Can't stop this itching

I moved into a new place in March which had some carpet as opposed to the hardwood I was used to.  A couple of months ago my partner and I noticed that we began to itch whenever we  were at my house.  I do have dogs, but just last night I noticed that I wasn't itching until I sat down on the couch.  I covered the couch with a clean sheet, but it didn't help, anyplace I was in contact with the couch started to itch.  My arms and butt are red blotchy and still itching.  If I take a Claritin it helps.  I checked into dust mites, but it doesn't appear that itching is a symptom.  Anybody have any ideas.   It is driving us crazy!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

From your symptoms, it seems that you are allergic to dust mites. These are microscopic organisms, which are related to spiders, live in many homes. Too small to see with the naked eye, dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments — eating dead skin cells and nesting in dust-collecting bedding, fabric, carpet and furnishings.

Diagnosed by skin ***** or patch tests. In these tests, a small amount of allergen (dust mites)is injected into your skin by a doctor. If you are allergic to dust mites then you will develop a red, itchy bump on the site if injection. Confirmatory test is by blood tests (RAST).

Treatment includes avoidance of allergen. To reduce dust mites in your home, remove drapes, feather pillows, upholstered furniture, non-washable comforters and soft toys. Replace carpets with linoleum or wood. Vacuum soft furniture and curtains as well as floor Wash carpets and upholstery with special cleaners, such as benzyl benzoate or tannic acid spray. Wash all bedding in hot water (hotter than 130°F) every 7 to 10 days. Don't use mattress pads. Cover mattress and pillows with plastic covers. Lower the humidity in your home.

You can use antihistaminics like benadryl,zyrtec, mild corticosteroid cream like dermacort and corticosteroids. In severe cases, Immunotherapy is advised.
Pls consult an immunologist for confirming the diagnosis and starting the treatment.

Take care and God bless.