Infected from Dog Hair - Have You Experienced This?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential allergic reactions or skin irritations caused by exposure to dog hair and vacuum dust. Participants explore various factors that could contribute to these reactions, including dust mites and their droppings, as well as general cleanliness and maintenance of bedding and pillows.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes experiencing skin irritation after cleaning a vacuum filled with dog hair, questioning the cause despite not being allergic to dogs.
  • Another participant suggests that the irritation could be due to an allergy to dog dander.
  • Several participants note that vacuum dust can contain various allergens, including dust mites that feed on dog dander.
  • There are claims about the significant presence of dust mites in old pillows, with one participant citing studies indicating that old pillows can be composed of a high percentage of dust mites by weight.
  • Participants discuss the importance of using mattress covers and washing them regularly to reduce dust mite populations.
  • Concerns are raised about the quality and comfort of waterproof pillow covers, with some participants expressing dissatisfaction with their heat retention.
  • One participant humorously suggests a market for pillows filled with dust mite droppings, reflecting on the absurdity of the situation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that vacuum dust can contain allergens and that dust mites are a concern, but there is no consensus on the specific cause of the initial skin irritation described. Multiple competing views about the effectiveness of various bedding maintenance strategies are present.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the exact causes of allergic reactions and the effectiveness of different methods for reducing allergens in bedding. There is also a lack of consensus on the best types of pillow covers and their comfort levels.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals experiencing skin irritations related to pet hair, those interested in allergy management, and anyone concerned about dust mites in their bedding may find this discussion relevant.

junglebeast
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I just cleaned out the vacuum cleaner which was filled with dog hair. It reeked of dog when I opened it up. A few seconds later I felt itchy in several places..I figured it was just fine dust particles that were irritating my skin. Then I went into the bathroom and saw that my skin had reacted to it more like it was poison ivy or something. As far as I know I'm not allergic to dogs...never sneeze around them, and my roommate (who is a vet) says his dog has never had flees. Any ideas what might cause this? I'm not asking for a diagnosis, just wondering if anyone has experienced this sort of thing before.
 
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It sounds like you're allergic to dog dander.

- Warren
 
There are all sort of things in vacuum dust.
 
Ivan Seeking said:
There are all sort of things in vacuum dust.
Including dust mites feeding on the dog dander. Lots of people are allergic to dust mites (or perhaps their droppings).
 
turbo-1 said:
Including dust mites feeding on the dog dander. Lots of people are allergic to dust mites (or perhaps their droppings).

Some of the numbers related to pillows and bedding is sickening. There was one study that showed that really old pillows can be as much as 50% dust mite, by weight.
 
Ivan Seeking said:
Some of the numbers related to pillows and bedding is sickening. There was one study that showed that really old pillows can be as much as 50% dust mite, by weight.

I had heard 30%...which is equally sickening. But I just bought all new pillows and comforter and bed so that's out of my head!
 
Ivan Seeking said:
Some of the numbers related to pillows and bedding is sickening. There was one study that showed that really old pillows can be as much as 50% dust mite, by weight.

and dust mite poop.


One of the mattress stores out here has been exploiting that data in their commercials. There was one that said a mattress would more than double in weight in 7 years because of dust mites.
 
I imagine the weight would also increase due to sweat and other foreign matter secreted from skin pores..
 
Every matteress should have a matteress cover (preferably waterproof...no, it doesn't have to be like a vinyl cover, they make very nice, soft waterproof ones). And wash the covers as often as you wash the sheets, with hot water. I buy a new one every year or so.

New pillows every year, too...although I've not been happy with the waterproof pillow covers I've found. They're stiff and get too hot.

These steps cut down on the mite population sharing your sleeping quarters.
 
  • #10
Math Is Hard said:
and dust mite poop.

You are correct. That is what I should have said.
 
  • #11
lisab said:
Every matteress should have a matteress cover (preferably waterproof...no, it doesn't have to be like a vinyl cover, they make very nice, soft waterproof ones). And wash the covers as often as you wash the sheets, with hot water. I buy a new one every year or so.

New pillows every year, too...although I've not been happy with the waterproof pillow covers I've found. They're stiff and get too hot.

These steps cut down on the mite population sharing your sleeping quarters.

I think I need more dust mites to fill out my pillows. I have feather pillows (I have the fiber fill ones for guests with allergies, but I can't sleep on those hard pillows) and they all seem to lose their filling over time. There's no way I'm replacing feather pillows every year, they're too expensive, but they sure do seem to shrink a lot in a very short amount of time.
 
  • #12
Moonbear said:
I think I need more dust mites to fill out my pillows. I have feather pillows (I have the fiber fill ones for guests with allergies, but I can't sleep on those hard pillows) and they all seem to lose their filling over time. There's no way I'm replacing feather pillows every year, they're too expensive, but they sure do seem to shrink a lot in a very short amount of time.

:smile: Hmm...there may be a limited, but lucrative, market in dust-mite-poop pillows, haha.

I know I'm lucky, I have a (urm, well-to-do) family member who buys pillows for everyone for Christmas. Everyone loves it, and it simplifies her shopping.
 

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