Skin mite on the face (Demodex): treatment, symptoms and photos, causes

Difficulties in treating demodicosis

When using the most effective acaricidal drugs (chemicals that reduce the number of ticks), treatment often turns out to be ineffective, which is due to the special structure of the external integument of ticks, their larvae and eggs.

The outer shell of the tick is three-layered, especially developed in females. It protects the parasite from external influences. The cuticle has pores - special channels through which water and gas exchange occurs, but large molecules of contact-acting acaricidal agents cannot penetrate. This fact dictates the need for long courses of antiparasitic treatment.

Rice. 3. Demodex mites (view under a microscope).

What is demodicosis of the eyebrows?

If the disease is not treated in a timely manner, it can develop into a more serious form. The mite can begin to affect not only the visual organs, eyelashes and eyelids, but also move to the eyebrow area of the forehead, hair and neck. Ophthalmologists call this phenomenon demodicosis of the eyebrows. With it, skin lesions begin on the nose, cheeks and chin. Demodex gradually affects the eyebrows and scalp. One of the main differences between this type of disease is that it is accompanied by flaking, the appearance of dandruff, small, unnoticeable wounds in the scalp area, as well as rapid hair loss.

If the ophthalmologist suspects that the patient suffers from this particular disease, then he must take a scraping from the eyebrows. Further, examining them under a microscope, a specialist will be able to see the mite that provokes this disease. Treatment as well as prevention of ordinary demodicosis and demodicosis of the eyebrows are not much different from each other. And rather, this difference is due precisely to the characteristics of the patient’s body, for example, the presence of certain diseases that do not allow the use of a certain drug. If damage is also observed in the scalp, then the specialist may prescribe an additional consultation with a trichologist who will help get rid of the mite and associated hair loss.

Features of therapy for facial demodicosis

When choosing antiparasitic treatment, it is necessary to take into account the clinical picture, severity of the disease and concomitant pathology of the patient.

Complex treatment of demodicosis

Treatment of demodicosis should be comprehensive and include acaricidal, anti-inflammatory (including antibacterial), desensitizing drugs and immunomodulators. The patient’s body must receive the required amount of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. If demodicosis occurs against the background of existing skin diseases, they are treated.

Stages of treatment for demodicosis

At the first stage of treatment, anti-inflammatory drugs are used, hyposensitizing therapy and immune correction are carried out.
At the second stage of treatment, antiparasitic therapy is carried out.
At the third stage, drugs are prescribed that reduce sebum secretion, improve the condition of blood vessels and their regulation.

Duration of treatment for demodicosis

Treatment of demodicosis is long-term. Depending on the form and stage of demodicosis, treatment can be extended from 4 weeks to 1 year.

Criteria for the effectiveness of treatment of demodicosis on the face

The criterion for the effectiveness of treatment of demodicosis on the face is the reduction or disappearance of clinical manifestations of the disease and a decrease in the number of mites according to the results of the analysis.

The duration of treatment for demodicosis is dictated by the structural features of the parasite. The effect of the therapy becomes noticeable after 2 - 8 weeks.

Rice. 4. Long mites Demodex folliculorum longus live in hair follicles in groups (picture on the left) and rise to the surface at night to mate. Short mites Demodex folliculorum brevis (picture on the right) live in the mouths of the excretory ducts of the sebaceous and meibomian glands alone, rarely rise to the surface, which makes them difficult to detect and treat.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Can I use cosmetics during treatment for demodicosis?

prohibits the use of conventional cosmetics during treatment. Therefore, ideally, it should be completely excluded. Your goal is to kill all the ticks. Of course, if there is an urgent need, cosmetics can be applied, but you must be aware that the effect of the cream is significantly weakened and the treatment will take longer. According to statistics, 1 day with regular cosmetics = 7 additional days of treatment.

The exception is specialized cosmetics for demodicosis, developed by Demodex Complex.

Can there be a feeling of warmth when applying the cream?

Yes, Demodex Complex® cream may give a feeling of heat and a slight tingling sensation on the skin, this is normal. There is no reason to worry, this feeling will disappear after a few minutes. During treatment, these symptoms will weaken over time and will completely disappear by the end of treatment.

