Dust Mites
Dust mites are tiny creatures that are too small to see without a microscope. There are several varieties of dust mites, but the most common ones to cause allergy symptoms are "DP" and "DF." These letters stand for the much longer species names, but they are often shortened to the two letters.

Dust mites feed on dead skin cells. Their favorite hiding place is the mattress, which usually contains an abundant food supply of dead skin cells. Body moisture attracts them to the mattress as well.

Mite-proof mattress and pillow covers are some of the best steps you can take to put a barrier between yourself and the mites. Other steps include keeping furniture in the bedroom free of knick-knacks and dusted regularly. Avoid fabric upholstery or drapery in the bedroom. Window coverings should be easy to clean. Eliminate carpets or vacuum them weekly with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter. Steam clean carpets regularly.

Mites cannot thrive when the humidity drops below 50%. Dehumidifiers as well as HEPA air purifiers can help eliminate dust mites.

Many people find that the above measures help significantly, but often do not completely control their symptoms. Allergy shots for dust mites have been quite successful in controlling these allergies for many people.

Animals
Animal dander is a common allergen, especially cat dander. Often people are allergic to moisture in the skin and saliva of cats (cat pelt) as well as their dander. Avoidance is the best measure, but this is not always acceptable when the animal is a cherished pet, or when working with the animal is part of the person's job.

The animal should be kept out of the bedroom and bathed once a week or their skin wiped down with water or a special animal wash. Always wash hands after touching the animal.

Cat hair is especially hard to avoid. It is tracked in on shoes if there are stray cats in the neighborhood. If your work-associate or a customer in your office petted their cat before coming to your work place, they probably brought some of the hair to your office. If they brushed against you, some of the animal hair is transferred to your clothing, and you take it home with you.

For those with a severe cat or animal allergy, shots may be the only way to find relief.