Oncological educational program. The difference between skin cancer and melanoma: how to recognize them and what to do next?

Causes of skin cancer

Currently, there is no clear answer to the question of what causes skin cancer. Like many other oncological diseases, skin tumors are considered a multi-etiological pathology. There are several predisposing factors, the presence of which increases the risk of developing a tumor focus. These include:

• Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays on the skin. A similar situation occurs with prolonged and frequent exposure to sunlight, visiting a solarium, or working outside. Residents of the southern regions are at risk of developing skin cancer.
• Having light skin. Lack of melanin production increases the likelihood of skin tumors.
• Skin burn. A high degree of burn is accompanied by scarring of the skin. This process contributes to the emergence of latent carcinogenesis.
• Irradiation. Exposure to radioactive, ionizing rays has a detrimental effect on the skin. The risk of radiation dermatitis increases.
• Presence of skin contact with toxic substances. This group of carcinogens includes arsenic, aluminum, titanium, nickel and other heavy metals.
• Immunodeficiency. Conditions in which the body's protective functions decrease predispose to the formation of a tumor focus.
• Age. Most often, skin tumors affect people over 50 years of age.
• Concomitant systemic diseases. Doctors identify a group of pathologies in which the risk of developing skin cancer increases significantly. These include systemic lupus erythematosus, leukemia, and chronic skin diseases.
• Heredity. The presence of a skin tumor in previous generations of relatives is not a major risk factor. However, family history in combination with other predisposing conditions increases the possibility of developing skin cancer.
• Tattooing. In this case, there are two risk factors. This is a violation of the integrity of the skin and the introduction of paint with carcinogenic substances. Cheap tattoo ink may contain impurities of aluminum, titanium, and arsenic.
• A large number of nevi. Doctors urge you to monitor the condition of moles and contact a specialist if there is the slightest change. Traumatization of nevi increases the possibility of developing skin cancer.
• Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking. Chronic intoxication has a detrimental effect on the body as a whole. Against this background, the risk of tumor formation increases several times.
• Eating foods high in nitrates.

Oncologists identify several precancerous conditions, the presence of which significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer. These include:

• Xeroderma pigmentosum.
• Bowen's disease.
• Paget's disease.
• Hyperkeratosis.
• Cutaneous horn.
• Late stage radiation sickness.
• Dermatitis and dermatoses.

Causes of skin diseases

External

• Constant friction;
• Exposure to ultraviolet and other radiation;
• Temperature effect;
• Penetration of fungi, infections, bacteria into the skin;
• Infection with animal parasites: lice and subcutaneous mites.
• Contact with an infected person.

Domestic

• Diseases of internal organs;
• Weakening of the immune system;
• Avitaminosis;
• Increased sweating;
• Allergic reaction to cosmetics, food and medications.
• Metabolic disease.

Symptoms and signs of skin cancer

The clinical picture of skin cancer development depends on its type. Often the first signs of a tumor are mistaken for other skin diseases. This results in untimely consultation with a doctor and the spread of the malignant process. Common signs for all types of skin cancer are:

• The appearance of a small spot or lump on the skin. The color of the formation can be pinkish, gray-yellow. It is noteworthy that the color of the neoplasm differs from moles and freckles.
• Uneven shape and asymmetric contours of the pathological focus.
• The appearance of itching and slight discomfort in the area of ​​the tumor process. This symptom appears some time after the formation of cancer.
• Progressive growth of the tumor.
• Fatigue, weakness, sudden loss of strength.
• Decreased appetite, resulting in sudden weight loss.
• As cancer develops, regional lymph nodes are affected.

If any of the above symptoms appear, it is recommended to seek medical help. Depending on the type of skin cancer, the following symptoms are distinguished:

1. Basalioma. It is the most common form of skin tumor. It is characterized by a favorable prognosis when detected at the initial stage. Appears in the form of a nodule, painless on palpation. It has a grayish-pink color. The surface of the nodule is usually smooth. Scale formation is possible. As the tumor process spreads, the affected area increases. The neoplasm is covered with a bloody film. The predominant localization of basal cell carcinoma is the face, neck, and arm area. Basalioma does not cause a significant change in condition. This is the reason for late seeking medical help.