Why does itching worsen in the evening and at night?

Demodex mites are more active in the dark. They come to the surface of the skin at night in search of partners for mating. They are genetically programmed to do this at night while their owner sleeps, probably to increase their chances of survival. You feel their crawling across the surface of your facial skin as itching and a slight tickling. This explains why the itching worsens in the evening.

How can I enhance the treatment of demodicosis on the face? What tablets and antibiotics are best to take?

"Demodex Complex®" are completely self-sufficient preparations developed by dermatologists. No additional tablets or antibiotics should be taken. To increase the effectiveness of treatment, the Demodex Complex® series includes Tea to boost immunity. Only its use is recommended by the manufacturer as a safe addition to treatment, allowing you to increase efficiency and provide additional assistance.

What precautions should be taken during the treatment of demodicosis in humans?

There's not much extra you can do. Demodex mites die quite quickly once they are outside the host's body. But sometimes they can live for a longer period of time in damp environment like towels etc. So always use personal towels. If you sweat, change your pillowcase more often, it's even better to do it every day.

Try to avoid contact with other infected people, even if their skin shows no visible symptoms of demodicosis. They can infect you again.

Your partner should also be tested for demodex mites. If he is infected, he must also undergo a full course of therapy. Otherwise, you will be infected with demodicosis again after the end of treatment through physical contact through shared pillows, bedding, etc.

Be vigilant even if your partner does not have visible signs and symptoms of demodicosis, such as acne, rosacea or itching. Remember, many people may have no visible symptoms but still carry the disease.

In this case, be careful and attentive: take the full course, make sure that it gives a positive result. This will confirm: demodex mites are the culprit of your skin problems.

Then pay attention - does physical contact with your partner provoke new inflammations on the skin? If yes, then he is definitely a carrier of the disease and he definitely needs to undergo therapy so as not to infect you again after the end of the course.

Prevention. What to do after finishing treatment?

As a rule, there is no need to do anything anymore. You are cured. If during the course you did not use Demodex Complex® Tea to boost your immunity, then it is easy to become infected with demodicosis again, because Immunity is still weakened. Infection can occur through contact with other people through the use of shared towels, through contact with your partner (if he did not undergo therapy at the same time as you), through bedspreads and pillows.

Try to minimize physical contact between the person and other people and your lover. Do not use other people's personal items: towels, etc.

It’s a good idea to use Xinsheng evening cream once every 3 days before bed as a preventive measure to prevent re-infection with demodicosis. At the first signs and symptoms of demodicosis re-infection, you should get tested for demodex as soon as possible. If the result is positive, therapy must be started again and the full course repeated.

To avoid relapse of the disease, cure demodicosis the first time and be sure that the disease will not return again, during the first course the manufacturer recommends taking Demodex Complex® Tea to boost immunity and strengthen the nervous system. A healthy immune system will not allow you to become infected with demodicosis again.

Anti-inflammatory therapy

At the first stage of treatment, it is necessary to use drugs that suppress the microbial population. For this purpose, anti-inflammatory drugs for external and systemic use are used. Ointments, creams and gels with antibiotics for external use have a good effect: Metronidazole, Tetracycline or Erythromycin.
In advanced forms of the disease, antibacterial drugs are used orally. Metronidazole (Trichopol), Tetracyclines, Ornidazole, Monocycline, Doxycycline, Roxithromycin, Erythromycin are shown.

Rice. 5. Metronidazole and Trichopolum are widely used for demodicosis.

Metronidazole for demodicosis

For many years, derivatives of the nitroimidazole group Metronidazole and Ornidazole have been used to treat demodicosis. The drugs have anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous and immunomodulatory effects. They are active against bacteria, single-celled parasites and Demodex mites. They are used internally and externally in the form of creams, ointments and gels.

Metronidazole is used orally for 2 - 4 weeks, 250 mg 3 times a day (standard regimen). Analogs of the drug for internal use are Trichopolum, Klion, Flagyl, etc.

The drug of choice for demodicosis is Ornidazole (Ornisol). It is stronger than metronidazole, well tolerated, and has fewer side effects. Used in courses of 10 days, 500 mg 2 times a day.

