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Beware of dust mites.
30/Sep/2006: A new research has found that dust mites and their excretions can irritate the immune system in humans and make them vulnerable to infections.
The house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) is considered to be a main cause for asthma, eczema and other allergies around the world. Through this study the researchers at the Atopy Research Centre at the Juntendo School of Medicine, Tokyo, found how the dust mites cause eczema and other allergies in humans.
When the researchers applied a solution containing a digestive enzyme of mites on hairless mice, they found water loss through the epidermal layer of the mice’s skin. Takai, the lead researcher said that the transepidermal water loss (quantity of water that pass through the epidermal layer of the skin in to the surrounding atmosphere by diffusion or evaporation) observed in the mice was an indication of disruption of the skin barrier. He added that the researchers also observed the penetration of riboflavin into the skin.
The observations made the researchers conclude that the transepidermal water loss is because of a protease digestive enzyme present in the mites and this enzyme is responsible for causing allergies in humans.
Since dust mites are directly linked to allergies and other skin conditions in humans, it is important for us to protect our houses from these tiny creatures.
Dusting of surfaces, vacuuming carpets and mattresses, replacing carpets with vinyl flooring and covering mattresses and pillows with impermeable materials etc. are a few ways to control dust mites in houses.
K Siva
Further Eczema Reading
http://www.skincare21.net
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