2. Squamous cell carcinoma. At an early stage, it looks like a dense red or brown nodule. A tumor of this type is prone to rapid decay, and therefore, as the process progresses, an ulcer forms. Its edges are heterogeneous, the ulcer often bleeds. Squamous cell carcinoma quickly grows into nearby tissues. If detected at a late stage, metastasis to regional lymph nodes or organs is possible.

3. Melanoma. Refers to an aggressive type of tumor. Most often, melanoma occurs at the site of an injured nevus, which increases in size, changes color and acquires uneven contours. A characteristic feature of this type of cancer is the asymmetric form of formation, as well as a tendency to bleed. The malignant neoplasm itches and increases in size. As the process progresses, the tumor turns into an ulcer. Melanoma progresses rapidly and often metastasizes.

4. Adenocarcinoma. At the initial stage of development, it looks like a dense nodule. It is most often localized in the armpit area, under the breast. With the development of the tumor process, adenocarcinoma grows into nearby tissues. This type of tumor is detected extremely rarely and is characterized by slow growth.

Normal skin

Normal skin is not the most common type. It has a normal level of moisture and oil - this is the skin in balance. This skin type rarely experiences really big problems: its condition may vary, but in general it is easy to maintain.

Features of normal skin: Has a healthy glow and color, without large pores, wrinkles or fine lines. The skin is soft, moist, with a smooth and fine structure.

If your skin is uniform and balanced, rarely suffers from oiliness, breakouts or dryness, and you have no adverse reactions to various skin care products, congratulations on winning the genetic lottery and having normal skin.

Normal facial skin type

Although this type of skin is very easy to care for, unfortunately, it is characterized by signs of premature aging.

If your skin describes more than one of the following, you probably have normal skin:

• Looks completely normal, even without scrub and creams;
• Beautiful and soft;
• The skin around the nose may sometimes be a little shiny;
• Most cosmetics are suitable;
• Pimples and blackheads are rare, but they do happen from time to time;
• The pores are not very visible;
• Skin changes slightly from season to season;
• Makeup does not come off or smudge.

Types of skin cancer

Depending on the type of cells from which the tumor is formed, there are several main types of skin cancer. Determining the structure of the tumor is necessary to clarify the diagnosis and carry out appropriate treatment. In addition, the speed of its spread and further prognosis depend on the type of cancer. Oncologists distinguish the following types of skin cancer:

1. Basal cell (basalioma). Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. It originates from the basal cells of the epithelium. Basalioma is characterized by slow, sudden development and a relatively favorable course. Unlike other types of skin cancer, it rarely metastasizes. Basal cell carcinoma is usually localized in the area of ​​the nose, bridge of the nose, eyebrow, upper lip and nasolabial fold. A rare location for this type of cancer is the neck and ears. There are several forms of basal cell carcinoma:

• Nodal. The most common location of nodular basal cell carcinoma is the head and neck area. At an early stage it looks like nodules up to 5 mm in size. As the tumor process develops, the nodules merge with each other. At a late stage, nodular basalioma is a deep ulcer with necrotic areas.

• Superficial. This type of basal cell carcinoma is located on the trunk and limbs. The tumor looks like a round pink spot with ulcerations. Superficial basal cell carcinoma is considered the most favorable and non-aggressive form of skin cancer.

• Scleroderma-like. Refers to an aggressive type of cancer. Located in the deep layers of the skin. The most common location for this type of tumor is the head and neck. Basalioma has the appearance of a plaque, which in the later stages of the process has the appearance of a depressed scar.

• Cystic. A rarely detected form of basal cell carcinoma, externally similar to a cyst.

• Fibroepithelial. Located in the lumbar region. Basal cell carcinoma has the appearance of a pedunculated polyp. The fibroepithelial form is extremely rare and has a favorable course and prognosis.

2. Melanoma. Refers to an aggressive type of skin cancer that originates from melanocytes. Melanoma is characterized by rapid growth and invasion into neighboring tissues. This type of skin cancer metastasizes not only to regional lymph nodes, but also to organs. A favorable prognosis for melanoma is only possible if the tumor is diagnosed at an early stage. Women with fair skin are at risk for developing skin cancer.

3. Squamous. Squamous cell carcinoma is the 3rd most common type of skin cancer. It develops from the outer layers of the skin. It is characterized by slow development, which increases the possibility of detecting a tumor at an early stage. At the initial stage, squamous cell skin cancer looks like a red lump up to 2 cm in diameter.