For external use it is used:

Trichopolum cream for demodicosis is used for one and a half months, which is associated with the life cycle of the demodex mite. In advanced cases, treatment is prolonged.
1% cream and gel Metrogyl (contains metronidazole). Apply 2 times a day for 3 - 6 weeks.
Rosamet cream containing metronidazole is applied 2 times a day for 3 to 9 weeks.
Contains metronidazole, a multicomponent remedy used for demodicosis, Demalan cream. It has anti-inflammatory, dermatropic, antibacterial and antiparasitic effects. It is used for demodicosis of the face, eyelids and ear canal.
Erythromycin ointment is applied 2 times a day. Do not use the drug for more than 5 weeks due to the rapid development of resistance of microorganisms. For acne, the complex “erythromycin - zinc acetate dihydrate” has a good effect. The prepared solution is applied to the affected areas of the skin 2 times a day - in the morning under makeup and in the evening after washing for 10 - 12 weeks. The drug relieves inflammation and has a comedolytic effect.
Contains erythromycin and zinc acetate dihydrate Zinerit powder.

Rice. 6. Rosamet cream and Metronidazole gel are preparations for external use.

Rice. 7. Zinerit powder contains erythromycin and zinc acetate dihydrate.

Preventive measures

To prevent tick infestation, be sure to maintain personal hygiene. Do wet cleaning and washing at home as often as possible. It is recommended to iron washed items.

Pay attention to your diet. Eliminate sweet, fatty, fried and spicy foods from your diet. Be sure to include meat, vegetables, fruits, cereals and vegetable oils in your diet.

Do not spread any fungal or viral diseases. Always start treating them promptly. At the same time, be sure to monitor the state of the immune system, and then demodex simply will not have the opportunity to exist normally in your body.

Permethrin for demodicosis

After the disappearance of inflammation, the transition to the treatment of demodicosis with antiparasitic drugs is carried out.

Insecticidal preparations containing permethrin (a group of pyrethroids) have a powerful antiparasitic effect against demodex mites. Pyrethroids penetrate the cuticle of mites and concentrate in the hemolymph. They bind to the lipid structures of nerve cell membranes, disrupt the functioning of sodium channels, which leads to a slowdown in the repolarization of cell membranes with subsequent death of parasites. The substance permethrin does not enter the human systemic circulation.

4% Permethrin ointment is applied to the affected areas of the skin and rubbed in with massaging movements. After 24 hours, the ointment is washed off with warm water and soap. A single procedure is often sufficient. But sometimes the procedure needs to be repeated, which is allowed after 14 days.

Other insecticidal preparations:

Spregal spray is used for scabies, but also has a pronounced effect against iron mites. It contains the antiparasitic agents esdepaletrin (esbiol) and piperonyl butoxide. Spregal spray is irrigated onto a cotton swab, through which the drug is rubbed into the affected areas. A positive effect is achieved in 80% of cases.

In some cases, insecticidal preparations such as Crotamiton (cream), Malathion (emulsion concentrate), Lindane (emulsion), Benzyl benzoate (emulsion, ointment, cream and gel) have a good effect on demodicosis. Benzyl benzoate is applied at night to the affected areas of the skin after washing. The course of treatment is 2 - 3 weeks.

Rice. 8. Insecticidal preparations Permethrin and Crotaderm. Used in the treatment of demodicosis.

Rice. 9. Insecticidal preparations Lindane and Benzyl benzoate are used in the treatment of demodicosis.

Rice. 10. Spregal spray has a pronounced effect against iron mites.

demodex mite

Demodex mites were first discovered more than 150 years ago. And for more than 150 years, the fight against demodicosis, a skin disease caused by this mite, has continued.

During this period, this microscopic mite disfigured the faces and crippled the fate of millions of people. A long and thorough study of the mite allowed dermatologists to draw a number of important conclusions and find ways to rid people of this insidious chronic disease with periodic skin inflammations throughout life.

