Demodex Based Issues

Red Skin Around The Eyes: Causes, Treatment And Relationship To Demodex

red skin around the eyes
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Red skin around the eyes has several causes, some of which are physiological or temporary, but others require medical intervention. In this article, Ozidex tries to address the reasons for such colour changes and the potential reliefs. We also help you with the treatment if these conditions are related to Demodex mites.

Causes of Red Skin Around The Eyes

Ageing

Ageing is a natural process that gradually leads to changes in the texture and colour of the skin. Due to the gradual thinning of the skin around the eyes, this area may appear red. Although this is a natural process, skincare products can help you slow it down; for example, anti-wrinkle creams, mesotherapy, and other specialist care.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelids that affects both eyes at the same time. This complication is usually challenging to treat and happens frequently.

Symptoms of blepharitis include:

  • Swelling of the eyelids
  • Eye irritation
  • Oily and sticky eyelids
  • Wet eyes
  • Foreign body sensation

The main cause of blepharitis is not yet fully discovered. However, some factors associated with this complication include Demodex parasites, seborrheic dermatitis, bacterial infections, dysfunction of the meibomian glands, and allergies.

Blepharitis and the subsequent redness around the eyes can be managed in different ways. Antibiotics, eye drops, and corticosteroids are some of the treatments. At the same time, if the cause of blepharitis is eyelash mite or Demodex mite, the removal of mites is an integral part of the treatment plan.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is the medical term for skin and soft tissue infection. Although this condition is most expected in the legs, it can occur anywhere on the body, including around the eyes. Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria, which naturally live on the body, can spread beneath the skin through scratches, sores, surgeries, insect bites, or other causes.

One of the symptoms of cellulite is that the pain intensifies with the pressure. Cellulite around the eyes can be considered a severe condition that requires immediate medical intervention.

Symptoms include:

  • Redness of the skin
  • Pain
  • Inflammation
  • Fever
  • Warm skin
  • Skin irritation
  • Headache

As bacteria are the primary cause of this condition, the treatment includes taking antibiotics. Taking oral antibiotics for 5 to 14 days in addition to painkillers are common prescriptions for cellulite.

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Chalazion or Meibomian Cyst

A small lump near the base of the eyelashes, a chalazion, is an eye complication that can lead to redness around the eyes.

There are small glands inside the eyelids that secrete oil, which mixes with the tears to cover the eye’s surface and prevent the cornea from drying out.

Numerous factors can lead to the blockage of meibomian glands ducts. In this case, the glandular secretions get stuck in the duct. As a result, a red mass forms along the passage that may become infected and inflamed. In addition, due to the lower mixing of fat with tears, the evaporation process takes place more quickly, and the eyes become dry.

The symptoms of chalazion are as follows:

  • Red mass near the eyelid
  • Dry eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • Foreign body sensation in the eyes
  • Redness and inflammation of the eye and its surroundings
  • Pain
  • Wet eyes

One of the causes of chalazion is Demodex mites. In addition, any disorder that leads to the obstruction of the ducts can lead to chalazion.

The redness around the eyes caused by chalazion usually disappears spontaneously as the cyst subsides. However, using a warm water compress can help. In cases of secondary infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, and in rare cases, a minor surgery called incision curettage is performed to remove the cyst.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a common skin problem characterised by the redness of the face, especially in the centre. Although it may also affect the neck and chest area, this complication is more common in the face. Inflammation, flushing, distinct capillaries under the skin, and pus-filled bumps are other symptoms.

Rosacea is more common in middle-aged women and those with fair skin. However, nasal involvement that leads to nose enlargement and its skin to thicken (Rhinophyma) is more common in men than women.

Although rosacea is not acne, it can be misdiagnosed as a case of Vulgaris acne.

There is no definite cause for rosacea. However, it seems that both heredity and environmental factors play a role in creating this complication.

In addition, in recent years, a clear correlation between Rosacea and Demodex mites has been discovered.

Rosacea can cause redness and dryness in and around the eye area, which is called ocular rosacea.

No definitive cure has been discovered for rosacea. Still, treatment for underlying issues, such as a large population of Demodex mites, and the following tips may effectively control rosacea:

  • Avoiding hot drinks
  • Avoiding hot weather and wind
  • Restricting spicy foods 
  • Preventing stress buildup

In addition, your doctor may also prescribe antibacterial washes, topical creams, antibiotics, lasers, phototherapy, photodynamic therapy, and isotretinoin.