The above forms of skin cancer are diagnosed most often. They account for about 90% of all detected oncological processes of the skin. In addition, there is skin appendage cancer, which is extremely rare. This type of tumor includes:

• Adenocarcinoma. Comes from the sweat and sebaceous glands. Characterized by slow growth. Outwardly it looks like a dark blue node, localized in the groin and chest area. Adenocarcinoma does not tend to grow into adjacent tissues, and metastasis rarely occurs. The tumor is removed surgically.
• Verrucous carcinoma. Refers to a very rare form of squamous cell carcinoma. Outwardly it resembles a wart, so detection at an early stage is difficult. A distinctive feature of verrucous carcinoma is its bleeding.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

The content of the article

Squamous cell skin cancer is a malignant neoplasm, the development of which is caused by, among other things:

• Chronic exposure to sunlight - Long-term exposure to UV radiation leads to the development of actinic keratoses, a precancerous condition that predisposes to skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma. Actinic keratosis appears as corneal deposits that are usually yellow-brown in color and most often appear on the forehead, temporal region, and the back of the hands and legs;
• chronic mechanical irritation;
• burn scars;
• chronic irritation from chemicals;
• infections caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) are responsible for the development of squamous cell carcinoma in the genital area;
• ionizing radiation;
• nicotineism.

What does the initial stage look like?

Symptoms of a skin tumor depend on its type. Growth rate, color, and tendency to metastasize are characteristic of each form of cancer. However, at the initial stage, several symptoms are common to all types of tumor. These include:

• The presence of a formation on the surface of the skin with unclear shapes and asymmetrical contours.
• The appearance of itching and changes in the color of the lesion as the process progresses.
• A sharp loss of strength, increased fatigue.
• Loss of appetite, sudden weight loss.
• The presence of pain in the area of ​​the tumor.

Skin cancer develops through 4 stages. Each reflects the size of the lesion, its spread to surrounding tissues, and the presence or absence of metastases. Depending on this, the following symptoms of skin tumors are distinguished:

• First stage. At this stage of skin cancer formation, there are no specific signs. The size of the tumor focus is up to 2 mm. In this case, the general condition does not change. Detecting cancer at the first stage is possible only with a thorough self-examination of the skin.
• Second stage. The growth of the tumor leads to the appearance of the first subjective signs. These include itching and pain in the area of ​​the pathological focus. The cancer increases in size up to 4 mm.
• Third stage. The tumor focus has a diameter of more than 4 mm. At this stage of skin cancer, the process spreads to regional lymph nodes.
• Fourth stage. Late stage skin cancer is characterized by the appearance of metastases. The tumor grows into nearby tissues. The clinical picture is accompanied by the appearance of symptoms of tumor intoxication (cachexia, weakness, lack of appetite, headache).

Lack of medical care in the early stages of skin cancer leads to rapid progression of the process. As the tumor develops, nearby organs and lymph nodes are affected. The appearance of the lesion in the form of an ulcer contributes to the addition of a secondary bacterial infection. There are often deaths due to the development of sepsis.

Rash on the body due to sexually transmitted diseases: how is it different from a regular rash?

A common body rash due to measles, rubella, typhoid, chickenpox or allergies may look something like this:

The rash can also be divided into different categories based on its appearance. Below are the types of rashes and the diseases that cause them.

Blisters - they often appear from insect bites, nettle burns, toxicoderma. Blisters usually go away on their own and can be quickly treated with products purchased from your local pharmacy.

Spots are usually a local change in skin color, such as redness or, conversely, discoloration. Spots may appear due to dermatitis, typhus or vitiligo.

Nodules - they differ from the color of the skin, are raised and structural, measure up to 3 centimeters, and usually appear from diseases such as eczema, lichen planus, psoriasis or dermatitis.

Purpuras are skin hemorrhages that occur due to poor blood clotting, vitamin C deficiency or leukemia.

Erythremas are raised, bright red rashes that manifest themselves when you are allergic to medications, foods, or other irritants.

Blisters are the most unpleasant type of rash. They just indicate the presence of herpes, chickenpox, eczema, lichen or dermatitis.

Etiological factors of scalp cancer

The etiology of cancer is still not fully understood, but the following etiofactors are reliably known:

• Male gender. Skin cancer affects both men and women, but according to statistics, men are more likely to get it.
• Complicated family history. The risk of developing skin cancer increases when close relatives are diagnosed with this disease.
• Elderly age. Skin cancer is most often diagnosed in people after fifty years of age.
• Life history of exposure to UV rays and sunburn.
• Light skin and hair, blue eyes.
• Freckles and/or multiple nevi, etc.

