Skin diseases are accompanied not only by pain and severe discomfort, but also by the risk of unaesthetic scars or scars appearing on the skin. Therefore, it is extremely important to promptly contact a dermatologist who can diagnose the disease at an early stage and prescribe effective therapy. Our medical center provides the opportunity to receive qualified medical care, as a result of which it is possible to accurately diagnose and eliminate signs of skin damage. One of the most common problems with which patients come in this direction is demodicosis. This is a rather dangerous and problematic pathology, which is almost impossible to cope with on your own.
What is this?
Demodicosis in humans develops as a result of reproduction in the hair follicles, sebaceous glands of the skin and meibomian glands of the iron mite (Demodex). The breeding ground for the development of this parasite is sebum, so its main habitat is the skin of the face and external ears. But with a complicated course and lack of timely treatment, the skin of the chest and back is involved in the pathological process.
It is important to understand that healthy people can also be carriers of such a tick, since it is a representative of normal microflora. According to official statistics, about 60% of people are infected with Demodex, but not everyone develops this parasitic disease. Demodicosis of the body develops with the slightest disturbance of the biocenosis and a drop in immune defense.
First aid for a tick bite
First aid for a tick bite involves timely detection and proper removal of the parasite . If you remove a tick correctly using the instructions described above, the likelihood of contracting encephalitis, borreliosis and other viral diseases is reduced to almost zero, even if the insect was infected.
Virologists do not recommend emergency prevention, especially in field conditions far from medical centers. The problem is the pronounced side effects of emergency prophylactic drugs. Taking immunoglobulin (tick-borne encephalitis) or doxycycline (borreliosis), a person feels general fatigue, nausea, severe muscle pain and headaches, even fainting. Convulsions may occur.
Therefore, the best thing a person who has been bitten by a tick can do is to remove it correctly and immediately go to the nearest medical center. point, taking with you the extracted parasite . Doctors will take the insect for examination and, based on the analysis results, will be able to determine what viruses the tick was infected with. This approach gives the most effective results because:
- Doctors learn the patient’s possible diagnosis at an early stage, which greatly influences the effectiveness of future treatment. It is much easier to fight viruses in the early stages .
- A person who goes to a medical facility is already under the supervision of doctors.
- Ticks often carry multiple viruses at the same time. Laboratory studies of the insect will allow us to identify all the viruses that the tick carries and develop relevant drug treatment.
Important! Every tick bite is potentially dangerous. Therefore, it is better to go to the hospital. This is especially true for residents of areas endemic for tick-borne encephalitis and borreliosis.
Causes of demodicosis
As mentioned above, the main reason for the development of this disease is the active reproduction of the iron mite. There are several possible reasons that can lead to increased activity of these opportunistic microorganisms. These are internal and external factors. The first category includes:
- A significant drop in immune defense and exhaustion of the body caused by poor nutrition, autoimmune pathologies, previous diseases, constant stress, etc.;
- Viral and microbial diseases that occur in chronic forms (hepatitis, tuberculosis, etc.);
- Helminthiases. The vital activity of helminths contributes to the weakening of the immune system;
- Malignant neoplasms. With many types of oncology, the body becomes exhausted, making it more difficult for it to cope with infections;
- Damage to the gastrointestinal tract. There is a proven relationship between the bacterium Helicobacter pylori and demodicosis;
- Other skin diseases. These are seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, acne, etc. In the presence of inflammatory processes or integrity disorders on the skin, the risk of pathogenic activation of opportunistic flora increases significantly;
- Hormonal imbalance associated with illness or natural condition (for example, pregnancy or breastfeeding).
Skin demodicosis can also develop as a result of exposure to unfavorable external factors. As a rule, they are combined with internal ones, but in some cases (for example, choosing the wrong skincare products) they can be the main etiology. Among them:
- Temperature effect. This parasite multiplies especially actively in warm conditions;
- Unhealthy Lifestyle. This includes poor nutrition, frequent stress and bad habits;
- Use of low-quality cosmetics for care. This is especially true for cosmetics that do not have quality certificates and do not meet legal requirements;
- Poor environmental conditions. High levels of environmental pollution lead to a weakening of the barrier function of the skin.
Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis
There are currently several vaccine preparations against tick-borne encephalitis on the market. For example, EnceVir (EnceVir) made in Russia, or Encepur (Germany) , which is produced for both adults and children.
Every major city has laboratories involved in the research of tick-borne viruses and preventive medical clinics. At this link you will find the addresses of such medical institutions in different cities and regions of the Russian Federation.
At the end of the article, I would like to repeat the common truth - if you are bitten by a tick, immediately go to the nearest hospital . This is not an empty call, it is a recommendation that can save your life. And don't forget about preventive methods of protection. After all, if there is no tick bite, there will be no consequences .
Post Views: 3,387
Demodectic mange symptoms
Due to the fact that this disease can affect different areas of the skin, the clinical picture differs. In the cutaneous form, the following signs of demodicosis appear:
- Acne of varying severity: from small nodules and ulcers to rosacea;
- A strong tooth that causes discomfort. In most cases, it intensifies in the evening and night;
- Excessive sebum production. It is the greasy environment that is most nutritious for ticks of this genus;
- Red spots that are a symptom of high blood pressure in the blood vessels. This indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the body;
- Nose enlargement. If you contact a dermatologist late or in the absence of adequate treatment, it is possible to replace the functioning tissue with connective tissue.
Demodicosis of the eyelids and eyes, in turn, manifests itself as follows:
- Clumping of eyelashes. Along their growth line, a thin layer of film is formed that has adhesive properties;
- Redness of the eyelids as a result of the inflammatory process;
- Tired eyes. This symptom occurs due to inflammation and due to the fact that the patient is forced to strain his vision;
- Eyelash loss caused by damage to hair follicles.
Diagnostics
Demodicosis on the face and skin is diagnosed by a dermatologist. If the disease is secondary and has developed against the background of the underlying disease, then doctors of other specialties (gastroenterologist, gynecologist, trichologist, endocrinologist, etc.) may be involved for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. For diagnosis, first of all, visual inspection is used. The doctor evaluates the condition of the skin, eyes and affected areas of the body. In addition, eye biomicroscopy and laboratory examination methods are practiced. The most informative of them are:
- Slit lamp biomicroscopy of the eye is a non-invasive examination aimed at looking for active inflammation. This is an absolutely painless manipulation that does not require special preparation;
- Eyelash test - involves taking freshly removed eyelashes (4 from each eyelid) for further examination under a microscope. Using this method, it is possible to determine the number of parasites (the presence of more than 1 mite on 2-4 eyelashes is pathogenic). This is also a painless procedure, but before it is carried out it is necessary to abandon decorative and skincare cosmetics for several days;
- Biopsy. This is the most informative diagnostic method, but the most traumatic. Diagnosis is carried out under local anesthesia using a tubular knife or scalpel. The taken biomaterial is fixed in a formaldehyde solution for a day and treated with dyes. This makes it possible to fully visualize the gland and adjacent tissues with the pathogenic mite.
Folk remedies
Remember that folk recipes can help with drug treatment. Separately, they are ineffective and one should not refuse the help of doctors, as this will aggravate the situation.
Celandine juice is quite effective, but it is not suitable for everyone, since it can cause allergic reactions. It is used in the treatment of scabies. To use it, you need to dilute the juice with water in a ratio of 1:2, then wipe the rash with a cotton swab.
For demodicosis, tea tree oil is used, which helps relieve itching, relieve burning and improve skin condition. To do this, you need to take body cream and add a few drops of oil to it. Juniper infusion is also used.
To prepare it you will need dry berries that need to be chopped. One tablespoon of crushed berries is poured into a glass of boiling water and left for 5 hours, then filtered and used for rubbing. To increase effectiveness, before wiping, you need to wipe the skin with calendula infusion, and then use the infusion as a compress, which should be kept for no more than 20 minutes.
In addition to drug treatment and the use of traditional methods, a very important point in therapy is proper nutrition.
