Fight the Mite (That Can Hide in Textiles)

BOENNIGHEIM, Germany — Two separate scientific studies, one from Germany and one from England, show that preventing the skin from coming into contact with dust mite excrement, including via textiles, is an important way of counteracting neurodermatitis, writes the Hohenstein Institute, an accredited test laboratory and research institute for the testing and certification of textiles.

(Defined by mayoclinic.org: “Neurodermatitis — also known as lichen simplex chronicus — is not life-threatening or contagious. But the itching can be so intense or recurrent that it disrupts your sleep, sexual function and quality of life.”)

“These are two very important studies,” said Prof. Dirk Höfer, of the William Küster Institute at the Hohenstein Institute, who is researching which kinds of clothing can help people with neurodermatitis or sensitive skin.

“Because they show a link for the first time — that one and the same allergen can irritate both the respiratory tracts and the skin,” says Höfer. “They also show that suitable textiles could alleviate the symptoms of neurodermatitis.”

Textiles tested for compliance with the standard NF G39-011 can be awarded the “Effective against dust mites” label. So this also identifies clothing that is beneficial for neurodermatitis sufferers, the Institute writes.

Hohenstein says its labels and certificates can be used by textile manufacturers in their marketing.

To support this, the Hohenstein Institute offers two accredited tests.

First, the “allergen-resistance of textiles” can be assessed, because bedding, for example, that effectively keeps the dust mite excrement at bay can be awarded the “House dust and dust mite barrier” label.

Second, the “anti-dust mite effectiveness” test shows whether an item that has been treated actually inhibits the growth of house dust mites or even destroys them.

In the future, writes the Hohenstein Institute, patients suffering from neurodermatitis (itchy skin) may also be pleased to find goods that are labeled: “It has been discovered that dust mites can also trigger neurodermatitis.”

Mighty Mite! A quote from the Hohenstein Institute regarding this dust mite magnified and photographed: “Dust mites feed on flakes of skin and moisture. In addition to mattresses and bedding, they therefore like to infest clothing and domestic textiles such as upholstered furniture and carpets. If these products are beneficial to neurodermatitis sufferers, they need to be labeled: Effective against dust mites.” (Photo: Hohenstein Institute)

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