Any neoplasm on the skin of the face can be dangerous, but it is necessary to undergo examination in case of asymmetry, unevenness of its edges, if its color is not uniform or it changes, and if there is a change in size.

Expert opinion

Author:

Alexey Andreevich Moiseev

Oncologist, chemotherapist, Ph.D.

Every year, 9,000 cases of newly diagnosed melanoma are registered in Russia. This aggressive malignant tumor is responsible for the death of 40% of patients. Such statistics indicate that the country's population is not sufficiently aware of the symptoms of melanoma. As a result, a visit to a doctor occurs in the later stages, when treatment is considered ineffective.

Doctors at the Yusupov Hospital determine the location of melanoma and prescribe treatment appropriate to the stage of tumor development. An individual approach to the problem of each patient allows us to reduce the number of deaths. A tumor detected in time is characterized by a favorable prognosis for recovery. The later melanoma is detected, the longer the treatment process will be. Its success depends on many factors. The main treatments for melanoma are surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Depending on the condition, symptomatic therapy is carried out.

You can diagnose the presence of skin cancer yourself at home. Doctors recommend regularly examining the skin, especially nevi, for the appearance of pathological formations.

The main manifestations of demodicosis in humans

– the skin becomes constantly oily, greasiness increases, – pores expand, – redness in the central part of the facial skin, – the general condition of the skin is unhealthy, the complexion is earthy-gray, – skin inflammations appear: acne, acne, pustules, papules, pustules, blackheads , acne, sores, – itching, – facial skin becomes flabby, lumpy – facial expressions become difficult, – puffiness of the face and nose occurs, – hair and eyelashes fall out (if the hair is damaged).

The rapid progression of demodicosis is dangerous due to the appearance of difficult-to-remove cosmetic defects: scars, potholes, scars.

Untreated demodicosis can lead to an enlarged nose (rhinophyma), inflamed eyes (blepharitis), eyelashes to fall out, and early baldness.

Diagnosis of skin cancer

An integrated approach to diagnosing skin cancer is the key to timely detection of the tumor process. In order to determine the presence of skin cancer, it is necessary to conduct an examination. The first signs of skin cancer can be detected on your own. For this purpose, the ACORD principle is used.

• A – asymmetry. A lesion that has an uneven and asymmetrical shape requires close attention from a doctor.
• K – edge. A malignant neoplasm of the skin is characterized by jagged edges. The appearance of such a sign requires immediate contact with a dermatologist.
• O – coloring. Skin cancer is characterized by the appearance of a red, dark blue, or black lesion.
• R – size. The tumor process often has a diameter greater than 6 mm.
• D – dynamics. The growth of education in size requires a visit to a doctor.

The appearance of any of the above symptoms requires immediate medical attention. At the appointment, the specialist examines the formation using an epiluminescent microscope, which allows him to differentiate various skin diseases.

• Collecting anamnesis of illness and life. At the doctor's appointment, complaints are collected, the time of occurrence of the pathological formation, and the presence of predisposing factors. Precancerous diseases are determined, and the rate of development of the lesion is determined.
• General analysis of urine and blood. Laboratory diagnostics allows us to determine the presence of an inflammatory process in the body.
• Blood test for tumor markers. Specific markers for the presence of skin cancer are TA 90 and SU 100. Their determination is diagnosed already in the early stages of the tumor process.
• Tissue biopsy of pathological formation. It is one of the most important methods for diagnosing skin cancer. Histological examination makes it possible to differentiate the neoplasm, determine its stage and type. In cases where there is a metastatic lesion, a biopsy of the affected areas is performed.
• MRI and CT diagnostics. Instrumental research methods are carried out to identify metastases.
• PET-CT. This diagnostic method allows you to determine the localization of metastases. The study is carried out using a contrast agent injected into the body before tomography.
• Ultrasound. Ultrasound diagnostics helps to identify damage to the lymph nodes, as well as changes in other organs if metastases are suspected.

Detection of skin cancer at the initial stage of development allows for timely treatment and provides a favorable prognosis. Therefore, if you have the first signs of the disease, you should seek medical help.

