Demodex, commonly known as face mite, usually lives in hair follicles on the face of a human. These mites are found on everyone and usually, do not cause any problems. However, Demodex can quickly multiply and cause serious conditions. Therefore, knowing the Demodex mites symptoms, causes, and treatment in advance can save you from demodicosis.
What are Demodex Mites?
It is a microscopic mite that has close relation with ticks and spiders. They are commonly found in the pores or hair follicles of the skin.
Eyelashes
Cheeks
Forehead
Side of nose
Outside ear canals.
Types of Demodex Mites
There are two types of Demodex mites.
1- Demodex folliculorum
It is commonly found on the human face, especially around the eyelashes and eyelids. Thus, they are called eyelash mites or face mites. Face mites can survive on human skin only inside the hair follicles.
However, they creep out of the pores during mating season while you are sleeping. Females of Demodex will burrow tunnels inside the skin and lay eggs. The tunnels can reach 5 mm in depth. It takes two weeks to hatch and become an adult. Face mites live for 1 to 2 months. They consume skin cells.
2- Demodex brevis
They are usually found on the winkled or thick skin of knees, elbows, shoulder blades, under breasts, and around the penis. They live near oil glands and eat sebum.
Common Demodex Mites Symptoms
Demodex usually ranges between 0.2 – 0.4 mm in size, which cannot be detected with the naked eye. Uncontrolled growth of Demodex on the skin can lead to demodicosis. The Demodex mites symptoms can appear overnight. Common symptoms include.
Tiny whitehead resembling patches around the nose or eyes.
Scaly and dry skin
Itchiness
Acne-like pustules
Irritation
Sores
Redness
White or red pustules
Burrow marks or lines on the face
Loss of eyelashes
Eczema
Reduction in vision
Inflammation of eyes
Burning sensation
Eyelids become thickened
Sensitive skin
The appearance of a white sheen on eyelashes or skin
Complications due to Demodex
Demodicosis is a common complication you may suffer from. It is treatable and easy to control. However, if left untreated, these mites can cause other skin problems.
1- Dermatitis
Irritated and highly sensitive skin with symptoms of uncontrolled itching, redness, and pain.
2- Blepharitis
Eyelid inflammation that leads to watering and redness.
3- Rosacea
Skin condition in which skin becomes red and inflamed with the growth of pustules on face.
A Complete Guide to Getting Rid of Demodex Mites Symptoms and Skin Problems
People use various home remedies to treat mites and get rid of Demodex mites symptoms. Tea tree oil is commonly used, which is very effective, but if your skin condition worsens, you may need extra help.
Remember, if your skin becomes extra sensitive, it will become challenging to get rid of mites. Therefore, here we have a list of things you can do to control the growth of face mites.
1- Prevent the spread of mites on your face
If you notice any Demodex mites symptoms or signs, you must stop its spread as soon as possible. When you have an overgrowth, you can easily spread Demodex mites to others. Here is how you can stop the spread.
Wash your face at least twice daily to remove all excessive oil.
Wash bedding and towels regularly in hot water. If you share towels and bedding, change and wash them often.
Do not share your skincare or face and make-up products with anyone else.
2- Self-care to avoid further overgrowth of mites
With proper self-care, you can easily control the growth of mites on your face and improve the condition of your skin. Here is a hygienic regime you can follow.
Use mild shampoo to wash your eyelashes and hair daily.
Do not use greasy or oil-based products on your face because they can clog your pores and increase the growth of mites.
Wash your face with an oil-reducing cleanser so the production of oil on your face can be controlled.
Remove dead cells from your skin with gentle exfoliation at least once a week.
Do not rub or scratch your face.
3- Some over-the-counter solutions to treat mites
If self-care is not helping with your skin condition, there are some over-the-counter products that you can use to treat your skin condition.
4- Consult a doctor and get prescription drugs
If the infestation is serious, you will have to get prescription drugs from a professional in order to get rid of face mites. Healthcare professionals will only offer direct treatment if signs of mite overgrowth are not reduced. Here are some common treatments used.
Ivermectin: If mites are not responding to any treatments, your doctors will suggest ivermectin cream. It is commonly suggested to people with a compromised immune system.
Metronidazole: The antibiotic will reduce the movement of mites, eventually killing them. It is available in cream and oral tablet forms.
Crotamiton: The cream will help reduce the itching and growth of mites. It may cause mild irritation on the skin. You can apply it after washing your face.
Experts will prefer to select treatment options for patients with the least side effects. So, trust your medical professional because they will help you eliminate Demodex symptoms.
Final Thoughts on Demodex Mites Symptoms
If you notice any Demodex mites symptoms, it is a warning sign that you need to take extra care of your skin. Try all preventive measures and assure that you consult your doctor. Demodex is easy to treat only if you do not let the mites grow back on your skin again.
Miteinfestaion.com blog was started to help others deal with the problems of Mites, bed bugs, fleas, ticks and other small, often unseen critters that give us problems. We hope these articles are a help to you as you deal with these types of issues. Any product or service we provide on these pages have been proven to work. We are solely reader supported so we may receive a small percentage as an affiliate of Amazon and other companies.
[…] Learn more about the Demodex mite here! […]
[…] Demodex mites are another type of mite that can infest humans and cause itching and irritation. These mites are commonly found on the face and can be treated with medicated shampoos or creams. It is important to note that demodex mites are not the same as turkey mites and require different treatment methods. […]