Scientists have become convinced that the complete destruction of mites does not lead to a complete cure of demodex. It is especially dangerous to use aggressive acaricides that attack healthy skin along with mites. After a short period of time, the mites return (transferred from other people), and the skin damage becomes even worse. The development and use of non-aggressive acaricides is the most important problem in dermatology and the most important stage in completely getting rid of demodex.
Demodicosis is a specific chronic skin disease and cannot be cured with general dermatological means. It is necessary to create unique products that take into account all the specifics of this skin disease and solve all the problems of the affected dermis.
Demodicosis is a multifactorial skin lesion; it cannot be cured with one remedy. To successfully combat the disease, complex therapy is needed, including a whole range of special tools.

"Demodex Complex" is a prominent representative of the modern scientific approach to the treatment of demodicosis. And the success and popularity of the products is confirmation of the correctness of this scientific path in dermatology.

Tar and sulfur ointment for demodicosis

When treating demodicosis, preparations containing sulfur and tar are used.

8% Sulfur ointment is one of many drugs that have an antiparasitic effect. Sulfur interacts with organic substances and forms pentathionic acid and sulfides, which have a detrimental effect on ticks. Sulfides have a keratoplastic effect. Sulfur ointment is applied to a cleansed face at night. The course of treatment is 7 - 10 days. Panthenol is used to prevent dry skin, burns and minor injuries. The drug is available in the form of cream, ointment and emulsion.

Demoten and Delex-acne gel and Delex-acne lotion are multicomponent preparations that contain sulfur. In addition to antiparasitic drugs, they have anti-inflammatory, antiseborrheic and keratolytic effects. The lotion cleanses the skin well.

Yam ointment was developed and used to treat animals. However, as it became known, it has proven itself well in the treatment of demodicosis in humans. The components included in its composition (sulfur and tar, carbolic acid and Lysol, turpentine and lanolin, natural ichthyol and medical petroleum jelly) have antiparasitic, antifungal, antiseptic and keratolytic properties. The drug belongs to hazard class 4, that is, it is considered a low-hazard drug. On the first day, the ointment is applied to the affected areas of the skin for 15 minutes, after which it is removed with vegetable oil. After the procedure, the skin is lubricated with moisturizing and nourishing cream. If the treatment is well tolerated, then gradually the duration of the application is increased to 1.5 hours, increasing by 5 minutes daily. After which the application time must be gradually reduced until the drug is completely discontinued.

Manting, Xin Fumanling and Mefule are Chinese medicines. There are many positive reviews on the Internet about them in the treatment of demodicosis, which is due to the fact that they contain sulfur in their composition. Demodex Complex products are a complete copy of the above drugs, but are much more expensive.

Rice. 11. Sulfur ointment is widely used in the treatment of demodicosis.

Rice. 12. Demoten and sulfur-tar ointment for the treatment of demodicosis.

Rice. 13. Yam ointment has proven itself well in the treatment of demodicosis in humans (photo on the left). Delex-acne is a multicomponent preparation that includes sulfur (photo on the right).

Symptoms

The symptoms of this disease are very varied. They are similar to the symptoms of rosacea and acne. These diseases can provoke the occurrence of demodicosis, since acne makes the skin more vulnerable. Each person's symptoms are different.

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Let's look at the main symptoms:

Unpleasant sensations in the facial area (itching). In the evening and at night the itching intensifies.
The appearance of lumps
Clogged pores
Crawl sensation
Appearance of scars
Spots of various sizes
Acne (main symptom)
Peeling of facial skin
Appearance of oily sheen
Changing facial skin tone
Skin becomes damp
Difficulty in facial movements
Redness of the facial skin

Even one symptom may indicate illness. In this case, you need to start treatment.

Features of the treatment of some forms of demodicosis

Treatment of resistant strains

Despite the positive results obtained in the treatment of demodicosis with classical means, treatment-resistant and recurrent forms of the disease have become increasingly common in recent years. So, if resistance develops, it is recommended to use cryotherapy in combination with the use of Rosamet cream containing 1% metronidazole.

Treatment of papulopustular rashes

When treating papulopustular rashes, it is recommended to use classic reducing (restorative) agents - zinc-ichthyol ointment, 1 - 2% tar and ichthyol ointments, 1% ichthyol-resorcinol paste. Contains zinc hyaluronate gel Curiosin.

