creatures that are related to spiders and ticks. They live in our mattresses and bedding because 1) those places provide a warm and moist environment and 2) they are a good place to find the dust mites’ food source: dead skin flakes.
What are dust mite allergies? A person who is having allergic reactions to dust mites is actually having allergic reactions to their feces. Ew. Similar to the pollen grains which cause pollen allergy, these particles become airborne and just happen to be the right size to trigger allergic reactions.
To protect yourself and your family from dust mite allergy reactions, you must keep the mites from proliferating. Some tips:
- Regularly wash your bedding and clothing in hot water to minimize your allergic reaction.
- Use a mattress encasement as a barrier between yourself and the dust mites that already live in your mattress. This will decrease your exposure to dust mite allergens.
- Use an air purifier to reduce the dust levels in your home.
Cockroaches
Unfortunately, cockroaches are a common pest in crowded and urban cities worldwide. Those of us who have allergic reactions to cockroaches are actually reacting to what the roaches have left behind: both droppings and the remnants of their dead bodies.
To reduce your allergic reaction to cockroaches, you need to reduce the roach population in your surroundings. You should adapt a lifestyle of strict cleanliness – wash your dishes after every meal, don’t leave food out in an open container, and keep cupboards and floors free of food debris. Your building may also need to employ pest control options such as traps and pesticides. If these actions do not alleviate your allergy symptoms, you can be treated with allergy medications and/or pursue allergy immunotherapy shots to minimize your future allergic reactions. The NYC allergy specialists and our allergy clinic will do allergy tests to identify your cockroach allergy and discuss how allergy shots may improve your allergy symptoms – itchy eyes, red eyes, watery eyes, sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and allergy cough.
Stinging Insects
Stinging insects – bees, hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets – inject venom into their victims. This venom can cause life-threatening reactions in highly-allergic individuals. In a normal reaction, the sting site will be red, painful, and may itch and swell, but these symptoms will usually last only a couple of hours. In someone who is severely allergic, the person may experience hives, itching, difficulty breathing, and stomach distress, and could feel weak, dizzy, and nauseous. These are signs of a potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reaction. If not treated immediately, anaphylaxis can cause death.
Venom immunotherapy is a treatment that desensitizes you to the venom, so that any future insect stings should not cause as severe of a reaction. It is shown to be a very effective treatment for allergy to stinging insects. Patients who might have insect sting allergies should visit an allergist in NYC and consider venom immunotherapy.
If you think you are allergic to insects or other pests, the allergists at the NY Allergy & Sinus Centers are here to help. We can provide allergy testing and help you find fast relief. We have five convenient allergy testing centers and see patients from all over the NYC metropolitan area. Call us today at 212-686-6321 for more information.
Insect and Pest Allergy Frequently Asked Questions
Can bed bug rash spread?
The rash resulting from bed bug bites typically does not spread from person to person, as it is a localized allergic reaction to the insect’s saliva. However, scratching the affected areas can lead to secondary infections, which may spread if not treated properly. It is crucial to avoid scratching and to keep the affected areas clean to prevent complications. If signs of infection occur, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge, medical attention should be sought. This underscores the necessity of appropriate treatment and preventive measures in managing bed bug-related skin conditions.
Can you get dermatitis from bed bugs?
Yes, dermatitis can result from bed bug bites, particularly in individuals who are sensitive or allergic to the insect’s saliva. The bites can lead to localized skin reactions, including redness, swelling, and itching, which may escalate to more severe dermatitis in susceptible individuals. Additionally, scratching the affected areas can lead to secondary infections, further complicating the condition. This progression highlights the importance of prompt intervention and treatment options to alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications associated with bed bug dermatitis.
Can You Get Rid Of Dust Mites?
It is almost impossible to get rid of all dust mites. However, you can reduce them to ease your symptoms. For example, washing clothes and linens using the hot wash setting will help remove dust mites. Removing carpet also helps get rid of dust mites.
How Can I Avoid Cockroach Exposure?
The following tips may help you avoid cockroaches:
- Cover all trash cans tightly.
- Store food in airtight containers. This includes food kept in cabinets and on counters.
- Clean all dirty dishes.
- Sweep up any food crumbs from the counters, stove top, tables and floor.
- Avoid leaving pet food out in a bowl. Clean the bowl regularly, like other dirty dishes.
- Fix leaky pipes under sinks and in the basement. Cockroaches like damp places.
- Seal cracks in the walls and floors where cockroaches can enter your home.
How Do You Diagnose An Insect Allergy?
An allergist at NY Allergy & Sinus Centers can diagnose your insect allergy. We use a variety of allergy testing methods to accurately diagnose allergies.
How do you know if you are allergic to bed bugs?
Determining if you are allergic to bed bugs typically involves observing your body’s response to bites. If you consistently experience severe itching, hives, or swelling after being bitten, it may indicate an allergy. A healthcare provider can perform specific allergy tests to confirm the sensitivity to bed bug saliva and guide appropriate treatment options. Keeping a record of symptoms following exposure to bed bugs can also aid in diagnosis. This proactive approach can help individuals manage their reactions to bed bug bites more effectively, ensuring they receive timely medical care.
How Do You Treat An Insect Allergy?
Venom immunotherapy can help desensitize you to insect venom. This ensures that any future insect stings will not cause as severe of a reaction.
Is Cockroach Allergy Common?
Cockroach allergies are surprisingly common, and some researchers believe the allergy is increasing in populated cities. One-third of people with other documented allergies are sensitive to cockroaches.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Dust Mite Allergy?
Symptoms of a dust mite allergy include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy, red or watery eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat
- Postnasal drip
- Cough
What does an allergic reaction to bed bugs look like?
An allergic reaction to bed bug bites may manifest as widespread hives, intense itching, swelling, and redness around the bite sites. In more severe cases, individuals may experience systemic reactions, including difficulty breathing or swelling of the face and throat, which require immediate medical attention. Allergic reactions can vary significantly from person to person, with some experiencing no reaction at all. Recognizing these symptoms early on is crucial in addressing the effects of bed bug bites and seeking appropriate treatment to manage the allergy effectively.
What Insects Cause Anaphylaxis?
Fire ants, bees, wasps, and hornets are most likely to cause anaphylaxis when they bite or sting. It is very important to avoid these insects if you are allergic to them.
What is the difference between bed bug and dust mite dermatitis?
Bed bug dermatitis is caused by bites from bed bugs, which are hematophagous insects that feed on human blood. In contrast, dust mite dermatitis is linked to allergens produced by dust mites, microscopic creatures that thrive in household dust. The reactions from bed bug bites typically present as localized welts or clusters of bites, while dust mite dermatitis often manifests as generalized itching, redness, and inflammation of the skin due to an allergic response. Understanding these differences is essential for effective treatment strategies, as bed bug dermatitis requires pest control measures, whereas dust mite dermatitis focuses on allergen avoidance.
What Season Is Dust Mite Allergy The Worst?
Allergen levels are at their highest between May and October, the peak breeding season of house dust mites. Most of the mites die during the winter, but the allergen-containing dust is stirred up by heating systems.
Why Are People Allergic to Cockroaches?
The saliva, feces, and shedding body parts of cockroaches can trigger both asthma and allergies. These allergens act like dust mites, aggravating symptoms when they are kicked up in the air.