Demodex mites are tiny parasitic pests that are found on the surface of the skin and hair follicles in both animals and humans. These mites thrive in the hair follicles of all warm-blooded creatures and do not trigger any symptoms. On the other hand, when the immune system is suppressed, the mites will cause itchiness, rashes and other symptoms on the surface of the skin.
Demodectic mites are also called demodex mites. There are two types – the brevis which live in follicles of skin usually in the forehead, chin and cheeks and the folliculorum which thrives in the follicles of hair of the head and sometimes can be found in the rest of the body. These parasites usually attack middle aged people because they have weakened immune system and highly contagious.
Demodex mites will grow fast and cause symptoms among individuals with low immunity. They live in the follicles of hair and inside the sebaceous glands. Demodex brevis lives in the oil glands. Demodex mites have small elongated body and have tiny scales that make its body attach to the hair shaft. It lives by sucking nutrients from follicles of hair and skin and it takes two weeks for a mite to mature, thus the infestation can rapidly occur.
Symptoms of demodex mites in human
- Demodex mites cause red irritation and itchiness on the surface of the skin. The follicles become enlarged due to the irritation and those who are affected by these mites experience hair loss in that area.
- When demodex mites infest the eyelashes, it can lead to blepharitis.
- It can cause a secondary infection of the follicles of hair.
- Sometimes, acne rosacea can be caused by demodex mites.
- Children are less susceptible to be affected by demodex mites since there is less oil secretion from the oil glands.
- Demodex mites can be transmitted through a direct contact with the affected individual.
Remember that the mites usually become active during night time.
Treatment and home remedies of demodex mites in humans
- Apply fish oil on the affected area since is an effective way in killing the parasite.
- Vitamin E oil is also used for killing the germs and minimizes the spread of the mites.
- Apply garlic oil on the surface of the skin since it contains sulphur and can help kill demodex mites.
- Eat healthy food and maintain hygienic practices in order to boost the immune system of the body.
- Use tea tree oil soap on the face regularly after showering or washing. A tea tree cream can also be used twice a day on the face. In addition, tea tree oil can also be used as shampoo for the scalp every day.
- Drink plenty of water at least a minimum of 2 liters per day and take supplements such as Vitamin D and E to help get rid of the demodex mites. A healthy skin can stop mites from growing on the skin and reproducing.