What is Demodex: causes and signs of Demodex

What is Demodex: causes and signs of Demodex

Demodicosis is a skin condition caused by Demodex mites. Otherwise known as acne trains. These mites are considered conditionally pathogenic, as they are found on the skin of 90% of people. Under certain pathological conditions, such as immune system suppression, their active proliferation begins. An increased colony of parasites can cause skin irritation and lead to the appearance of rashes. Demodicosis causes physical and psychological discomfort in people, affecting their quality of life.

What is Demodex

Demodex is a skin pathology caused by the subcutaneous microscopic mite Demodex. Its size varies from 0.1 to 0.4 mm. The predominant location is the sebaceous glands and hair follicles. In healthy individuals, 2-3 adult individuals per square centimeter can be found in their skin microflora.

The development of Demodex disease begins when the mite colony actively increases. Such growth can be caused by:

-hormonal disorders;

-immune system suppression;

-metabolic disorders;

-certain chronic diseases.

At the initial stage, demodicosis may manifest as skin redness, small acne or pustular rash. Over time, the disease can progress, causing abundant rashes, pimples, acne, scar formation, and other serious complications.

Demodicosis is caused by two types of mites:

-Demodex folliculorum - larger in size.

-Demodex brevis - shorter.

The products of Demodex mite life activity cause allergic reactions, resulting in secondary skin pathologies such as acne, seborrhea. Mites can also provoke specific eye diseases, such as demodectic blepharitis and blepharoconjunctivitis, characterized by inflammation of the eyelids and conjunctiva. This leads to redness, itching, a sensation of grittiness in the eyes, and other unpleasant symptoms.

Where does Demodex come from

Demodicosis can be transmitted from people suffering from this dermatological problem. However, the claim that carriers of the mite may be individuals who do not have visible signs of such pathology is doubtful. Dermatologists have repeatedly recorded cases of a large number of Demodex mites on the skin of healthy individuals.

Excessive sebum can also provoke the disease. If the skin produces a lot of sebum, it creates an ideal environment for mite reproduction. Demodicosis is often caused by the use of poor-quality cosmetics that clog pores.

Excessive reproduction of parasites can also be triggered by medical preparations containing:

-petrolatum;

-vegetable oils;

-animal fats;

-hydrocarbon compounds.

Dermatologists classify demodicosis as:

Primary. It occurs as an independent disease in patients without other dermatological problems. Such pathology responds well to treatment with antiparasitic agents.

Secondary demodicosis appears in people who have already undergone treatment or suffer from other skin pathologies.

Depending on the nature of the manifestations, demodicosis can be:

Acneiform - leading to the formation of papules and pustules resembling acne.

Rosacea-like - causing moderate or severe skin redness.

Seborrheic - characterized by rashes and intensive shedding of the epidermis.

Ophthalmological - affects the eyelids, causing inflammation in the periorbital area, a feeling of discomfort.

How to cure Demodex

The treatment of demodicosis should be comprehensive. It may include:

Application of antibacterial and antiparasitic medications. Often, doctors prescribe permethrin and metronidazole.

Thorough skin care. It is necessary to select special therapeutic cosmetics for cleansing the epidermis. It is important to avoid oil-based products that can promote subcutaneous mite reproduction.

Diet and lifestyle. It is necessary to change the diet, adhere to the sleep and activity regimen.

Professional cosmetic procedures. In some cases, dermatologists prescribe procedures for deep cleansing.

For successful treatment, it should be aimed not only at eliminating symptoms but also at correcting the underlying causes that contribute to mite activity.

Measures aimed at strengthening the body's defenses and restoring the skin after the disease can accelerate the recovery process. If you follow the recommendations of specialists, demodicosis can be cured fairly quickly.