Do Dust Mites Live on Human Skin?
- Dust mites do not live on human skin - However they will naturally walk on your skin.
- Most people cannot feel dust mites walking on their skin - if you're ultra sensitive and lying still you may well feel the allergic response from their faeces in the form of an itching sensation
- dust mites do not burrow into the skin or feed on live tissue - instead they will be near humans and feed off the fallen dead skin
Relief from Dust Mites on Skin
The quickest way to get relief from dust mites on your skin is:
- Have a Shower to wash dust mites off
- Apply a thick moisturizing cream to form a protective barrier against dust mites
- Put on freshly washed bedding (washed at 60°C) just before getting into bed.
Click here to discover our 6-step guide to permanently getting rid of dust mites
Where are you likely to feel dust mites on skin?
- Bed
- Sofa
- Carpeted rooms
- Humid rooms
- Warm rooms (20-25°C)
- Rooms that have plenty of visible dust
Dust mites thrive in environments where they can feed on dead skin flakes that humans naturally shed. These flakes accumulate in bedding, carpets, furniture, and other soft surfaces.
Dust Mite Hotspots in Your Home (By the Numbers)
| Location | Estimated Mite Count |
| Mattress | 100,000 – 10 Million |
| Pillow | 10,000 – 2 Million |
| Sofa / Couch | 100,000 – 1 Million per seat |
| Carpets | 1,000 – 100,000 per sq meter |
| Soft Toys | 1,000 – 10,000 per toy |
Dust Mite Allergies and Skin Reactions
While dust mites themselves do not live on the skin, their presence can trigger allergic reactions in individuals. The primary allergens come from dust mite faeces and body fragments, which can irritate the skin and respiratory system. People with dust mite allergies may experience:
-
Eczema flare-ups: Dust mite allergens are a common trigger for atopic dermatitis (eczema), leading to itchy, inflamed skin.
- Red, Bumpy Skin: Allergens sitting on the skin cause contact dermatitis (hives).
- Infection Risk: Scratching the itch breaks the skin barrier, leading to potential infections.
Distinguishing Dust Mites from Other Skin Concerns
It is important not to confuse dust mites with other microscopic pests, like scabies mites or demodex mites, which do live on or burrow into human skin. Scabies mites cause severe itching and rashes as they infest the skin, while demodex mites naturally live in hair follicles. Dust mites, however, are not parasitic and have no interest in living on your body.
Visual Difference: Scabies vs. Dust Mite Allergy It is easy to confuse the two. Scabies are parasites that burrow under your skin, creating visible zigzag track marks or lines. Dust Mites stay on your bed; the rash you see is a reaction to their waste sitting on top of your skin. If you see burrow lines, see a doctor immediately.
If you have a dust mite allergy we highly recommend purchasing dust mite proof encasements for your bed as they trap dust mites in your mattress, pillow and duvet so they cannot touch your skin!
Click Here to Purchase Anti Dust Mite Encasements
How to Stop the Itching Sensation (Removing Allergens)
If you have mites on your body then the quickest way is to have a hot shower to wash the mites off and then apply thick moisturizer so they cannot directly touch your skin.
3 comments
How do I purchase dust mites products for bedding and how expensive are they
it can be purchased here Sheila – https://idustmite.com/products/dust-mite-encasement-set-mattress-pillow-duvet
Where do I purchase