Shingles

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox – varicella-zoster. The condition is also known as herpes zoster.

The chickenpox virus can lurk in the nervous system for years and then develop into shingles.

This type of viral infection is characterised by red skin lesions (rashes) that cause burning and pain. Shingles usually affect one side of the body. This complication is more common in the abdomen, chest, neck and face.

It usually starts with small spots and leads to blisters and painful skin lesions. 

Beyond pain and burning sensation, some people experience the following symptoms:

  • Ague
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle weakness

Although shingles is not contagious, you may get the virus if you haven’t caught chickenpox yet. You may not get shingles from someone who has it, but you may get chickenpox.

Shingles can also affect the area around the eyes, causing redness and inflammation.

It usually resolves on its own after a few weeks. However, some common treatments include:

  • Resting
  • Coldwater compress
  • Calamine ointment
  • Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
  • Anticonvulsants, like gabapentin (Neurontin)
  • Famciclovir (Famvir)
  • Corticosteroid injections

Stye

The Stye can cause redness around the eyes, just like chalazion and blepharitis. However, Stye mostly has a bacterial origin and is caused by the infection of eyelash follicles. Chalazion, on the other hand, originates from the dysfunction of the meibomian gland. Chalazion is located away from the edge of the eyelid and is usually painless (unless there is a secondary infection), while the Stye is right at the edge of the eyelid and is painful. Both Stye and chalazion usually heal on their own. However, to speed up the healing process, the use of hot water compresses twice a day is recommended. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotic drops and ointments.

However, Stye, like chalazion, may be related to Demodex mites, which we will examine further.

Can Demodex Cause The Redness Around The Eyes?

redness of skin around the eyes

 

It’s not always the case, but Demodex can trigger or exacerbate some conditions that lead to redness around the eyes. Although we gave some clues earlier, we will explain more here:

Demodex And Redness Around The Eyes Caused By Blepharitis, Stye And Chalazion:

Studies have shown a strong association between Demodex and these three dermatological concerns. In other words, Demodex can be blamed for the redness around the eyes as long as it is involved in these conditions’ pathophysiology.

Although Demodex is microscopic, they are big enough to block the follicles, sebaceous glands, and meibomian glands’ ducts. This physical blockage prevents the secretions from coming out, causing swelling in these three parts, which leads to visible protrusions in the Stye and chalazion. On the other hand, bacteria trapped in a humid, nutrient-dense environment begin to multiply and infect the bumps in the chalazion. They also play a role in the formation of swelling in blepharitis and Stye.

In addition, Demodex mites themselves carry toxic substances, including harmful bacteria, which spread in the environment after their death to worsen the situation. So, more Demodex means more bacteria and harmful substances and, therefore, more severe symptoms.

Demodex mites secrete inflammatory substances that cause inflammation locally and arouse the immune system to respond and trigger a cascade of inflammatory reactions.

As you see, Demodex mites are the bad guys who are responsible for many of the ocular concerns and, consequently, redness and swelling. However, they never appear to be behind these sabotage operations. They lurk in the dark, beneath the skin, and only come to the surface at night. They lay their eggs in the hidden chambers of follicles to reproduce.

After experiencing frequent blepharitis, chalazion, and Stye, it’s time to take a glance at these insidious tiny parasites.

Demodex Online Test

If you do not know if Demodex mites are responsible for the redness around your eyes, you can simply estimate their population, and you can do this by taking our online test. This test is preferable to the microscopic examination for several reasons that we will discuss later.

If the test results show a large Demodex population, feel free to seek help through PROCUTiN to remove skin redness around your eyes.

blepharitis and demodex

Demodex And Rosacea Redness

Demodex is beginning to be accepted as a potential cause and trigger in rosacea. Many studies have shown that this mite is more common in people with rosacea. However, it is not clear whether a large population of mites is what leads to rosacea or vice versa. Yet, keeping Demodex under check has turned out to improve rosacea symptoms.

Although the mechanism is mostly unknown, it seems to be connected with the immune system responses as well as the bacteria the mites hold. The studies have revealed that Demodex mites are involved in the onset of inflammatory immune responses that lead to rosacea symptoms.

The good news for rosacea sufferers is that PROCUTiN can play an essential role in controlling rosacea symptoms by eliminating Demodex mites. PROCUTiN comes with a unique protocol that helps control the symptoms of rosacea by adjusting different aspects of your lifestyle.

One thought on “Red Skin Around The Eyes: Causes, Treatment And Relationship To Demodex

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