If your eczema always seems worse after a night in bed, or flares when the duvet gets changed or the house gets cleaned, it's natural to wonder whether your bedroom is part of the problem. Dust mites are one of the most common suspects, and they're also one of the most confusing, because the advice online ranges from "wash everything at 60 degrees" to "it makes no difference at all". Here's what UK experts actually say about dust mites and eczema, what's worth trying, and how much to expect from it.
What Dust Mites Are and Why Your Bedroom Is Their Home
House dust mites are around a quarter of a millimetre long, so you can't see them. According to Allergy UK, they don't live on people. They live close to us and feed on the dead skin cells we shed, which is why mattresses and bedding have the most mites, while carpets, curtains, soft furnishings, clothes and soft toys can also be home to them. Eczema UK explains that it isn't the mites themselves that cause problems for people with atopic eczema, but the protein in their droppings, and Allergy UK says each mite produces around 20 droppings a day, which keep causing symptoms even after the mite has died.
Can Dust Mites Make Eczema Worse?
For some people, yes. Eczema UK says dust mite droppings are unlikely to be the main cause of eczema, but eczema can get worse if you are allergic to them, and Allergy UK notes that house dust mite allergy is associated with triggering or worsening eczema, asthma and a blocked or runny nose that lasts all year. Allergy UK lists some clues that dust mites may be involved: symptoms that carry on all year round, that get worse after sleeping in a heavily affected bed, after changing the bedding, or during housework, alongside sneezing, a runny or itchy nose, or itchy, watery eyes. If your eczema flares at night, you may also like our guide on why skin itches more at night, as the two can overlap.
How Much Can Cleaning Really Help?
Here's the honest part. Eczema UK points to research showing that even with regular, thorough cleaning you can't reduce the number of house dust mites in a home to a level that would have a significant clinical benefit. It also says that some people with eczema feel that reducing household dust helps them, and that managing triggers like this is not a substitute for eczema treatments. In other words, dust mite control is a small lever and not a cure-all, and it's worth doing only as much as feels manageable alongside the treatment plan your GP has given you.
Dust Mite Measures at a Glance
| Measure | What the guidance says | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Hot-washing bedding | Wash bedding weekly at 60°C or above, as lower temperatures only wash allergen away temporarily | Check care labels first; a hot tumble dry also helps, says Eczema UK |
| Mattress, pillow and duvet covers | Allergy UK recommends allergen-proof barrier covers; Eczema UK says to consider them only if eczema is severe | They must fully encase the item, be breathable and carry a British standard mark, and they can be costly |
| Vacuuming | Vacuum carpets and soft furnishings regularly, paying attention to seams | Use a vacuum with an allergy-grade filter such as HEPA |
| Damp dusting | Damp dust or mop hard surfaces weekly | Eczema UK prefers it to dry dusting, which moves dust around |
| Flooring and curtains | Remove bedroom carpet if possible; use washable cotton curtains or roller blinds | A bigger job, mainly worth considering if eczema is severe |
| Soft toys | Keep them out of beds; wash at 60°C or freeze in a sealed bag | Freezing guidance varies from 12 to 24 hours between sources |
Simple Bedroom Habits Worth Trying
- Wash sheets and bed linen weekly at 60°C or above if the fabric allows it
- Choose 100% cotton covers and low-tog duvets; Eczema UK notes that synthetic pillows and duvets are easier to wash and less likely to harbour mites than feather-filled ones
- Damp dust hard surfaces and vacuum soft furnishings with an allergy-grade filter, ideally while the person with eczema is out of the room
- Air bedrooms daily
- Keep soft toys and ornaments out of the bed, and store toys in closed cupboards
- Wash cushion covers and curtains at 60°C or above, or swap heavy curtains for washable ones or roller blinds
- Keep up your moisturising routine and any treatment your GP has prescribed, because that does far more for eczema than any cleaning routine
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if dust mites are triggering my eczema?
Clues include symptoms that last all year, flares after sleeping in a heavily affected bed, after changing bedding or during housework, and extra symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose or itchy eyes. These are only clues, so if you suspect an allergy it is worth speaking to your GP.
Do I really need to wash bedding at 60 degrees?
Allergy UK says washing at 60°C or above will kill mites, while lower temperatures only wash the allergen away temporarily because the mites survive. Eczema UK adds that a hot tumble dry helps. Always check the care label first, as not every fabric can take that heat.
Are mattress and pillow covers worth buying?
Eczema UK suggests considering them only if eczema is severe, as they are costly and only work alongside regular vacuuming, damp dusting and airing. If you buy them, they should fully encase the mattress or pillow, carry a British standard mark and be breathable.
Is damp dusting better than dry dusting?
Yes, according to Eczema UK, which recommends damp dusting or mopping hard surfaces because dry dusting simply moves dust around. If possible, the person with eczema should stay out of the room while cleaning is done.
Should soft toys be kept out of a child's bed?
Eczema UK advises keeping soft toys out of cots and beds, and washing washable ones at 60°C or above. For toys that can't be washed that hot, freezing them in a sealed bag is a commonly suggested alternative, with sources recommending anywhere from 12 to 24 hours.
Can I get rid of dust mites completely?
No. Eczema UK cites research showing that even regular, thorough cleaning cannot reduce dust mites to a level with significant clinical benefit, and Allergy UK says dust mite allergen is found in every room. The realistic goal is to cut down exposure where it is easy to do so, not to remove it altogether.
The Bottom Line
Dust mites can make eczema worse for some people, but they are rarely the main cause, and no amount of cleaning will remove them entirely. A weekly hot wash of bedding, damp dusting and a regular vacuum with a good filter are easy habits worth keeping. If your eczema is severe or you suspect an allergy, talk to your GP before spending money on covers or a full bedroom overhaul, and keep your moisturising routine and prescribed treatment at the centre of things.
Sources
- Eczema UK, "Household irritants and eczema"
- Allergy UK, "House dust mite allergy"
- Allergy UK, "House dust mites" factsheet
- NHS, "Atopic eczema"
- NHS, "Allergies"
Ashleigh is not a medical professional and this article is not medical advice. It reflects personal and customer experience alongside published NHS and dermatology guidance. Ashleigh's Organics Body Butter is a cosmetic product, not a medicine, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent eczema, dust mite allergy or any other medical condition. If you have eczema or an allergy, please follow the treatment plan given by your GP, dermatologist or health visitor.