Asthma and Eczema Information

Asthma

Approximately 80% of all asthma is triggered by an allergic reaction. The most common triggers for allergic asthma are the house dust mite, moulds or pet allergens such as cat or dog and these can be found all over the home.

To help keep your asthma under control, it is important to avoid the allergens that are causing your symptoms; this is where thorough cleaning in the home, particularly of mattresses and soft furnishings, is essential.

To find out more about asthma and how to manage this condition, click here.

Eczema

Allergic eczema is a condition that effects many people and is most common in young children. Atopic eczema involves inflammation of the skin with intense itching, reddening, dryness, blistering and scaling, atopy is the genetic predisposition to develop allergies and atopic eczema is often associated with other allergic conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis (hayfever).

Eczema can be aggravated by indoor allergens such as the house dust mite, that thrives in the warmth and humidity found in modern UK homes. Our beds provide the ideal environment, with a supply of our shed skin cells (their food source), water from our sweat, expired breath, and warmth. They also find skin cells and other proteins to eat in carpets, upholstered furniture, fabrics and furry toys. If you have been diagnosed as allergic to the house dust mite, strict avoidance measures such as steam cleaning mattresses, damp dusting and vacuuming carpets with a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter can help minimise allergen exposure, in turn helping to reduce symptoms.

For more information on eczema and avoiding indoor allergens such as the house dust mite click here.