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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