If you are tired of challenging Demodex on your skin and its consequent annoying symptoms, this article is precisely what you are looking for. Diagnosis and treatment of Demodex mites are a bit confusing, but it is not impossible.
If you look for Demodex remedies online, you may get confused. Numerous answers to a single question! Which of them should you really follow? The situation is even more complicated for those who are not definitively diagnosed with Demodex infection. They are confused about how and what to do to get rid of their annoying symptoms. This is where we come in. We help you with everything you need to know concerning Demodex mites treatment.
But first, let’s refresh what we know about Demodex mites.
Meet Your Mites
Among approximately 100 known Demodex mites, two of them inhabit the human skin: Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis. D.folliculorum is less than half a millimetre long and resides in hair follicles, while Demodex Brevis is shorter and thicker and tends to reside in the meibomian and sebaceous glands. They bury themselves face down near the hair follicles and underneath. Demodex mites attach themselves to cells with their claws, called papules, and suck their contents. They also feed on dead skin, vitamins, minerals, and hormones.
Under normal circumstances, they seem to be part of the body’s natural flora and not harmful. However, if they reproduce overly, they may cause various problems.
When Do the Demodex Mites Increase?
There are various reasons why the mites may multiply., Top on the list is the development of primary or secondary immunodepression. The body’s natural defence is the primary system that controls Demodex mites as well as other microorganisms that reside in the human body. The immune system acts as a security force and prevents microorganisms from causing trouble. When the system fails to defend the body, bacteria, fungi, and Demodex mites seize the opportunity and start to over-populate.
There are two kinds of immune suppression – primary and secondary. The first one is based on a hereditary defect. The second is due to diseases that compromise the body’s immune system, such as HIV or corticosteroid and cytostatic therapy.
There may, however, be other factors in addition to a weak immune system, such as infection, various skin issues, and genetic predisposing that expose people to Demodex mites infestation.
What are the Symptoms of a Demodex Outbreak?
Symptoms of Demodex mite infection are general and, most of the time, associated with a wide range of Dermatological issues. These shared symptoms make Demodex infection challenging to diagnose. The sudden roughing of the skin is a common symptom. In addition, itchy skin, inflammation, redness, scaling, eczema, and increased skin sensitivity are other signs of Demodex mites outbreaks.
The Demodex mite may manifest itself in the form of rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, acne, and eye problems such as blepharitis. In this way, the Demodex signs are the same as the symptoms of the medical condition, which are as follows:
Ocular Symptoms:
- Irritation along the lid margin
- Dry eye symptoms
- Cylindrical dandruff along the lash line
- Burning sensation
- Itchy eyes
- Blurred vision
- Wet eyes
- Oily eyelids
- Swelling and redness of the eyelids
- Sensitivity to light
- Changes in vision
Symptoms in Rosacea:
- Red and oily skin, especially in the middle of the face
- Rhinophyma (excess connective tissue on the nose)
- Facial burning
- Stinging and itching
- Edema in the face
- Gnathophyma (excess connective tissue on the chin)
- Flushing
Seborrheic Dermatitis:
- Dandruff
- Grey patches on the skin
- White or yellow scales or crust
- Red itchy skin
Are You Infected?
As the Demodex mites are not visible to naked eyes, you should see a doctor for getting a definitive diagnosis. He/she may use Standardized skin surface biopsy (SSSB) or direct microscopic examination (DME) to investigate their existence.
Your doctor will apply a short piece of adhesive tape to your skin and then gently peel it off. The stratum corneum, which is the outermost layer of the epidermis, is removed with the tape. The specialist then looks at it under a microscope. If the number of Demodex trapped on it is more than 5 per square centimetre, your infection is considerable, and you should control the mites to alleviate your skin problems.
Although the microscopic method is helpful, it has a high error rate. Demodex may hide beneath the skin and not get caught in the tape layer. In such cases, you will get false-negative test results.
Another way to diagnose Demodex mites is to participate in an online test. Demodex Mites online diagnostic test is based on symptoms and is completely valid and accurate. You can take this helpful test and get a reliable estimate of your Demodex mite population.
IfI the test results show a large number of Demodex mites, they are probably responsible for exacerbating or causing the skin problem you are currently struggling with.
How to Treat Demodex Mites
Some Demodex treatments are home remedies. A specialist doctor may prescribe medicines. Most home remedies are good for controlling Demodex and preventing over-population instead of killing them.
