Epidermals

The appearance of an animal can trigger many emotions in people, ranging from joy to fear.  To an allergic patient, a “cute” cat, dog, bird, rabbit, guinea pig or hamster can provoke reactions ranging from eye and nose inflammation to asthma.

Cats head the list as the most allergenic of the animal species.  At present, a non-allergic breed does not exist.  Cat allergen is quite cosmopolitan and has been found where felines have never visited.  The allergen is carried on clothing and has been identified in school, offices, etc.

Dog “people” can understand an allergy to cats, but to dogs…never.  No one could be allergic to “man’s best friend.”  WRONG!  The American kennel club may have guidance on which canines may be less allergic than others.

The guinea pig has moved from being only a laboratory animal to the classification of pet.

Hamster allergens seem to be strong sensitizers.  These animals have also increased in popularity as pets as have rabbits and ferrets.

Respiratory problems have been reported in people keeping birds.  Feathers, serum proteins and droppings are sources of exposure.

 Horse is a source (of course, of course) of very potent allergen.  Indirect contact with a horse may provoke symptoms in an atopic individual.

 Goose, duck and chicken feathers are used in bedding and outer "winter wear".  They may be comfortable and warm but a potential problem for the allergic person. 

 Mites

The “mighty” mite is the major allergenic component in the house dust.  The microscopic arachnid has a live cycle of about 3 months.  Female mites, lay up to 50 eggs produce a new generation about every three weeks.  Whether living or dead, the mite and its waste products are potent allergens.

The mite population thrives in low damp areas with high humidity.  Mites do not suffer from a lack of food since their diet consists of skin scales from humans and animals.

Dust mites (D. farnae and D. Pteronyssinus) live in mattresses, bedding, carpeting, upholstered furniture, curtains, wall hands and stuffed animals.  It is easy to see why they are found in abundant numbers in bedrooms.

Frequent launderings of sheets, pillow cases, blankets, comforters, and mattress pad help to control mite exposure.  Bedrooms should not be carpeted but if this not, acaracides or 1-3% solutions of tannic acid should be applied.  MRT Labs has found companies such as Allergy Control Products Inc.  (1-800)422-38878 to be a good source of these products and additional information on allergy control barriers and filtration appliances.