Treatment of acneiform demodicosis

In case of persistent acneiform type of demodicosis and in case of development of resistance (resistance) to antiparasitic drugs, it is recommended to use drugs of the retinoid group (they are structurally close to vitamin A). Retin-A (Tretinoin), a synthetic analogue of retinoic acid Adapalene (Klenzit, Differin) are used topically. The systemic retinoid isotretinoin (Roaccutane) is prescribed for severe acneiform demodicosis.

Rice. 14. Preparations of the retinoid group are used in the treatment of demodicosis in case of resistance development. The photo shows 0.1% Retin-A cream.

Rice. 15. Acneiform form of demodicosis: papular (photo on the left) and papulopustular (photo on the right).

Rice. 16. The effectiveness of treatment of acneiform demodicosis.

Rice. 17. Rosacea-like form of demodicosis: in the form of diffuse erythema (photo on the left), granulomatous form (photo on the right).

Demodectic mange and rosacea

Demodicosis in humans complicates the course of rosacea in 88.7% of cases. This mainly occurs in the later stages of the disease - erythematous-papular, papulopustular and nodular. The basis of therapy for demodicosis and rosacea is the correction of pathology of internal organs and the use of external treatment agents.

For the treatment of demodicosis and rosacea, the use of sulfur-containing drugs and benzyl benzoate is recommended. The aerosol preparation “Spregal” has a good acaricidal effect.
For external use when papules and pustules appear, the use of salicylic acid, resorcinol, adrenaline, etc. is recommended.
Prevents the appearance of compactions in the outer layers of the skin and eliminates redness gel and ointment with azeloic acid gel and cream Skinoren.

Rice. 18. The photo shows Skinoren gel and Azix-gel cream. Contains azeloic acid.

Provoking factors

Let's consider the provoking factors:

use of any hormonal drugs;
stressful conditions;
chronic cough;
use of alcohol-based products;
metabolic disorders;
nervous overstrain;
overheating of the body;
physical stress;
oily skin type;
frequent hyperemia;
eating certain foods (spinach, vanilla, raisins, sour cream, liver, tomatoes, avocado, etc.).
use of acetone-containing substances;
use of vasodilators;
hormonal disbalance.

The tick is an opportunistic parasite. Therefore, the iron can exist completely unnoticed. If provoking factors arise, the disease will begin to develop.

Demodectic mange against the background of seborrheic dermatitis

When demodicosis appears against the background of seborrheic dermatitis, the use of Retinoic ointment is indicated. It prevents the development of increased proliferation of the epithelium of the excretory ducts of the sebaceous glands, reduces the production and evacuation of sebum, helps reduce the inflammatory component and promotes the regeneration of the skin. The simultaneous use of tetracycline antibiotics and glucocorticoids is not recommended.

For seborrheic dermatitis, it is recommended to use drugs containing azeloic acid: Skinoren, Azelik, Azix-derm, etc. Skinoren is used in the form of a 15% gel or 20% cream 2 times a day. Improvement occurs after 4 weeks.

Rice. 19. When demodicosis appears against the background of seborrheic dermatitis, the use of Retinoic ointment is indicated.

Causes of the appearance of subcutaneous mites on the face (demodex)

There are many reasons why the subcutaneous mite begins to actively live and develop, penetrating into the deeper layers of the skin.
It is usually not possible to single out any one reason. The most important reasons for the appearance of demodicosis:

Skin condition. Oily skin is considered a suitable environment for the development and increased activity of the parasite. The tick tries to choose places where fat secretion occurs most intensely.
Cosmetical tools. Women use cosmetics more often, which is why demodicosis often affects them. The fact is that cosmetics contain biological components that perfectly nourish not only the skin, but also subcutaneous mites. Moreover, some cosmetic preparations contain hormonal substances that disrupt the normal functioning of the body's glands, allowing subcutaneous mites to activate their vital functions.
Proper nutrition. This is not exactly “the” healthy eating, but it is important to eat at the same time every day. Also take less spicy foods, alcohol, coffee and other allergens. All of them disrupt the quiet life of ticks and cause increased mobility and reproduction of parasites.
Stress. All diseases come from the head - this is practically true when it comes to the subcutaneous mite. The fact is that stress provokes a disruption in the normal functioning of the body and, as a result, the activation of parasites.
Diseases of internal organs. Demodicosis is often associated with diseases of the pancreas and digestive tract. If you are diagnosed with this disease, then there is a high probability that some organs are not working quite correctly. In this case, the treatment will be quite long, but will allow you to defeat the disease at an early stage.
Ecology. Rather, this is an indirect factor rather than the direct cause of the appearance of a subcutaneous mite. The fact is that ecology affects the general condition of the body as a whole, its immunity. A decrease in immunity makes it possible for all the “residents” of the body to try to begin vigorous activity, so ecology is a fairly important factor on our list.
Infection. Despite the fact that subcutaneous mites are found in 99% of the world's population, it is worth paying attention to people who are definitely sick with Demodicosis. Excessive contact with a sick person, using the same towel or bed linen can trigger an outbreak of the disease in you.