Character traits

A melanoma tumor developing from a nevus is characterized by a prolonged increase in changes (up to several years) and subsequent aggressive transformation (1-2 months). Early self-diagnosis and timely examination by a specialist will help identify the symptoms of melanoma:

• Smooth mirror surface, with disappearance of skin grooves.
• Increase in size, growth over the surface.
• Unpleasant sensations in the area of ​​the mole: itching, tingling, burning.
• Dryness, peeling.
• Ulceration, bleeding.
• Signs of an inflammatory process in the area of ​​the mole and surrounding tissues.
• The emergence of subsidiaries.

The sudden appearance of subcutaneous lumps and nodules may also indicate a developing disease.

Surgery

Surgical removal of the tumor is the most affordable method of treating skin cancer. Surgery is most effective in the early stages of cancer development due to the lack of tumor growth into nearby tissues. The surgeon removes the tumor and all affected areas. In the presence of metastatic lesions of the lymph nodes, their removal is indicated. If an aggressive form of the tumor develops, surgical intervention alone is not enough to completely get rid of the pathological focus.

A modern method of surgery to remove skin cancer is micrographic surgery using the MONS method. In this case, tumor cells are removed layer by layer under microscopic control. Each removed layer is sent for histological examination.

Squamous cell carcinoma - diagnosis and treatment

To make a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma, it is not enough to diagnose the corresponding skin lesion. To confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a histopathological examination of the lesion (that is, a microscopic examination of a fragment of this tissue).

Squamous cell skin cancer can be metastatic. Treatment of RCC is primarily based on excision of the lesion with a corresponding margin of healthy tissue.

If there are contraindications to surgery, alternative treatment is radiation therapy and sometimes cryotherapy.

Chemotherapy

It is carried out both as an independent method of treatment and in combination with surgical intervention. Prescribing chemotherapy before surgery is intended to reduce the pathological focus. The purpose of this method of treating skin cancer after surgery is designed to completely destroy cancer cells.

The disadvantage of this method is the inability to exclude the effects of drugs on healthy cells. The question of the need for chemotherapy is decided by the attending physician based on the individual characteristics of the development of the tumor process.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) - diagnosis and treatment

As with squamous cell carcinoma, diagnosis is made based on histopathological examination. Treatment is also similar - the most common is surgical excision with an appropriate margin of healthy tissue.

If surgery cannot be performed, radiation therapy and sometimes photodynamic therapy are prescribed. It involves the use of a laser and local substances with a photosensitive effect.

Basal cell carcinoma has a favorable prognosis due to the lack of metastatic tendency and slow growth.

Drug treatment

As the tumor process progresses, corresponding clinical symptoms appear. The main ones include pain and itching. To symptomatically combat these symptoms, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to relieve pain due to skin cancer.

Oncological educational program. The difference between skin cancer and melanoma: how to recognize them and what to do next?

— Does this skin cancer have any “red flags”? When should a person see an oncologist?

“If you find a tumor on your body, and even more so if it has ulcerated, then immediately go to the doctor,” advises Professor Orlov. — The most important thing is who to go to? See a therapist, see a dermatologist. It is possible to get to a specialist, including an oncologist, only through a general practitioner. And this is completely normal, this is world practice. There are only about six thousand oncologists in Russia, and they are simply not able to see everyone who suspects something.

— Are there any preventive measures? Where to go for them?

— There is no primary prevention, like vaccination for measles or flu, for cancer. There is only secondary prevention: early diagnosis, early treatment. With general prevention, everything is simple: do not injure moles and skin, do not stay in the sun for a long time.

Removing moles is practically useless. And if they are removed, they will not appear in the same place, but they can form nearby. In general, moles can appear and disappear - this is normal.

In general, the best thing you can do is to take all changes on your body under your own control.

— How dangerous is skin cancer? Is it possible to die from it?

— You can die, but from squamous cell and undifferentiated cancer. But if a person applies at the first stage, then one surgical intervention will be enough. A person will not die from basal cell carcinoma.

Everything is more complicated with melanoma. The level of germination into the skin, the diameter, the presence of ulcers and metastases are also important.

— How are skin cancer and melanoma treated?

