An allergy is an immune response to something in the environment. Many allergies cause nasal symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing and coughing, and even skin symptoms like eczema. According to BabyCenter, dust mites are a common cause of nasal allergies in toddlers, affecting approximately 85 percent of children who have allergies. Wool rugs release particles that might aggravate allergies so you should avoid them, or at least clean them frequently. In addition, your toddler can be allergic to wool itself.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are small bugs that usually live in house dust. Dust mites eat human-shed skin cells and absorb water from humidity so they thrive in warm, moist air. Dust mites are often trapped in bed linens, carpeting, floor rugs and furniture accessories like cushions, so they are often in the bedroom. According to the Mayo Clinic, an allergy to the decaying debris of a dust mite often includes itchy eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, a runny nose, coughing and possibly wheezing. Consult a doctor if allergy symptoms persist and seem to interfere with your toddler's quality of life.
Wool Rugs
There is no rug that is completely allergy-free, according to the Carpet and Rug Institute. Though wool rugs tend to be a drier environment and not an ideal living condition for dust mites, they can also trap bugs that come near. They can also trap other allergens like pet dander. According to the University of Nebraska's UNL Extension in Lancaster County, you should avoid wool rugs in a bedroom because they shed particles that other insects might eat. These potentially dust- and dander-filled particles travel to different locations and might attract insects to your toddler's room.
Considerations
If you have a wool rug in your toddler's room, vacuum it twice weekly, according to the Carpet and Rug Institute. In addition, vacuum any particles that come off the rug, as these particles can travel.
Wool Allergy
Some toddlers are allergic to wool. Symptoms of a wool allergy are redness, swelling and a rash on the face, hands and arms. Wool particles might come off a rug and land on your toddler's skin. In addition, airborne particles that enter the respiratory system can cause nasal congestion and a runny nose. To help your child avoid these allergies, avoid any product containing wool.