The causes of the disease listed above are not a complete list, and even the most qualified dermatologist does not know all the reasons. The fact is that the disease is very individual and depends on the characteristics of a particular organism.

Demodicosis with acne

Demodicosis in humans complicates the course of acne in 33% of cases. Its treatment uses only an integrated approach and long-term pathogenetic therapy against the background of basic facial skin care.

Read more about acne treatment and facial skin care in the article “Modern methods of treating acne.”

Rice. 20. The photo shows acne on the face.

The nature of the course of demodicosis

According to the nature of the course of the disease, two forms are distinguished:

secondary;
primary.

Let's look at each form.

Primary demodicosis

Primary demodicosis occurs against the background of a general deterioration in health. This form of the disease occurs on healthy skin.

Secondary demodicosis

Secondary demodicosis is the most common type. In this case, demodicosis occurs against the background of other chronic diseases. With this form of the disease, laboratory technicians detect D. Brevis.

Characteristic features of the secondary form:

possible total skin damage;
the clinic corresponds to rosacea;
Papulopustular elements appear on human skin.

Skin care during treatment of demodicosis

Increased production of sebum and excessive proliferation of the skin epithelium creates good conditions for the proliferation of iron mites, so daily cleansing of the skin is a mandatory procedure in the treatment of demodicosis on the face and other parts of the body. Foams, gels and lotions are used for this purpose. They remove excess oil and do not dry out the skin. The use of soap is not recommended. The frequency of washing during the treatment of demodicosis should not exceed 1 - 2 times a day. Cleanance gel and medicinal cosmetics from the Exfoliak, Klerasil Ultra, Cetaphil, Sphingogel, Sebium and Zeniak series cleanse the skin well.
Degrease and disinfect the skin with alcohol solutions with antibiotics (5% chloramphenicol), 2 - 5% solution of salicylic acid, 2% resorcinol, 5 - 10% alcohol solution of camphor.
Iron mites feed on epidermal cells and sebum, so when treating demodicosis, keratolytic and antiseborrheic agents should be used. The following have keratolytic properties: Benzoyl peroxide (Baziron, OXU-5, OXU-10, Klerasil-ultra), drugs from the retinoid group, Azeloic and Salicylic acids, Resorcinol.
In case of increased skin dryness, irritation and peeling, the use of moisturizing creams and gels is indicated. The soothing cream “Klin AK”, “Aven for hypersensitive skin”, “Tlerance Extreme” has proven itself well.
For the purpose of regeneration (restoration) of damaged areas, the use of the restoring cream “Sicalfat” with a zinc-copper complex or “A-Derma Epithelial A.N DUO Restoring Cream” with hyaluronic acid is recommended.
To prevent the formation of atrophic scars after pustules, it is recommended to use Contractubex gel. Used for 4 weeks.
Constant humidity and darkness are optimal conditions for the life of iron mites, so it is better to avoid cosmetics during treatment.
Excessive ultraviolet exposure should be avoided. An increase in the production of vitamin D under the influence of ultraviolet radiation leads to the activation of the synthesis of cathelicidins, which support the inflammatory process.

Rice. 21. Salicylic acid and Resorcinol have keratolytic and antiseborrheic properties.

Rice. 22. Baziron is effective in the treatment of inflammatory elements on the skin and has keratolytic properties. The drug is available in various forms (cleansing gel, tonic, scrub, corrective preparations), which makes it convenient to use in various settings (at home, at work, while traveling, etc.).