01 November 11 - Winter heralds new high for allergies in the home

According to Allergy UK, more people than ever are suffering from allergies to their homes, from dust mites to chemical cleaning products.

Statistics from the NHS show that around 12 million people – around 20% of the UK population – receive treatment for indoor allergies, with half of those going on to receive specialist support.

Dust mite allergies

The most common allergy trigger is dust mites, which can be found throughout homes but are known to thrive in mattresses and pillows in particular. This could explain the finding that 59% of indoor allergy sufferers reported that their symptoms are most pronounced in the bedroom.

During winter, the central heating is put on and this provides the warmth for them to do even better in UK homes.

A spokesperson for Allergy UK highlighted how quickly dust mite allergies are taking hold of the population, saying, “In February 2010, house dust mites were a trigger of an allergic reaction for 45 per cent of allergy sufferers. Fast forward 18 months and that figure has risen to 58 per cent.”

The charity offered the following tips for keeping dust mites out the home:

• Dust with a damp cloth to pick up dust before polishing
• Wash bedding every week at over 60 degrees
• Steam clean carpets and curtains
• Replace mattresses at least once every ten years
• Replace pillows annually
• Use an air purifier

Other indoor allergies

However, it is not just dust mites that cause allergies in the home. 31% of those surveyed by Allergy UK identified mould as their trigger, whilst 45% had a pet allergy and 30% suffered reactions to chemical cleaning products.

What isn’t covered by this research is the percentage of people in the UK who suffer allergies from skin and body care products. Thousands of people react to ingredients used in products ranging from shower gel and shampoo to face creams, with reactions including contact dermatitis and atopic eczema.

All of Green People’s natural skin care products are made with gentle ingredients and are designed not to irritate skin. With a specialist sensitive skin care range, along with products specifically suitable for those with eczema, Green People is a fantastic choice for those who suffer from allergies.