Classification
Demodicosis (photo can be found below) is classified into 2 main clinical forms - primary and secondary. The first diagnosis is made in the event of a sharp surge in parasitic reproduction and effective treatment with the use of antiparasitic drugs. In most cases, it occurs in people over 40 years of age. The secondary form is diagnosed by identifying concomitant skin lesions and systemic diseases (usually associated with immunodeficiency). In some cases, this diagnosis is found in people taking epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors and in those who have been exposed to ultraviolet radiation.
Based on the symptoms manifested on the skin, the following types of demodicosis are distinguished:
- Acneiform - the presence of papules and pustules similar to acne;
- Rosacea-like - papules appear due to diffuse erythema;
- Seborrheic - skin rash combined with peeling;
- Ophthalmic - inflammation of the eyelids, accompanied by discomfort in the affected eye.
Complications of the disease
Treatment of demodicosis on the face should be carried out exclusively with the assistance of a doctor. Self-medication or ignoring this problem may not only not bring the desired result, but also worsen the course of the pathology. Skin scratching and regular trauma to the skin (due to severe itching and the patient’s desire to remove the rash mechanically) lead to disruption of the barrier function. As a result, the risk of developing a pustular infection significantly increases, which can be diffuse and affect large areas of the body.
In addition, this disease (especially demodicosis on the face in women) leads to psychological problems. As a result of the appearance of visible defects, the patient becomes withdrawn, begins to feel embarrassed about his appearance and stops leading a full-fledged lifestyle (closes himself off from the outside world, stops communicating with people, prefers to be alone). As this problem worsens, the developed complexes can develop into psychoses, neuroses and prolonged depression.
A large number of people with this diagnosis have concomitant pathologies (gastrointestinal tract, endocrine glands, etc.) and chronic infectious foci. Demodicosis damage to the body contributes to the aggravation of these conditions and, accordingly, deterioration of well-being.
Signs of illness
After the mite is activated, the skin becomes oilier, shiny, and the pores become enlarged. Rashes, pimples and ulcers may appear. The number of red spots gradually increases, they become lumpy. Some patients notice swelling of the skin.
When a person is a carrier of the subcutaneous mite, symptoms may be completely absent. Only under certain circumstances will the number of parasites begin to increase.
If the mite parasitizes the eyelashes, whitish scales are visible at their base. Gradually, hair loss, redness of the eyes, watery eyes and severe itching are noted. Lack of treatment leads to the formation of crusts and constant discomfort. The patient becomes nervous and generally feels unwell.
Skin demodicosis
The transmission route is contact or contact-household. Can be transmitted through contaminated clothing, bedding, contaminated hands and more. Demodex is distinguished by its survivability under comfortable conditions that correspond to the daily life of most people. The parasite remains viable at a temperature of 17-20°C for 10 days or more, and in an aquatic environment at a temperature of 12-18°C for 3 days. When water is heated to 50° C, the microorganism dies within one minute, and at low temperatures it dies immediately.
To date, there is no single theory explaining the etiology of the development of the inflammatory process and the active reproduction of mites. But there are several predisposing factors that can provoke these processes:
- Excessive sebum production;
- Improper skin care, abuse of cosmetics (especially low quality);
- Long-term use of external corticosteroids;
- Poor nutrition (abuse of sugar, soda, spicy foods, coffee, alcoholic drinks);
- Concomitant gastrointestinal diseases;
- Reduced immunity;
- Hormonal imbalance, excess weight;
- Psychological problems, frequent stress.
What ticks are found in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus
In our latitudes there are most taiga ticks, less black-legged ticks. Individuals of the dermacentor species (meadow and pasture mites) are also often found. In the southern regions you can find a couple of agras species.
In Russia, ticks are distributed almost throughout the entire territory, but infected individuals are found in the central, eastern and northern regions . Especially many cases of encephalitis infection are recorded in the Tomsk, Sverdlovsk, Kurgan and Tyumen regions, as well as in the Altai Mountains and Buryatia.
Habitat area of encephalitis ticks
As for Ukraine, infected ticks are more common in the central regions, less often in the western and eastern regions. Approximately the same picture is observed in Belarus.
