Many of us face hair and skin problems such as acne, hair thinning, rosacea, and dermatitis, but most of us don’t know about Demodex mites and their key role in making these problems. Demodex mites are eight-legged,spider-like parasites that can reside in human hair follicles and sebaceous glands. They can crawl, eat, and reproduce in large density and make our skin and hair problems worse than before. After birth, parents can transmit them to the newborn through close physical contact. Because Demodex mites are sensitive to sunlight, they usually spend days under the skin and move on the surface at night. There are two species of these tiny creatures which live in our body, Demodex Brevis and Demodex Folliculorum. We will discuss Demodex Brevis symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, lifecycle, useful tips, treatments and how PROCUTiN of OZiDEX can improve your skin against both of the Demodex mites species.
D. Folliculorum vs. D. Brevis
Both species are found primarily on the eyebrows and eyelashes or near the nose. D. Folliculorum lives in the follicles and is able to increase the number of skin cells, but D. brevis prefers to live in the oil glands and feeds on sebum in the oil gland cells. The numbers of D. brevis increase naturally, which may be why they are present in higher density in an adult than in a child. D. brevis, in comparison with its counterpart, is slightly shorter and has only 0.15 to 0.2 mm long. The symptoms of both types of mites are similar to each other. The key difference is location. While D. Folliculorum tends to stay on the face, D. Brevis has a wider distribution on the body. Also, D. folliculorum has a seven-clawed organ, while D. brevis with their five claws, is classified as “less offensive.”
Symptoms of Demodex Brevis
Neck and chest are common areas of D. brevis infestation. The main symptoms which a large population of D.brevis can cause are such as:
- A burning sensation in the skin
- Redness of the skin
- Scaly skin
- Rough texture to the skin, like sandpaper
- Patchy skin
Although D.brevis is classified as the less effective species in the Demodex mites category, but large number of Demodex Brevis on the skin, can result in different symptoms such as demodicosis.
Also, examinations on some patients show that D. brevis make skin conditions such as dermatitis(eczema) and rosacea worse than before.
Risk Factors of Demodex Brevis
While it may be unpleasant to imagine mites living in the skin and hair follicles, they are not usually harmful and do not cause symptoms in most people. Those with a lower immune system like whom they have HIV or different kinds of cancer and those with a potential genetic predisposition may be more predisposed to higher levels of D. Brevis and a resulting rash. Also, D.brevis is most common in people with age between twenty to thirty years old. Because during this period, sebum levels are at their highest level. Additionally, Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis seem to be more common in men than in women, although the real reason is still undiscovered.
Demodex Brevis Diagnosis
It is not required for a person to get tested for Demodex mites unless they experience complications or symptoms. A doctor may diagnose it by taking a small skin sample and checking it under a microscope. Also, your doctor will ask about symptoms and look for other signs, such as scaly skin. So it will be diagnosed if there is a high level of mites in the follicles in addition to skin symptoms or use OZiDEX Demodex Online test. This online test is reliable, and results are based on clinical research and able to estimate the density of Demodex mites.
Demodex Brevis Lifecycle
The typical Demodex life cycle is the same for both species and usually takes 2 to 3 weeks. A female Demodex mite lays about 15 to 20 eggs inside the hair follicle near the sebaceous glands, which is called sweat glands. The eggs evolve into six-legged larvae, the larvae hatch after three or four days, and the larvae become adults in about seven days. It has a fourteen day life cycle totally. The entire lifespan of a Demodex mite is several weeks, and the dead mites decompose inside the hair follicles or sebaceous glands. The adult male Demodex mite will leave the follicle searching for a mate, while the adult female mite remains in the follicle. The mites are capable of walking approximately ten mm. They have no organ to excrete waste. Therefore, when they die, their body disintegrates, and the waste is released.
Helpful Tips Against Demodex Brevis
There may be some habits you can adopt to reduce the number of D. brevis mites on the skin or decrease the risk of complications. Personal care suggestions include:
- Bathe daily to lessen the oil secretions that feed the mites.
- Wash the eyelashes and hair with a mild shampoo.
- Avoid oily cleansers, sunscreens and lotions.
- Use a non-soap gentle cleanser on the face twice every day.
Demodex Brevis Treatment
The medications for Demodex brevis or the mite eggs can be applied to the skin or taken orally. These medications are used as off-label for this condition and include:
- Crotamiton.
- Topical metronidazole.
- Permethrin.
- Selenium sulphide.
- Benzyl benzoate.
- Salicylic acid.
- Sulphur based medications.
- Oral or topical ivermectin.
How PROCUTiN Helps You to Improve Against Demodex Brevis?
OZiDEX is one of the pioneers in helping with Demodex Mites treatment. We have a specialised product PROCUTiN, with a unique formula to assist you against Demodex mites by controlling sebum and making the body unsuitable and unpleasant for these uninvited guests.
