How to Kill Demodex Mites

Demodex mites infestation is mostly known as a conditional-pathogenic parasite in dogs. But there are also Demodex mites that affect humans, which according to studies, 90% of teenagers have this as the cause of their severe acne.

In Dogs, the parasites are usually passed on from mother to puppy. In humans, the hormonal changes in the adolescent cause their sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, making the skin of the host a perfect thriving environment for the Demodex mites. For both, the continuous growth in number of the parasites causes the infections and followed by the unpleasant mange problem in dogs and acne problems in humans. How harmful are Demodex mites?

Demodex mites thrive inside the hair follicles and in the sebum produced by the subcutaneous glands. They suck nutrients from the hair roots which damage the cell walls. Their eggs are incubated in burrows they have dug into the host’s skin. The abrasion on the skin welcomes bacteria which causes infection. Demodex mites harm the skin by excreting wastes and chemicals. When they die, their bodies liquefy and decompose inside the skin. This worsens when the host has a weak immune system . This may even develop into more serious problems like allergic inflammation, erythema, papules and pustules.

Household remedies for demodex mites infection:

Tea tree oil - Tea tree oil is mostly used to heal cuts and burns; and is said to be an effective treatment for demodex mites. This oil extracted from the leaves of Australia's melaluca tree, is an effective antiseptic found in some topical treatments available in your local health store or pharmacy. Although effective on humans it not recommended for animals.

Alcohol – Rubbing affected areas with cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol once or twice daily for three weeks can help kill Demodex mites. Make sure that you clean your faces with a tea tree oil facial wash first and pat dry with a clean towel before doing the alcohol treatment.

Bleach– The bleach treatment is mostly for cleaning the environment around the infected host. With a ratio of five gallons of hot water to three cups of bleach mixed in a plastic container, wipe down all hard nonporous surfaces with this mixture. Do this cleaning twice each time and make sure to wash all used rags in bleach and hot water as well to kill most Demodex mites in the infected area.

Sulphur – ointments and products with sulphur are said to eliminate all Demodex mites and germs, stopping itch, and relieve inflammation. But be sure to follow instructions of the proper use of the product to avoid the danger of chemical burns on the skin.

Lysol – Lysol is said to be able to kill all sorts of germs and parasites, including the Demodex mites. Just like bleach, it can only be used to disinfect the surroundings of the host to prevent the spread of parasites.

Lice shampoo – Just like the head lice, Demodex mites are parasites too and some say that the lice shampoo works well in killing them.

Neem oil - Using diluted Neem oil with a ratio of 1:10 in olive oil or another carrier oil can help get rid of Demodex mites. You can also try Neem soaps, lotions and the real Neem leaf which is even safer. It is advised not to use pure Neem oil since some people are highly sensitive to it.

These home remedies have been used and are said to be effective. But of course, effectiveness will always depend on the severity of the infestation. It is always best to consult with a doctor (or a vet in the case of a pet infestation) on the best way to get rid of Demodex mites.

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Demodex Folliculorum and Hair Loss

Hair loss is a widespread century old situation into which beset human beings. As to our generation these days, hair loss treatment is a need.

There are many known factors acquainted with hair loss which includes diet, stress, genetics and even chemical factors attributed with hair care products such as shampoos. What lies unknown and uncommon to mankind is the factoring cause of demodex folliculorum – a certain tiny creature, parasite to be exact, which have had the responsibility over the occurrence of hair loss.

Demodex Folliculorum or also known as Demodicids are tiny mites which thrive in skin pores and hair follicles particularly in scalp, cheeks, nose, eyebrow and even in eyelashes. They feed within the follicles at day, mate at night, and leave their eggs inside the follicles where their larvae can later feed on their host’s sebaceous oils.

Who have and who don’t have demodicids? A particular research concluded that there is a 25% incidence of the presence of demodex folliculorum in people at the age of up to 25 years old, 30% incidence up to the age of 50 years old, 50% up to the age 80 years old, and 100% in 90 years old and older.

Imagine the widespread existence of these mites in mankind. If almost everyone have these mites feeding on their hair follicles, why then not everyone gets the price of baldness? There are two (2) relevant factors that we can consider on this issue.

First, there are people whose body reactions against the existence of these mites will run through an inflammatory process. As this process unfold by blocking the hair follicle which eventually kills the mites due to a food blockade – the offset of such will also be the demise of the hair follicles causing the hair loss.

Secondly, the high degree or intensity of infestation causes the undernourishment of hair follicles. This holds the grounds of hair falling off.

The most common signs and symptoms of the presence of demodex folliculorum is itchiness in the affected hair area. Such areas include particular parts in the scalp, eyelids and even at the roots of the eyelashes. This itchiness can further cause serious problems of infection.

Treatment of such is a serious action that is being taken up nowadays.

