Viewer Question:

What home strategies can help mite allergies?

Doctor's Response:

Home measures that have been proven to be useful in improving mite-related allergic conditions (such as asthma and eczema) include strategies that are designed to avoid exposure to the mites. Mattress encasement in semi-permeable plastic, such as those made from high-density polyethylene fibers of Tyvek, and carpet removal have been proven to be helpful.

There is no additional benefit in shampooing carpets with anti-mite shampoo according to the Melbourne House Dust Mite Study.

Last Editorial Review: 4/5/2002