House dust mite allergy

[wacky]

Hi
I suffer with a lot of allergies and skin conditions - dust mite, food, pollen, eczema, urticarea, rhinitis..
The most annoying allergy for me is house dust mites.
Every time I walk into my house it's like I am attacked - my skin itches like crazy and I have to shower to get some relief.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can try to combat this ? The house is very clean and we don't have much carpet in the house. We don't have the central heating on much at all.
Are dehumidifiers worth a try ? I know they are very expensive.

Any advice would be appreciated !

Thanks

[Dr Chris Rutkowski]

House dust mite (HDM) allergy is unfortunately v common. It usually causes eye/nose/breathing symptoms. Skin problems in adults are rarely due to HDM.
HDM avoidance is difficult and the evidence is weak. Unfortunately even v clean houses have lots of HDM.
If your skin is itchy and cold showers help it might mean that your urticaria (hives) are active. Do you ever develop blotches/raised itchy lumps on your skin? Many patients benefit from a daily dose of a non drowsy antihistamine such as cetirizine or loratadine which you can buy over the counter. The dose can be increased to 2 tablets a day if you need to. Keeping skin moisturised might help too. If your skin is still troubling you, you might wish to ask to GP for a referral to an allergist or dermatologist.

[wacky]

thanks

yes I already take fexofenadine daily.

I suffer with very bad hives in hot environments, so try to avoid that situation.
I had to give up cardio/sport.

the house dust mites is something that frustrates me as I feel there must be something I can do to lessen the effects.
it's literally when I walk in my house, every time..

I've had eczema for 26 years so use a lot of moisturiser.

thanks again

[Dr Chris Rutkowski]

there are different types of urticaria (hives). Physical urticaria (induced by hot environment, sweating, exercise) might not respond to anithistamines and other (targeted) treatments are recommended

HDM avoidance: no carpets, no curtains; hard flooring; dehumidifier (controversial); antiallergic bed covers - but it will not eradicate HDM completely

Eczema predisposes to itching; urticaria too. When you combine both your itching can be unbearable.
Not all itch is due to skin problems though. You might need to see an allergist or dermatologist

[wacky]

thanks

I am waiting for an appointment with a dermatologist.

rgds