- If the ulcer does not appear on the face, but in any other place, the simplest thing is surgical removal; only a small scar will remain. Or photodynamic therapy, which uses a laser. Consequences include pigmentation disorders at the surgery site and a white spot may remain. But this doesn't always happen. And if the problem occurs on the face, it can be solved with the help of close-focus radiotherapy. This is a beam method, not a laser. The course is from two to three weeks. There will be inflammation and redness. But gradually everything will go away.

According to the oncologist, with melanoma everything is more complicated. At the first stage - surgical treatment. Moreover, the doctor will have to step back from the formation itself by two to three centimeters.

In advanced situations, it is worth considering that melanoma does not respond to radiation therapy. Immune and targeted therapy will help (precise drug treatment of cancer. - Author's note

.). But to select drugs, it is necessary to conduct genetic studies to understand the origin of the tumor. No method will cure melanoma at the fourth stage, says the doctor.

— I want everyone to know that you don’t need to find out about treatment and symptoms on the Internet. If you have questions, go straight to the doctor,” explained Professor Orlov.

We wrote about such a disease as cancer in general in the first issue of Oncological Educational Program. There you will learn why the disease develops, how it is studied, and in which region more people suffer from which cancer.

Forecast

The average life expectancy of patients diagnosed with skin cancer depends on several factors. These include the type of cancer, its stage, and the presence or absence of metastases. Detection of a tumor focus at the initial stage contributes to timely treatment and minimal risk of complications. In addition, each type of cancer has its own prognosis. Squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas are characterized by a favorable course and prognosis. Melanoma is an aggressive type of tumor that tends to grow rapidly and metastasize. The average five-year survival rate after skin cancer is diagnosed is:

• 80-100% when skin surface cancer is detected in the first stages.
• Up to 50% when skin cancer is detected at a late stage.
• Up to 25% in the presence of metastases in regional lymph nodes and other organs.

In order to minimize the risk of developing a tumor, it is necessary to prevent skin cancer. It is recommended to limit the time spent under ultraviolet rays and avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and nicotine. If there is an occupational hazard, it is required to undergo an annual medical examination to detect pathology at an early stage. In addition, it is necessary to wear protective suits that limit skin contact with carcinogenic substances. One of the cancer prevention measures is self-examination of the skin. Any changes require immediate medical attention to diagnose the disease.

Hypertrophic demodicosis

Photo: hypertrophic demodicosis (rhinophyma)

Hypertrophic form - accompanied by hypertrophy of the skin, often by rhinophyma (changes in the nose, chin, disfiguring the face beyond recognition). It is advisable to treat facial demodicosis with cosmetics only at the very beginning, then only plastic surgery can help.

Demodex Complex helps at three stages, while most other drugs are designed only for the initial stage, so relapses are inevitable when using them. When treating demodicosis with Demodex Complex, repeated manifestations are excluded.

How is skin cancer treated?

The Moscow Yusupov Hospital has been diagnosing and treating skin tumors for many years. Thanks to modern equipment, skin cancer can be detected in the shortest possible time, and its type and stage can be accurately determined. This is necessary to determine further treatment tactics.

Highly qualified doctors of the medical institution select individual therapy, taking into account the obtained diagnostic data. In their work, specialists at the Yusupov Hospital use current recommendations for the treatment of skin cancer. You can make an appointment with an oncodermatologist and learn more about prices by phone.

Skin structure

The skin consists of three layers:

• The epidermis is the top layer of skin, the thickness of which is 1-3 mm. Consists of keratinized cells containing keratin. It performs a protective function.
• The dermis is the second layer of the skin, consisting of connective tissue fibers. The thickness of this layer is 1-3 mm. Thanks to the dermis, the skin is very elastic. It has a developed vascular system and nerve endings
• Subcutaneous tissue is the third layer, also consisting of connective tissue. It contains many fat cells that form subcutaneous fat, which has a protective function for internal organs.

to “Demodicosis in humans - photos, types, signs, symptoms and treatment”

1. Karina 10/27/2020 at 09:14

   Good morning! How can demodicosis of the eyelids be cured?

   Answer

   Administrator 10.27.2020 at 10:47

   Good morning. To treat demodicosis of the eyes, the same products are used as for the face - Kang cream and Xinsheng cream. The only difference is that it is better to use soap to wash your face, and Demodex Complex washing gel to wash your eyes, since the skin is more delicate.

   Answer

2. Maria 10.25.2020 at 08:04

   Hello! where can I find certificates for Demodex Complex products?

