Tiny insects that are related to spiders and ticks and can cause allergic reactions in sensitized people who inhale their microscopic body parts or fecal matter. Dust mites, which live on fabrics such as mattress bedding, upholstered furniture, stuffed animals, and carpeting that collect dust, may produce mild symptoms of allergic rhinitis or bring on bronchial asthma attacks. The allergen produced by dust mites may be linked to skin disorders in infants, children, and adolescents. Dust mite allergies can be associated with persistent skin lesions.
A type of mite, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinum or D. farinae, that ingests shed human skin cells. The mite is a common cause of allergic reactions.