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House dust mites and human dander
1Dept. of Dermatology and Venerology, Marselisborg Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
Abstract:
The occurrence of house dust mites was measured in the homes of 12 patients with the scaly skin disease, psoriasis. The median number of mites in the mattress dust and floor dust was 27 (range 10-153)/0.1 g and 56 (range 12-114)/0.1 g respectively, which is significantly higher than the background pollution of house dust mites in normal Danish homes. The results support the idea that the amount of mites in our homes not only depend on relative air humidity but also on the production of dandruff.
Insights
House dust mite levels were significantly higher in homes of psoriasis patients compared to healthy individuals. This suggests a potential link between house dust mites, dandruff, and psoriasis severity.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition.
- House dust mites are common indoor allergens.
- The relationship between indoor allergens and psoriasis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of house dust mites in the homes of patients with psoriasis.
- To compare mite levels in psoriasis patients' homes to those in healthy individuals' homes.
Main Methods:
- Quantified house dust mite populations in mattress and floor dust samples.
- Collected samples from 12 patients diagnosed with psoriasis.
- Compared findings to established background levels in Danish homes.
Main Results:
- Median house dust mite counts were significantly elevated in psoriasis patients' homes (27/0.1g mattress, 56/0.1g floor dust).
- Mite levels exceeded typical background levels found in healthy Danish households.
Conclusions:
- Elevated house dust mite presence in homes may be associated with psoriasis.
- Mite populations are influenced by factors including relative humidity and dandruff production.