Demodex

Demodex is the name of specific tiny parasitic mites (ectoparasites) that live and could be discovered (by microcrope) on human skin (mainly in or near hair follicles). Only two species are living in/on human skin – so called Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis.

Demodex mites almost never found on children – the reason could be absence of sebum in children who did not start yet producing sebum. In adults the microscopic sebaceous glands in the skin produce oily waxy matter called “sebum” which is needed for healthy skin lubrication and waterproof. Actually sebum is a “food” for Demodex mites and absence of sebum could be a guarantee of Demodex-free skin.

Demodex is also the name of skin disease of people with very specific composition of sweat, thin sensitive skin and weakened (“aggressive”) immune defense.

Qualified specialists could discover thousands and even millions of Demodex parasitres on women faces, in hair follicles and sebaceous glands eating dead skin and oily secretions. Actually Demodex mites always exist in our skin and sometimes different factors could trigger their aggressive propagation and disease development. Scientists noted that women seem to have more Demodex mites and Demodex disease than men.

Scientists discovered that Demodex parasites are nocturnal – when the lights go out they come out to play and eat – during the day they are buried beneath the surface of the skin or turned upside down in a hair follicle. Very often medical professionals could see Demodex in microscope – very typically turned upside down in a hair follicle. As Demodex mites are only active during night time, it is difficult to spot them during active day time.

It is very typical for Demodex to share the “food” – this is why several parasites could be discovered in one follicle. Unfortunately it is not possible to wash Demodex from your skin – only very special solutions can remove them from their places.

The incidence of Demodex cases usually increases with the individual’s age – older women could be considered as a risk group for Demodex disease development.

Demodex life cycle

It is well known that usually Demodex have two weeks life cycle (sometimes more) – this cycle include few phases – parasites are born, grow-up, breed and die in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands of the skin. In most cases we cannot feel anything if Demodex disease did not start yet.

Demodex mites are mostly active during night – it is their time of procreation. At night, they come out of the hair follicles and into the surface of the skin. After that, they go inside skin pores to lay their eggs. As they go back inside skin pores, they also take several facial bacteria with them – this could cause inflammation, acne, pimples or other skin problems. As Demodex eggs hatch, the cycle starts over again.

When Demodex mites die, they don’t unfortunately fall off from the hair follicles – instead, they stay in skin follicles, rot and liquefy.

If Demodex parasites have positive life conditions (increased sebum, decreased immune protection, stress, etc.), they multiply pretty fast and develop demodex disease unpleasant symptoms. Some skin make ups and creams could be also a good “food” for demodex – this is why it is very important not to miss regular daily skin cleansing. If you have skin problems and using oil cleansing, better to switch to gel products. As Demodex also feed on dead skin cells, it is also important to use skin exfoliation regularly (as routine skin care hygiene).

If you would like to protect yourself from Demodex, don’t forget to change your sheets and pillow cases regularly (every week). It is also recommended to buy new pillows every 2 years because millions of dust mites are usually discovered on and in our pillows.

Demodex could trigger infections, swelling of eye lashes, existing inflammatory skin conditions could become severe and new ones appear.

Demodex symptoms

Demodex mites have their favorite places on our skin – eyebrows, eyelashes, around eyes, forehead, chin, cheeks, nose, nose sides and corners, scalp, sometimes on the upper and medial region of the chest and back.

Demodex symptoms look similar to acne rosacea and include the following:

• Unusual hair loss;
• Loss of eye lashes;
• Whiteheads and/or blackheads;
• Skin cyst;
• Larger skin pores.

Demodex transmittion

It was noted that Demodex parasites are transferred from host to host by contact.

Animal also can suffer from Demodex parasites and also could have Demodex symptoms which could be properly treated.

Demodex treatment

Demodex early detection is very important – earlier Demodex mites are discovered, earlier and better it could be treated.

There are different types of Demodex treatment – mainly medical but some natural remedies are also could be recommended.

Detailed information about Demodex treatment could be discovered on next pages.