Dust mite information site for people with asthma, rhinitis or eczema.

Dust mites and human skin – pathways of sensitization explored

Scientists exposed human skin equivalent (HSE) to various molecules and allergens from three different species of common dust mites in order to identify alarm signaling within the epidermis and dermis and to discover pathways towards sensitization or inflammation. They began by acknowledging that enzymes from dust mites can damage skin.

Skin is a shield against heat, light, chemicals, mechanical injury, and infection agents. It regulates body temperature, reduces water loss and stores water, fat and vitamin D. Skin is a complex organ that multi-tasks not only as a shield and regulator, but also can react to insult by signaling the immune system through a network of cells designed for specific tasks. To isolate each cell’s response to an ‘event’ would be of interest, but to view the whole orchestrated response to the same event would offer a truer picture of the inner working of skin and its amazing network of alarms, repair and ability to call upon the immune system to remember an insult. In this clinical study the insult dust mite products place upon human skin equivalent (HSE) is investigated.

It is beyond the scope of this article to report complex findings, however a quote from the authors will ‘hint’ at their conclusion; “Molecules from house dust mites are capable of inducing the release of multiple proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines from epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. Avoiding skin contact with house dust mites would reduce the possibility of mite-induced inflammation in the skin. Therefore, measures to reduce contact with mite molecules such as frequent vacuuming of upholstered furniture and carpets and laundering of clothing and bedding to remove mite molecules and allergens could reduce skin contact with mite molecules and diminish exacerbation of skin inflammation in patients with atopic dermatitis and other skin diseases”.

The authors also noted a ‘gold standard’ clinical trial that demonstrated how effective house dust mite avoidance measures could greatly reduce the activity of atopic dermatitis.

Similar pages

1. 2011 – House dust mites and human skin – sensitization explored
2. 2010 – Why dust mites and hookworms can be considered equal by human immune system
3. 2000 – Medical confirmation that sensitization to house dust mites in childhood is dose-dependent, and in children with mite-related asthma further exposure can make their asthma worse
4. Mites – domestic, storage, and house dust mites. What’s the difference?
5. Skin prick testing for allergies

‘Immunomodulation of Skin Cytokine Secretion by House Dust Mite Extracts’, Arlian LG, Morgan MS, 'Int. Arch Allergy Immunol'. 2011; 156:171-178

Double-blind controlled trial of effect of housedust-mite allergen avoidance on atopic dermatitis, Tan BB, Weald D, Strickland I, Friedmann PS. 'Lancet', 1996; 347:p15-18