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- For those of you who are not familiar with Demodex, it is a microscopic
mite that is found living in the hair follicles or sebaceous glands of most humans and
animals. Demodex may also infest follicles, with or without hair, anywhere on the body.
Excessive number of Demodex mites may cause itching and certain kinds of skin disorders
and is usually referred to as Demodicosis.
- Demodex mites are very common among humans and animals. Some have suggested
that the mite can be found in over 90% of the adults. People who have oily skin are
particularly prone to having the mites. Demodex is also called "Face Mite",
since it is usually associated with blackheads, acne and other skin discorders. Sometimes
when "blackheads" are squeezed out of the skin and examined under the
microscope, Demodex mites are found. However, there is no apparent evidence that the mites
cause blackheads.
- It has been reported that the mites live in human facial hair follicles,
anterior end downward, and feed on epithelial cells or sebaceous secretions. During the
daytime, mites remain within the follicle feeding. At night, they emerge onto the skin
surface to mate. Eggs are laid in the lash follicles and the newly hatched larvae feed on
the secretions.
- There is a close association between inflammation and Demodex. Some have
suggested that inflammation and infection often result when a large number of mites
infested a single hair follicle. Some research has shown that bacteria have been located
on the bodies of Demodex folliculorum, a species of Demodex that is found in hair
follicles, suggesting the potential of this mite as a transmitter of disease and cause of
infection.
- The mite is commonly associated with inflammatory condition of the eyelids
called Demodex blepharitis. Research has showed that as many as 25 mites can colonized one
single eyelash. Excessive mites are usually associated with itchiness and discomfort of
the eyelashes. Sometimes people lose their eyelashes as a result of Demodex
blepharitis. Most Demodex blepharitis can be treated easily by doctors.
- Many of the studies on Demodex focus on animals, especially dogs. According
to most veterinarians, all dogs have Demodex folliculorum in very small numbers. Some
suggest that the mite is very specific to dog and do not thrive as well on other species.
It has been reported that some dogs have terrible hair loss and itching around their eyes,
face and legs. It usually happens to animals that are young and do not have competent
immune systems.
- There is no one single treatment for treating skin disorders associated
with Demodex mites. Some have suggested Danish ointment, a polysulfide preparation, as a
topical treatment. However, for those who do not respond well to the ointment, a 0.5%
selenium sulfide cream can be used. Others such as 4% pilocarpine gel or an ointment
of 10% sulfur and 5% balsam are also said to be effective. However, since there are
different types of skin disorders associated with Demodex mites, you should consult your
doctor for a treatment that is appropriate for your conditions.
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