Demodectic mange of the eyelids
Treatment of demodicosis of the eyelids requires a comprehensive approach and qualified medical intervention. Demodectic blepharitis is a chronic disease that occurs with periodic exacerbation and remission. It has the following clinical picture:
- Severe eye fatigue associated with the need to strain to better focus on an object or letters;
- Intense itching in the eyelashes and eyebrows. Often this symptom intensifies with external exposure to heat, in the evening and at night;
- Foreign body sensation, burning and tingling that does not go away after washing or scratching;
- Sticky discharge from the eyes after waking up;
- Accumulation of foamy contents in the eye corners;
- Hyperemia, swelling and thickening of the eyelids (especially at the edges).
- The chronic form of demodectic blepharitis can be complicated by keratoconjunctivitis, keratitis and dry eye syndrome. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to consult with an ophthalmologist at our clinic, who will be able to prescribe preventative and therapeutic therapy aimed at maintaining eye health.
Demodicosis of the ear
This pathology does not always stop at the face. In advanced cases or in the absence of timely treatment, it spreads to neighboring areas of the body, including the ears. In such a situation, it will not be possible to quickly get rid of demodicosis, especially without medical help. Damage to the auricle is accompanied by the following clinical symptoms:
- Intense itching and irritation of the skin. As a result of constant scratching, bruises and microtraumas appear;
- Hyperemia and swelling of the ear, indicating an inflammatory process;
- The presence of red rashes of varying sizes and quantities;
- Pain upon contact with the skin (often a consequence of a violation of the barrier function of the tissue).
Demodicosis of the head
Ticks of the genus Demodex are representatives of opportunistic microflora of the skin on the body, including the head. They are present in almost all people on the planet. In everyday life, their activities do not cause visible discomfort; they exist in a mutually beneficial relationship with humans, fighting harmful microorganisms. But when the immune defense drops and unfavorable conditions set in, the parasites begin to multiply uncontrollably, as a result of which their numbers increase greatly, and the vital activity of these parasites becomes noticeable. This situation can result from:
- Hormonal imbalance;
- Long-term use of antibacterial and hormonal medications;
- Poor nutrition;
- Abuse of saunas, steam baths and solariums;
- Using low-quality cosmetics to care for skin and hair (since demodicosis needs to be treated comprehensively, our clinic specialists help patients choose the right and safe care products);
- Failure to comply with simple hygiene rules.
Demodicosis treatment
The treatment regimen for demodicosis is a set of measures aimed at eliminating external symptoms and the cause that provoked them. The final stage of therapy is the use of preventive measures that help consolidate the therapeutic result and prevent relapse of the disease. It is important to understand that it is almost impossible to cope with this problem on your own. This problem requires qualified help and long-term drug treatment, since an infected person is dangerous to others. It is a source of infection and can therefore infect other people.
Standard therapy aimed at eliminating demodicosis infection consists of several parts:
- Diet for demodicosis. The patient will need to give up fatty, spicy and smoked foods. It is also recommended to reduce your consumption of sugar, sweets and dairy products. The diet should consist of low-fat fish, vegetables and fruits;
- Local treatment. For this purpose, sulfur ointment is used for demodicosis, creams and sprays that have antibacterial and antiparasitic properties;
- Systemic treatment. It is aimed at normalizing sebum production and eliminating existing imbalances (hormonal or metabolic). To do this, it is possible to involve specialized specialists, prescribe antibiotics in tablet or injection form;
- Symptomatic treatment. It is aimed at improving the patient’s well-being, eliminating active symptoms (inflammation, itching, soreness and redness). For this purpose, a special anti-demodetic mange may be prescribed;
- Physiotherapy. To improve the condition of the skin, electrophoresis, laser therapy and ozone therapy are prescribed.
Since it is practically impossible to cure demodicosis quickly but effectively, the average duration of the treatment course ranges from one to several months. The duration depends on the severity of the pathology and the individual characteristics of the body (in some cases, treatment may take a year or more). The main criterion for cure is a repeat tape test with a negative result.
