Anti-Dust Programme

If you or your family member has housedust or dustmite allergy, minimising dustmite exposure in your home will lead to fewer symptoms and decreased use of medication.

While it is impossible to get rid of dust completely, there are effective ways to minimize exposure.

Concentrate your efforts on the bedroom as a large part of a person's time is spent there:

• Encase mattresses, pillows and bolsters with vinyl or special mite-proof covers. Pillows filled with dacron or other synthetic materials that can be washed weekly are preferred. Mattress or pillow protectors should also be encased within the covers. The covers should be washed every three months.
• Wash bedding frequently in hot water (above 55 °C). Housedust mites are not killed by detergents.
• Use washable blankets. Comforters should be encased with mite-proof covers.
• Remove stuffed toys from the bed.
• Remove carpets. Have tiled, wooden, seamless vinyl or linoleum floor.

Try to carry out as many of the following anti-dust measures as possible:

• Clean the house while the dust-sensitive person is out. If the person doing the cleaning is dust sensitive, wearing a mask during and for 10 to 15 minutes after cleaning may help.
• Damp dusting and moppin g is preferred. Vacuuming stirs up dust and may worsen symptoms.
• Avoid upholstered furniture. Use wooden or plastic covered sofas and chairs instead.
• void heavy curtains and venetian blinds (window blinds consisting of horizontal slats). Use window shades instead. If curtains are used, wash frequently.
• Use shelves with doors instead of open shelves.
• Use pesticides (e.g. benzyl benzoate) that kill mites or chemicals that denature the allergy-causing substances (e.g. tannic acid) on carpets regularly if these cannot be removed.

Consultation for your nasal allergy can be made at Clinic 1B, Tel: 6889 4180