To date, scientists have identified more than 50 thousand species of parasitic mites. Every year dozens of new unexplored individuals appear. Some of them are extremely dangerous for human life and he alth. One of the most common species in everyday use is the feather mite.
Description of the parasite, causes of occurrence
Ticks belong to the family of small arachnids. They are divided into two groups: acariform and parasitiform. Acariform mites are closer to phalanx arachnids, while parasitiform mites belong to the class of haymakers.
The feather mite (photo is presented in the article) belongs to the acariform order. The parasite is almost impossible to detect, it has a transparent scaly body, and its dimensions do not exceed 0.5 mm in length. Due to the peculiarities of its structure, it cannot bite a person, however, the protein that it secretes during its life activity can cause an acute allergic reaction.
The main reasons for the appearance of an insect are unsanitary conditions and neglect of personal and bedding. Ticks spread very quickly. It is impossible to completely get rid of them, but their number can be significantly reduced.
Habitat
Pests live and breed on bird feathers, eventually causing them to fall out. In residential buildings, feather mites are most often found in pillows (photo below), upholstered furniture, carpeting and dust accumulation areas. However, down and feather pillows are considered the most favorable habitat for the parasite.
The feather base and human sweat combine to create the optimal temperature and humidity required for insect reproduction. Most people ventilate the room before going to bed, thereby improving the living conditions of the insect, since fresh air is one of the main components of its life support.
Any down or feather product, if improperly cared for, gains weight after a few years due to the accumulation of dust and mites. For every centimeter of a feather pillow, on average, there are up to 200 individuals. As a rule, parasites get onto human skin precisely from down or feather products, while causing clearly noticeable discomfort.
Since it is extremely difficult to completely get rid of the feather mite, down and feather filling of bedding is prohibited in most developed countries. This mainly concerns children's municipal institutions, hospitals, sanatoriums, hotels, barracks and hostels for students.
Modern manufacturers prefer syntheticfillers such as synthetic winterizer and holofiber. It is much easier to care for such products, in addition, the existence of parasites in them is almost impossible. For people who prefer natural materials, bedding with bamboo or coconut fiber, buckwheat, pine needles and even peeled meadow hay is recommended. It is advisable to renew pillows once a year.
Danger to humans
If treatment is not started on time, the feather mite can cause acute allergic reactions or exacerbate existing diseases:
- Asthma. The patient is more likely to have attacks of the disease.
- Allergies are possible with a strong cough, watery eyes and a runny nose. If the allergen is eliminated, the state of he alth improves and the symptoms disappear.
- Urticaria is accompanied by itching, characteristic pink spots appear on the body.
- Atopic dermatitis - manifested by redness and peeling of some areas of the skin, severe itching is possible. The disease requires long-term treatment.
- Swelling of the airways is the most dangerous of the possible reactions, since there is a possibility of death.
Symptoms
Feather mites in the human body cause rashes and reddening of the skin. In most cases, this is acne or small ulcers on the forehead and nasolabial triangle. The affected areas are flaky, there is a feeling of tightened and dry skin, a slight tingling, oily sheen is possible.
Allergy sufferers suffer the most from the pest. To the strongestallergic reactions include:
- redness and rash, in some cases all over the body;
- scratching in places of unbearable itching;
- lacrimation, conjunctivitis.
Other symptoms of demodicosis:
- rash, purulent inflammation, acne;
- earthy complexion;
- enlarged pores;
- itching around the ears;
- increased hair loss;
- compromised immunity;
- increased work of the sebaceous glands;
- itching attacks at night.
Most often you can find a tick on the wings of the noses, around the eyes, on the eyebrows and eyelashes. In the latter case, the eyelashes become thin and fall out. Parasites are extremely rare on the body. In order to prevent complications of the disease, it is important to contact a specialist in time and undergo a course of treatment.
What should not be done if an infection is detected?
A person who has discovered a feather mite infection is strictly forbidden:
- push pimples with your own hands, so you can bring the infection into the deep layers of the skin and blood;
- use decorative cosmetics - tick larvae may remain on it, which will later lead to re-infection;
- use creams as parasite habitat improves and infection spreads all over the face;
- Perform beauty treatments such as scrub, massage, cleansing and masks;
- visit the pool, sauna, solarium;
- wash with hot water.