Life cycle, stages of development
These microscopic mites are inhabitants only of the human body; outside, they die. There are two types of demodex mites: brevis and folliculorum. Scabies mites are called scabies itch.
Their life cycle is quite short, lasting no more than 2 weeks. But thanks to reproduction and regular laying of offspring, they become parasites in the human body and the possibility of their extinction is excluded.
They go through several stages of development. First, the adult lays eggs, over the course of 2-3 days they mature and the larvae appear. Next, the larva passes into the nymph stage from which an adult emerges.
Only adult ticks pose a danger to human health. The diet consists of dead skin particles. They develop and live in the deep layers of the skin, but at night they come to the surface of the skin.
Regarding the symptoms that appear with demodicosis and scabies, they are very similar to each other. First, burning and itching of the skin appears. Only a specialist can diagnose the disease after examination and laboratory tests.
Demodicosis - drugs for treatment
Today, finding effective remedies for demodicosis will not be a problem. The specialists of our medical center select medications in the optimal form on an individual basis, thereby speeding up the healing process. The most popular and effective remedies are described below.
Soap
- Demolan Forte and Stop Demodex demodex.by are especially popular among patients. For demodicosis of the eyelids, the treatment regimen often includes these drugs, as they show excellent results due to the presence in the composition:
- Glycerin - absorbs moisture, holding it on the skin. This helps prevent drying, promotes hydration and improves elasticity;
- Octopirox is an antimicrobial component that inhibits the activity of ticks. It gently exfoliates the top layer of the epidermis, normalizing the process of formation of new cells;
- Propylene glycol - helps normalize microflora, moisturizes the stratum corneum;
- Diazolidinyl urea - provides an antimicrobial effect.
Lotion
Demolan Forte and Stop Demodex lotions are prescribed for constant facial skin care and for cleansing damaged skin areas (even demodicosis on the back) before using the gel. They are often used for eyelid hygiene (for blepharitis), as they deeply cleanse the pores and facilitate the penetration of the active substances of subsequent medications. With their help, it is possible to soften the epidermis and normalize fat metabolism without resorting to tapping the skin. As a result of their regular use, mites are deprived of their nutrient medium, and the tissue is regenerated at an accelerated rate without the formation of scars.
Balm
Therapeutic and prophylactic balm Stop Demodex significantly increases the effectiveness of the main therapy. With its regular use, a visible therapeutic effect is observed after 2-3 days. It has the following properties:
- Anti-inflammatory and bactericidal;
- Moisturizing the skin;
- Promotes rapid tissue regeneration and healing;
- Improves local metabolism;
- Penetrates the cell membrane of the epidermis, replenishes the lack of microelements.
Eye gel
When diagnosing eye demodex, it is strongly recommended to use Demolan Forte and Stop Demodex gels. The presence of peppermint extract in the composition guarantees local anesthesia and inhibition of inflammation. They have a calming and refreshing effect, due to which the patient’s well-being noticeably improves. The presence of metronidazole provides effective antiprotozoal and antibacterial effects, while hyaluronic acid helps improve skin elasticity and firmness. These demodicosis preparations are perfectly absorbed, do not clog pores and do not disrupt cellular metabolism. They accelerate tissue regeneration and prevent the formation of scars.
Cream
An effective cream for demodicosis, Stop Demodex, with constant use, makes it possible to stabilize the normal secretion of the sebaceous glands, restore the skin microflora, eliminate the uncontrolled proliferation of parasites of the Demodex genus and noticeably cleanse the skin from foci of inflammation. It does not contain antibiotics, perfectly nourishes, increases tissue firmness and elasticity, and does not have a comedogenic effect.
Mask
For demodicosis infection, it is strongly recommended to buy a Stop Demodex treatment mask. It contains the active Cutipure complex and white clay, which promotes deep cleansing of pores and reduces the proliferation of pathogenic mites. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and keratolytic effects. Its use allows you to normalize sebum production, tone the skin, improve metabolic processes in cells and accelerate tissue regeneration. Moreover, with its help it is possible to remove toxic molecules.