In treating demodex folliculorum, one important note should be firstly known. Since we are taking a bath daily, even sometimes twice in a day, we should take into consideration that chemically laden shampoos could further intensify infestation. This is because some shampoos disintegrate the natural pH or acidity of the scalp which breaks the balance of sebaceous glands causing an overproduction of sebum oil. Overproduction of sebum is a primary attraction to demodex folliculorum mites, as sebum is their primary food. Occurrence of this signals a fertile breeding ground for the mites.

It is therefore important to note that treatment of such will basically require a method that which will not hamper or cause imbalance to/with the natural balance and integrity of the scalp. A wide-range option of treatments these days are readily available – which may vary from topical creams and lotions, shampoos and conditioners, and eye lotions.

However, going beyond those available treatments, we have had to get ourselves infused of basic knowledge. We may have had serious cases of diseases caused by those mites that would require us serious treatment, the need of a strong immune system prevails the best option and preventive measure.

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Symptoms and Treatment of Canine Demodicosis

Canine demodicosis is also called red mange or canine skin mites. Our pets: dogs, cats and others can suffer from this skin condition. The disease often appear in form of isolated lesions that can be spotted on any part of our pets’ body. Most often, these lesions are accompanied by hair loss and spots of crusty red skin. Worst case or severe form of canine demodicosis is characterized by a foul smell and intense itchiness.

The main culprit of this skin disease is the infestation of Demodex canis, a particular dog mite thriving in the hair follicles where they could readily feed on dietary yeasts, systemic yeasts and sugar. Two main truths should be noted on such mites: (a) these mites are seemingly normal thriving parasites in almost all dogs of all ages; (b) canine demodicosis occur at the on-set of infestation. Further, it should be noted that infestation of those mites on the otherhand is driven by a weak immune system.

Hence, when we talk of canine demodicosis, two specific factors are always being considered: the mites itself which are the demodex canis; and, the infestation of those mites induced by a weak immune system.

Canine demodicosis is being classified in two forms, the juvenile-onset demodicosis and the adult-onset demodicosis.

Juvenile-onset of canine skin mites is typically present in dogs younger than two (2) years old. Infestation usually takes place at this age when the dog’s immune system has not yet achieved full development. Puppies at this age will be saved from infection of such mites once their immune system strengthens, otherwise, the infection will be carried until the puppies will grow into an adult. Adult-onset demodicosis are present in those dogs of over two(2) or four(4) years of age which is usually accompanied by a concurrent illness which mainly contributes to the weakening of the immune system. Such illnesses include cancer, hypothyroidism and neoplasia to mention a few.

Canine demodicosis can further be subdivided into two more categories namely, the localized and the generalized demodicosis.

Localized canine demodicosis is described as small, scaly patches at any infected part of the dog’s body - usually, appears in the front legs and face. A fairly mild itchiness can be observed in our pets.

Generalized canine demodicosis suggests a more serious case compared with the localized demodicosis. It can be described by the presence of multiple patches of scaly-red lesions accompanied by hair loss scattered in almost all parts of the dog’s body. Severe skin irritation is very visible and usually produces a foul smell. At this stage, the situation is usually induced and furthered by bacterial infection brought about by continuous scratching of the dog on the affected area that will result to the presence of pus in the crusty-bloody sores.

Treatment of canine demodicosis vary as to what type and as to the health status of the pet. Localized demodicosis in puppies usually heals for itself accordingly to the development and strengthening of the immune system. A good-quality diet for the puppies which will help boost the immune system will be a lot of help. This would take from six to eight weeks to achieve full recovery. It is advised that the puppies be check of presence of any intestinal parasites. Further, substances such as Godwinol should be avoided because it appears to be an irritant which could induce the progress of infection. During this natural treatment, it is suggested to follow through regular monitoring on the progress of the treatment process.

Generalized canine demodicosis however requires serious, intensive treatment. Going through a physical examination on the state of health of our pet is an essential primary step. Identifying any underlying disease of our pets will be considered to help us choose the correct treatment procedure to undergo.

Some veterinary procedures resort to the use of drugs and substances which contains active chemicals that will totally wash-off the Demodex mites. The use of acaricides is an option which is usually in a lotion form diluted in water and used like a shampoo to the infected dog.

Systemic medication and topical therapy are also among the options for treatment of demodicosis. Topical therapy involves the use of amitraz dips which requires a weekly treatment, while systemic medication includes the use of ivermectin and milbemycin. However, the use of such highly toxic substances should be carefully thought-off, calculated and applied. These substances have wide range limitations and considerations – for example, Ivermectin cannot be used and is lethal to Collies and Shelties breeds.

On the otherhand, cases with severe skin infection usually prompt veterinarians to use antibiotic therapy which is being applied for about one to two months. However, over-use of antibiotics weakens the dog’s immune system. It is therefore suggested to complement this therapy with alternative natural medications like the application of magnesium treatment.

Knowledge on treatments of such serious skin disease among our pets is a positive attitude. Yet, knowing more of its preventive measures is always an added plus factor. As always, keeping our pet’s good health state remains the best preventive action.

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