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Field Guide to Venomous and Medically Important Invertebrates ...

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Reactions from the bites of these various mites can be either localized or widespread depending<br />

on the number of bites inflicted. The resulting reactions are produced through a combination of<br />

allergic sensitization <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong>xins secreted by the mites during feeding. Skin lesions generally<br />

appear as a reddish papule with a central hemorrhagic area around the puncture wound, or<br />

occasionally a fluid-filled vesicle occurs. Often these lesions itch intensely, <strong>and</strong> become crusted<br />

<strong>and</strong> secondarily infected. Treatment typically includes use of <strong>to</strong>pical corticosteroid <strong>and</strong> anti-<br />

pruritic (itching) ointments.<br />

Dust Mites<br />

There are two common dust mites of concern <strong>to</strong> human health, the American house dust mite<br />

(Derma<strong>to</strong>phagoides farinae) <strong>and</strong> the European house dust mite (D. pteronyssinus). Both mites<br />

are likely distributed worldwide. Due <strong>to</strong> their microscopic size (

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