Prescribed Treatments
Treatments for Demodex Blepharitis
Antibiotic Steroid Ointment
Steroids reduce the inflammation caused by Demodex. Antibiotics kill the harmful bacteria that live inside the Demodex gut, including Bacillus oleronius and Staphylococcus aureus, both of which are associated with blepharitis. These ointments also trap the Demodex mites and prevent them from moving, mating, and reproducing. However, they do not kill the Demodex.
Hypochlorous Acid
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is an antimicrobial agent naturally released when white blood cells combat pathogens. It has been used for more than a hundred years to disinfect and treat the soldiers wounded in the war. A pure, stable form of HOCl was manufactured recently, which is proven as a potent antimicrobial agent. Studies show that it can kill Demodex nymphs, as well as common blepharitis bacteria such as Bacillus oleronius and Staphylococcus aureus. It also neutralizes harmful substances secreted by mites and bacteria to reduce inflammation. HOCl is entirely natural; thus, it’s not accompanied by harmful reactions and side effects.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a Demodex home remedy many doctors prescribe for all Demodex-related complications, including Demodex blepharitis.
This essential oil has long been used to kill Demodex mites. However, the problem is that the pure undulated form stimulates the eyes and other parts of the skin. For this reason, pharmacies provide tea tree oil as 5% and 50% solutions. However, since the Demodex mite treatment should continue for at least three to four months, developing bothersome, irritating side effects is inevitable.
In Demodex blepharitis, doctors usually use local anesthetics before using this oil to reduce the irritation.
Treatments for Demodex Rosacea
Topical Crotamiton Cream
Crotamiton releases counter-irritation compounds to reduce itching caused by Demodex mites. It has a cooling effect that makes you feel calm and distracted from the itching sensation. Furthermore, it kills scabies with an unknown mechanism. However, it does not seem to target Demodex mites.
Topical and Oral Metronidazole
Although some studies suggest that mites will survive high concentrations of metronidazole, it is still a standard treatment for Demodex infections, including rosacea. Metronidazole is usually combined with azelaic acid and oral doxycycline to control redness symptoms. The drug penetrates the Demodex body and inhibits protein production, ultimately killing the organism.
Sea Buckthorn Oil (Hippophae rhamnoides) and Products Containing It
Sea buckthorn oil directly targets Demodex mites and reduces subcutaneous inflammation in the case of rosacea. Inflammation is one of the mechanisms that lead to the complex symptoms of face redness; thus, the signs diminish as the inflammation subsides.
Some active compounds such as astragalus membranaceus and spirodela polyrhiza and some beneficial yeasts have shown a synergic effect to increase the activity of seabuckthorn oil.
Permethrin Cream
Permethrin paralyzes mites and eventually kills them. It does this by changing the density of vital substances on both sides of the mite cell membrane.
Benzyl Benzoate
This drug acts on the parasite’s nervous system via an unknown mechanism, resulting in its death.
Demodex Nonspecific Symptoms Treatments
As mentioned, many of Demodex infection symptoms are general – itching, burning, redness, swelling, rough skin, etc.
If any of these conditions are identified to be related to Demodex, physicians will use common Demodex treatments, such as oral and topical metronidazole, permethrin, Crotamiton, and more.
Demodex prescribed medications are not side effects-free. They all have unwanted adverse reactions. Click on this link to check them out.
Demodex Mite Home Remedies
Besides tea tree oil, an old treatment for Demodex mite infestation, some home remedies can help prevent Demodex overgrowth and keep it under check. However, in most cases, these treatments are not enough in themselves to eradicate Demodex mites but help to combat them and prevent the mites from recurring.
Avoid Applying Oil-Containing Products on Your Skin
One of the most important things you can do for yourself to get rid of the mites is to avoid cosmetics, shampoos, and toiletries containing oil. As mentioned, oil is Demodex mites’ main food. They thrive on greasy surfaces.
The only exception is coconut oil. Coconut oil does not feed mites and even harms them. So, if you need a little grease on your skin, apply a small amount of extra virgin cold-pressed coconut oil.
It should be noted that most cosmetics contain oils. Olive oil, jojoba oil, and other beneficial oils all nourish Demodex mites and make them difficult to deal with. So, you need to read the healthcare products’ labels carefully.
Immune System Upgrade
As mentioned, the natural defence mechanism has an important role in controlling pathogens, including Demodex mites. So, try to boost it.
Some foods can help strengthen Immunity. Vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, selenium, iron, and protein (including the amino acid glutamine) play a fundamental role in boosting immunity function. So, enrich your diet with these micronutrients to give your body the strength it needs to control Demodex mites.
