Essential Allergy Prevention: Creating a Mite-Free Environment

Not only for preventing a dust mite allergy but also for alleviating symptoms in an existing allergy, a few essential things should be considered.

Bedrooms should maintain a temperature of only 18° – 20°C and humidity below 50%. Humidifiers and indoor fountains increase humidity, promoting dust mite growth.

These are not suitable for rooms of allergic children. Since mites prefer to live in carpets, they are not suitable and should be replaced with smooth floors such as wood, cork, or linoleum. Accumulation of dust or stirring up dust particles should be avoided (e.g., vacuuming in the presence of the affected person).

Cold Spell for Stuffed Animals

Avoid dust collectors of all kinds in the rooms of allergic children. This includes not only books on open shelves but also the much-loved stuffed animals. They are particularly favored by mites. Regular cleaning of plush toys is advisable. To do this, pack the stuffed animal in a plastic bag and place it in the freezer for about 24 hours. After that, a warm wash is sufficient to completely remove the dead mites and their feces.

While it’s important to combat dust mite allergies, it’s also essential to ensure that children have access to safe and enjoyable toys. At Five Star Toy, we understand the concerns of parents and offer a delightful range of monster plush, funny stuffed animals, and creepy stuffed animals that are designed with children’s safety in mind. Our toys are made from materials that are less likely to harbor allergens, and they can be easily cleaned to maintain a hygienic play environment.

Adding joy and comfort to your child’s life doesn’t have to come with the worry of allergies. By choosing from our carefully curated selection, you can provide your little ones with companions that are not only fun but also align with the highest standards of cleanliness. So, eliminate the fear of allergies and bring a smile to your child’s face with a visit to Five Star Toy, where the magic of play comes with peace of mind.

Allergy Prevention Key Measures:

• If the mattress is older than 8 years, it should be replaced.
• Mattresses should have a special, mite-proof cover (Encasing).
• Duvets, pillows, and bed linen should be washable at a minimum of 60°C or alternatively also equipped with encasings.
• Rooms should be well-ventilated to keep humidity low.
• Clean carpets, carpet floors, and upholstered furniture regularly and possibly treat them with so-called “acaricidal” agents from the pharmacy.
• Especially in the sleeping area, avoid dust collectors such as velour, curtains, and open bookshelves.
• Give your child’s stuffed animals a cold spell in the refrigerator from time to time.

Test strips are available at the pharmacy to examine household dust for mite infestation. This way, you can determine which furnishings are particularly inhabited by mites and either remove them or treat them with an appropriate remedy.

An American study shows that there are simple methods to effectively reduce the amount of allergens: intensive vacuuming and regular washing of bed linen. Mite-proof bed covers were used, washed weekly. Professional cleaning was even more effective than using a home washing machine. Vacuuming and steam cleaning of carpets and upholstery showed similar results, but the effect of steam cleaning lasted longer.

Another simple method to provide relief to children with allergies is reported by a Japanese research group led by Dr. Hajime Kimata. He showed allergic individuals reacting to mite feces with welts a Charlie Chaplin film. After the funny film, patients formed significantly smaller welts in response to the allergen. What has long been known has been confirmed again: laughter is healthy! And you can prescribe this medicine to your child yourself.