As embarrassing as it sounds, I didn’t know you had to change your bedding weekly until I moved out. My lifelong rashes on my chest started to go away after discovering that.
I was so, so itchy growing up and sneezing constantly. I don’t think we changed the sheets nearly enough, nor did I find out about things like allergy covers, eucalyptus spray (anti-dust mites) for bedding and air purifiers until I was living on my own.
I knew I always had eczema and histamine intolerance due to a variety of environmental and nutritional factors. I never put together that dust mites could also be making my reactions to dietary intolerances (namely brain fog) more aggressive. The leakier your gut is, the more allergens and irritants can pass into the bloodstream and overwhelm your immune system.
Added to my file of ADHD is also a histamine issue: environmental edition
Is your house giving you leaky gut?
A 2016 study found that house dust mite allergens can reach the gastrointestinal tract and may contribute to intestinal barrier dysfunction.
"In colonic biopsies from healthy patients, HDM [house dust mites] increased epithelial permeability (p<0.001), reduced expression of tight-junction proteins and mucus barrier. [...] Results were confirmed in vivo in mice. In patients with IBS, HDM further deteriorated gut barrier function, induced TNF-α but failed to induce IL-10 secretion (p<0.001)."
To minimize exposure, wash your bedding weekly, minimize clutter, wipe down surfaces, vacuum frequently (incl. vacuuming the upholstery), and keep indoor humidity low.
Dust mites tend to concentrate in bedding, upholstered furniture, curtains and drapes, carpets, and plush toys.