Vitamin C rich foods: Citrus is always at the top of the list. They are rich in vitamin C, the micronutrient that enhances the migration of neutrophils to the site of infection. It triggers complex processes that result in the elimination of pathogens.
In addition to citrus fruits, fresh peppers, kiwis, strawberries, spinach, and parsley are also good sources of vitamin C.
Vitamin D rich foods: Unfortunately, vitamin D is rare in foods. Fish oil, salmon, sun-dried mushrooms are a few of the food items that contain vitamin D. However, in recent years, foods have been enriched with this vitamin. To get enough vitamin D, you need to get 10–30 minutes of midday sunlight.
Food sources of zinc: Nuts are a good source of zinc. In addition, seafood, meats, and legumes also play an important role in providing zinc.
Selenium, iron, and protein: These three nutrients are abundant in pork, beef, turkey, chicken, fish, shellfish, and eggs.
In addition to food, the following factors also play an important role in boosting the immune system:
- Adequate sleep and rest
- Avoiding stress
- Laughing
- Optimism
- Physical activity
- Avoiding smoking and alcohol
Moderate Use of Skin Cleansers
Skin cleansers wipe out oils, dirt, air pollution, and substances that can nourish Demodex mites. However, you should not overuse them. Only apply cleansers when your skin is apparently dirty, greasy, or smells bad. Excessive daily use of cleansers damages the skin barrier by removing the skin’s natural oils. Thus, it prepares the ground for pathogens, including Demodex, to overgrow.
Avoid Fatty and Fried Foods
In addition to being deficient in immune-boosting micronutrients, fatty and fried foods may make your skin greasy and thus provide adequate sources of nutrition for Demodex.
Personal Hygiene
Although Demodex does not survive long outside the human body, it can last for hours on immediate surfaces. During this time, if it transfers to another host or the primary carrier through direct contact, it may cause infection or delay the healing process. That’s why you should not borrow other people’s personal items that have come in contact with their skin and hair. Also, you should not share yours with them. These items include combs, towels, pillowcases, sheets, and generally, everything that comes in contact with your skin and hair.
To get rid of Demodex from personal items, spray a little PROCUTiN on them. PROCUTiN rapidly targets and removes mites.
If you have to use the equipment in hairdressers and beauty salons, you can again spray a small amount of PROCUTiN on them to stop the cross-transfer of mites to your skin.
You can also use sunlight to fight mites. Leave your pillowcases, sheets, and other personal items in the sun for a few hours a day to remove the mites. If this is not possible, wash them thoroughly with water and detergent before reuse, or leave them for a few days so that Demodex mites die.
A New Option to Fight Demodex
PROCUTiN is a revolutionary anti-Demodex product that helps control all Demodex-related symptoms. This Aussie-made product is considered a home remedy as it does not need a prescription. However, many dermatologists and ophthalmologists around the world prescribe PROCUTiN to help Demodex mites sufferers. It does not matter if it is Demodex blepharitis, rosacea, or a combination of skin symptoms, PROCUTiN helps soothe the symptoms by removing Demodex mites.
This OZiDEX product is made with natural, herbal-based ingredients. It contains active ingredients such as Glycerin, Geraniol, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, and Propylene Glycol.
Each of the above-mentioned ingredients has a unique role in controlling Demodex Mites. You may check our previous articles to find out more.
These substances also synergistically enhance each other’s effects to form a unique and integrated product that helps you get rid of the Demodex mites without any considerable side effects.
Also, adding the proper concentration of tea tree oil and as a result of its interaction with other PROCUTiN compounds, the long-term daily use of PROCUTiN doesn’t cause any side effects.
The product helps you to eliminate environmental Demodex and prevent its transmission. Just spray a small amount of liquid on the infected surfaces to remove Demodex mites.
PROCUTiN is non-toxic and does not leave a greasy stain. Thus, you can apply it on all surfaces.
Besides the product, OZiDEX guides you with its unique protocol. These rules help you develop good habits and quit bad ones that let the Demodex grow. At OZiDEX, we help you target Demodex comprehensively and get rid of its symptoms.
I have had. Body mites and mites in my hair line. I have been able to get the ones on my eyelids under control. I have had no luck at the dr. Office.
Hi Eudura,
Thanks for your message. Sometimes Demodex mites populations near eyelids can be increased and cause/irritate blepharitis. You may have this issue. Also, the high population can cause lots of scalp/hair issues.
You may use PROCUTiN to remove Demodex mites.
Actually, our product can remove lots of other mites types, insects,… besides Demodex mites.