Also highly recommendedreview your daily diet. Refuse semi-finished products, canned, smoked, spicy and fried foods. Add less s alt and spices to your food. Avoid alcohol during treatment. In reasonable quantities, you can eat chocolate and drink coffee.
Treatment
The feather mite harms the entire body, in order to fully recover, a set of actions is needed. These include the fight against the number and reproduction of individuals, as well as drug treatment of skin diseases.
First of all, you need to contact a specialist to establish a diagnosis and take tests, only in this case the doctor can prescribe an individually suitable therapy.
Usually:
- course intake of vitamins and minerals;
- anti-inflammatory ointments;
- soap that removes mites on the skin;
- In rare cases, a doctor may prescribe antibiotic treatment.
On average, it takes 1.5 to 2 weeks to eliminate the external manifestations of a tick infestation.
Traditional medicine
Many people prefer alternative medicine as a treatment for feather mite bites.
- One of the most effective recipes for parasitic effects is an infusion of calendula. The product is applied to a cotton pad and skin inflammation is treated.
- Aloe juice can be used as a compress: apply to a bandage and apply to the skin.
- In case of severe damage to the skin, castor oil is mixed with Trichopolumand apply a bandage for 8-10 hours daily.
How to get rid of?
When a parasite is found, people ask how to get rid of feather mites.
In specialized stores, you can buy an anti-parasite solution and treat carpets and furniture with it. Chemical insecticides must be diluted with water in strict accordance with the instructions; if possible, it is better to entrust sanitization to professionals.
The most effective remedies include:
- "Cifox" is a powder that has proven itself in the fight against ticks. The drug is diluted with water according to the instructions and the room is treated. After a month, the procedure should be repeated.
- "Sipaz" - the emulsion is designed for disinfection of residential premises, it is absolutely safe for humans. The disinfecting effect lasts up to 1.5 months.
- Herbal sprays are sprayed on bedding, after 3-4 hours adult ticks die.
- Easy air is a botanically based pest control.
- Allergoff is an anti-parasitic spray designed to treat mattresses, carpets and upholstered furniture.
After sanitizing, it is advisable to leave the room for a day. Then carry out a thorough cleaning using chlorinated products. Wash and steam bedding.
What to do with the pillow?
To get rid of mites in feather pillows, it is recommended to carry outcleaning of sleeping accessories once a year. In a specialized salon, it is important to clarify the cleaning method: mechanical, chemical or water. The quality of washing directly affects the number of harmful individuals.
If there is no way to go to a dry cleaner, you can process the pillows yourself. For this you will need:
- Pull out the contents of the pillow and transfer to a fabric bag, do not press. Tie the bag and dip it in soapy water prepared on the basis of laundry soap.
- Leave for 4 hours, while every 30 minutes shake the water and knead feathers or down.
- Rinse under running water.
- Hang in the sun, preferably outside until completely dry. During drying, knead the contents every hour so that all the filler dries out.
Preventive measures
With the help of prevention, an increase in the number of feather mites can be prevented:
- First of all, it is necessary to regularly carry out wet cleaning of the home, wash and iron textiles more often. When washing and cleaning, it is advisable to use products designed to fight insects.
- Replacing feather pillows with hypoallergenic synthetic or natural fillers greatly reduces the number of ticks. Plus, the artificial fill is washable, unlike feather and down fill, which needs to be replaced annually.
- It is possible to exclude the ingress of the parasite on the skin by using additional covers for the mattress and bedsheets. Blankets andpillows need to be beaten out regularly, dried in the sun or taken out in the cold.
- If there are pets in the house, they need to provide a separate sleeping place. Bathe and comb your pet more often, as dirt and dead skin particles feed the parasite. In addition, animal hair left on furniture is a breeding ground for mites.
The main rule to remember: the less dust and dirt in the house, the less likely the appearance and reproduction of harmful parasites.
