What Is Demodex?
The Demodex mite is a type of parasite that lives on humans and can reside in hair follicles and sebaceous glands. These mites are arachnid (eight-legged) and invisible to the naked eye, varying in size from 0.1mm to 0.4 mm long. They typically live on the face and in the hair follicles of the eyebrows, eyelids, roots of the eyelashes, facial hair, and around the ears and are associated with various skin problems of the eyes and face, such as blepharitis and acne rosacea.
Demodex can affect humans at any age, but their presence increases in prevalence with increasing age. Immunity compromised patients such as diabetics, patients on long-term corticosteroids or chemotherapy, or patients who have HIV/AIDS also have increased risk and prevalence of Demodex infection. Usually, when the immune system is weakened and the parasitic population has colonized, this disease can badly damage the skin.
How Can Demodex Be Transmitted?
What Are The Types Of Demodex?
What Are The Symptoms Of Demodex?
How Is Demodex Diagnosed?
How Is Demodex Treated?
What Are The Instructions For Patients With Demodex?
The patients diagnosed with Demodex need to know a few simple instructions:
- Immediately wash bedding and pillowcases in hot water and dry in a heated dryer before beginning treatment, and once a week thereafter.
- Wash face, nostrils, hair, external ear and neck with a non-soap cleanser twice daily.
- Scrub the eyelids with a mild (baby) shampoo.
- Avoid using makeup for at least 1 week and discard all old makeup.
- Avoid oil-based cleansers, greasy makeup, lotions, and sunscreens which can provide further “food” for the mites.
- Exfoliate face once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and trapped sebum. Keep pets away from sleeping surfaces.
With the proper medical care, treatment, and hygiene, the Demodex count usually drops to zero in 4-6 weeks without recurrence in the majority of cases. Patients receiving therapy show dramatic improvements in symptoms, eye inflammation, tear film stability and vision.