Shampoo
Using Stop Demodex shampoo for demodicosis of the head, you can significantly reduce itching, eliminate dandruff and stop the active reproduction of parasites. It has a strong anti-inflammatory and regenerating effect, fights mites and helps eliminate the consequences of the disease. Its effect is aimed at preventing ticks from sucking nutrients, disrupting their DNA replication and protein synthesis in the cell. The drug inhibits tissue respiration, which is vital for parasitic life.
What are subcutaneous mites - characteristics of the disease
Demodicosis is a dangerous disease that everyone should know about. It is caused by a subcutaneous mite and causes significant deterioration of the skin condition. It is important to recognize this disease as early as possible, since in the early stages it is much easier to cure.
In this publication we will talk about why the subcutaneous mite on the face becomes active, how to identify it, how the disease progresses, we will consider methods of home and drug treatment, as well as preventive measures.
The subcutaneous mite on the face is called demodex or iron acne.
This is a small arthropod that lives in the sebaceous glands and hair follicles of humans. Its size varies from 0.1 to 0.4 mm. Normally, it is present in every person - no more than 2-3 individuals per square centimeter.
In small quantities, the mite does not cause any harm to the body; on the contrary, it serves to maintain the normal acid-base balance of the skin. But when exposed to certain factors, the mite begins to actively multiply, and this leads to pronounced negative changes in the skin of the face.
Types of subcutaneous mites in humans and their characteristics
As a rule, 2 types of mites take root in humans, depending on the part of the body where they parasitize. For example:
- Demodex folliculorum, which prefers to live in hair, eyebrows and eyelashes. This type of mite reaches sizes from 0.2 to 0.4 mm.
- Demodex brevis. This type of mite parasitizes the sebaceous glands of humans. The size of the parasite is from 0.15 to 0.48 mm.
During the active phase, which is observed in autumn and spring, mites release toxic substances that affect the glands of the eyelids, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands. The parasite's diet consists of fat compartments and dead cells. The life cycle of demodex is 13–19 days. Adult Brevis mites penetrate the sebaceous glands and feed on their contents. At the same time, their back part remains at the entrance to the gland.
Thanks to this, eggs are released, which, together with sebum, are carried to the surface of the skin.
Subsequently, larvae hatch from them, which, being under particles of the epidermis, undergo metamorphosis, turning into adults. It is noteworthy that the tick in the skin is nocturnal. With its movements, it causes itching in a patient with demodicosis.
Routes of infection
This serious disease can occur in any person, regardless of gender and other characteristics. As far as is known, there are two routes of infection with demodicosis. Namely:
- As a result of direct person-to-person contact. This can be an ordinary handshake, touching a person’s skin, or as a result of a kiss, maybe even the most harmless, friendly one.
- As a result of indirect contact, through everyday objects.
Such items can be: bedding, personal hygiene products, a cover for an armchair or sofa, interior items, etc.
The subcutaneous mite thrives in conditions where a person’s immunity is weakened and he is unable to cope with the vital activity of such parasites. These arthropods, from the class of arachnids, begin to actively reproduce under certain conditions, which will be discussed further.
Reasons for development
A subcutaneous mite is a parasite that can stay in the human body for a long time and wait for optimal conditions in order to appear “in all its glory,” causing maximum discomfort to a person. When such favorable conditions appear and the mite begins to actively develop, demodicosis develops.
Further actions are treatment of the disease.
The appearance of such a disease is associated with certain factors that, one way or another, influence the development of the disease. For example:
Such a disease can be treated if a person approaches the problems of treatment with all seriousness. In order to correctly determine the treatment, it is necessary to thoroughly study the symptoms of this disease.
Symptoms of the disease
How can you tell if there is a subcutaneous mite on your face? Characteristic signs (symptoms) of demodicosis include:
- Acne;
- Oily sheen;
- Redness of the skin;
- Itching;
- Nose enlargement.
Since demodicosis interferes with the normal functioning of the skin, its characteristic feature is a constant oily sheen on the skin. The face always seems to be in a greasy shell, and no amount of washing removes these sensations.
