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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. Sometimes Demodex is also called "Face Mite", since it is usually
associated with blackheads, acne and other skin discorders. Excessive number of Demodex
mites may cause itching and certain kinds of skin disorders and is usually referred to as
Demodicosis.
- Many researchers have suggested that Demodicosis tend to occur more
frequently in people or animals with weak immune systems. According to Vol 195, No. 3,
1997 issue of the International Journal for Clinical and Investigative Dermatology, most
cases of demodicidosis in children were reported by those suffering from leukemia or HIV
infection. Also, Dr. George Fulk indicated that older people as well as HIV infected
patients tend to have more problems probably because their immune systems are less
effective. This is confirmed by the numerous cases of Demodex related rosacea or skin
disorders reported by people infected with HIV. The same viewpoint is also shared by Dr.
Susanne A. Huges (veterinarian) who said that most cases of generalized demodicosis in
dogs are associated with a genetic predisposition to a specific type of immunodeficiency.
- If the above suggestion about Demodex and the immune system is correct,
then we may have to re-evaluate Nioxin's conclusion about their research on Demodex.
According to Nioxin, people with hair loss or thinning hair tend to have a larger amount
of Demodex on their scalp than people with a full head of hair. While Nioxin interpreted
the results as an indication that hair loss may be associated with Demodex mites, it is
also possible that the abundance in Demodex is due to a weaker immune system in some of
the participants and Demodex itself may not be a direct cause of hair loss.
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