   Answer

   Administrator 10.25.2020 at 08:16

   Marie, you can view product certificates at the link -

   Answer

3. Irina 10/23/2020 at 08:07

   Hello, I recovered from the coronavirus, and two weeks after recovery, my cheeks, chest, shoulders and back were covered in dry, pimply pimples. My head began to itch and smell. I contacted the KVD. The analysis revealed demodicosis in all areas. For 10 days I have been taking Tiberal, Bakset, applying Azelik in the morning and Metrogyl in the evening. On the fourth day of taking the drugs, red blisters and a large spread of purulent pimples. Help.

   Answer

   Administrator 10/25/2020 at 08:20

   Irina, we recommend switching to Demodex Complex drugs - this is the most effective method of combating demodeosis in the world today.

   The manufacturer recommends the following drugs for treatment: – Demodex Complex soap cleanser; – Demodex Complex tonic (improves the penetrating ability of creams); – evening cream Demodex Complex; – morning cream Demodex Complex.

   Answer

4. Administrator 10.25.2020 at 08:27

   This is not the first appeal about the onset of the disease after coronavirus. Reproduction of Demodex mites has been recorded in individuals with a weakened immune system, which once again proves the influence of immunity on the initiation and development of the disease.

   Answer

How to treat a person

In case of facial lesions in the recent past, a course of systemic therapy was indicated, which included:

• taking tablets Metronidazole (Trichopol), Suprastin, Tavegil
• At the same time, local therapy was carried out with ointments for demodicosis benzyl benzoate, yam ointment, sulfur ointment, aversectin ointment, permethrin ointment. Most of these drugs are veterinary; not a single ointment can cope with the disease on its own. The course of treatment consists of a combination of drugs. Due to similar semantics with other skin diseases, such as psoriasis, dermatitis, patients may be mistakenly prescribed medications containing hormones that are strictly prohibited for demodicosis. Be careful, if you are prescribed treatment with corticosteroid ointments, it must be discontinued.

Demodex (demodecosis) is a disease common in all countries and at all times of the year.

According to TsNIKVI: “Carriage of the Demodex parasite was found on the facial skin of 89% of people.” The average age of women suffering from the disease is 44.5±2, and men – 38.3±5.4 years. Among the patients, 90% are women.

Demodex disease is caused by the subcutaneous Demodex mite (mite), which is found in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. The Demodex mite prefers places with increased sebum production.

“Long” demodex (Demodex folliculorum) and “short” Demodex (Demodex brevis)

An important concept in the treatment of demodicosis is “long” demodex (demodex folliculorum) and “short” demodex (demodex brevis).

“Long” demodex (demodex folliculorum longus) is a mite with a long, elongated worm-like body. The size varies from 0.272 to 0.480 mm. Lives inside hair follicles.

“Short” demodex (demodex folliculorum brevis) is a mite with a body length of 0.128 to 0.144 mm in males, 0.160–0.176 mm in females. Lives in the sebaceous glands.

Only a doctor can determine your type of demodex based on the results of a demodex test. When analyzing, be sure to ask your doctor what type of demodex was detected: “long” or “short”. This will determine the duration of your treatment:

• for “long” demodex, treatment with Demodex Complex products is 90 days;
• with “short” – up to 150 days.

Antiparasitic treatment quickly relieves the feeling of itching, which once again confirms the leading role of the Demodex mite in this disease, and also refutes the opinion of some dermatologists who deny its influence on the pathological process. Many doctors consider the iron mite only as a supporting factor for rosacea. Chinese dermatologists adhere to a different point of view, as do a number of scientists in our country (S.T. Pavlov, O.K. Shaposhnikov, V.I. Samtsov, I.I. Ilyin), expressing the opinion that demodex is an independent disease.

Infection occurs through direct contact. There are also known cases of infection in beauty salons during facial cleansing.

You will find more detailed information about demodex in the Questions and Answers section.

What are the most typical symptoms of demodicosis?

Where do inflammations caused by demodex mites occur (localization)?

The characteristic location of mites is the so-called “Demodex triangle”: wings of the nose, nasolabial fold, chin. The mite also affects eyelashes, ears, scalp, and neck. And with a long course of the disease, Demodex mites are detected on the skin of the chest, very rarely in the back area (0.5-0.7% of observations).

Demodex lives in the sebaceous glands and hair follicles and feeds on their contents. Prefers places with increased sebum secretion.