Increased oiliness of the skin without a reason is often the first manifestation of subcutaneous mites.
A malfunction of the skin causes the formation of numerous pimples (they are also called “tick pimples”), acne, and later ulcers. The skin looks lumpy. Redness, which is one of the first symptoms of a tick-borne infection, worsens as the disease progresses.
Itching becomes a constant companion for patients with demodicosis. The fact is that the waste products of “facial” mites cause an allergic reaction, causing the face to itch and itch. Some people feel as if they can actually feel the mites moving around in the top layer of their skin.
Symptoms worsen at night. During the day, the activity of subcutaneous mites is much lower, this is due to the fact that Demodex is afraid of light. If a tick settles in the nose area, the organ tissue is replaced with connective tissue, causing the nose to become larger and fleshier. Part of the skin thickens and becomes crusty.
The unpleasant presence of “sand” is constantly felt in the eyes; they turn red and watery. At first glance, demodicosis is very similar to acne.
So, girls and boys, women and men may experience pimples, rosacea and even pustules, small ulcers. At first, all this “decorates” only the face, but if treatment is delayed, the source of the disease can spread to the skin of the back and chest.
With demodicosis, pimples are most often localized in a specific place, for example, on the left or right cheek, on the chin, etc. Pimples can also line up in a row - this groove shows the path of movement of the mite.
You can suspect demodicosis based on the following signs:
With demodicosis, eye fatigue and swelling of the eyelids may occur. Plaque may also form along the edges of the eyelids. Remember: regular pimples don't itch. If you notice that you want to scratch your face more and more often, do not delay visiting a dermatologist.
All the symptoms described sound scary, but they do not appear immediately.
By identifying the disease at an early stage and managing to cure it, you can prevent the most unpleasant manifestations of demodicosis. To do this, you need to understand what stages of disease development there are.
Prevention
Demodicosis of eyelashes and other parts of the body can be prevented. To do this, it is enough to follow simple preventive rules. This:
- Maintaining personal hygiene (regular showering, thoroughly washing your face, washing your hair and hair);
- Eat a varied, rational and healthy diet (include fish, vegetables and fruits in your diet);
- Increased immune defense;
- Correct selection of decorative and skincare cosmetics;
- Do not use other people's cosmetics and personal hygiene products.
Preventive methods of protection
Prevention is the best way to protect yourself from tick-borne encephalitis, Lyme disease and other viral infections carried by ticks. There is a certain set of rules that should be followed if you do not want to become the next victim of this quiet inhabitant of our fields and forests.
Preventive methods of protection against tick bites:
- Do not wear open-toed shoes such as sandals, sandals or flip-flops.
- You should also avoid shorts and T-shirts. It is better to choose pants and outerwear with long sleeves .
- It wouldn’t hurt to tuck your pants into your sneakers/boots, or even better, into your socks.
- As for color, it is better to choose light-colored things, since small ticks are better visible on them.
- Cover your head and neck.
- You can use special mosquito nets . Today there are even fishnet suits on sale.
- Don't neglect repellents. You can treat both exposed parts of the body and things.
- Avoid tall and thick grass.
- You should not collect and take home forest flowers and herbs.
- When traveling for a long time, regularly inspect your clothing for ticks.
Remember, the best defense is not getting bitten by a tick. No bite, no problem!
Demodicosis in children
- In childhood, this pathology rarely develops (due to the low activity of the sebaceous glands), but its course is much more complicated than in adults. As a rule, in children this disease is chronic, and relapses occur in the off-season. The main signs of the problem are:
- Swelling of the eyelids;
- Loss of eyelashes and hair;
- Severe eye fatigue;
- The appearance of spots on the skin;
- Itching, worse at night and on contact with water;
- Decreased appetite, moody behavior, decreased physical activity;
- Pain in the eyes.
The treatment regimen for democosis of the face and other parts of the body in children is practically the same as therapy for adults. It also includes diet, medication and rehabilitation aimed at healing the tissue and preventing scarring. The fundamental difference in the treatment method is only the dosage of medications, which will be lower in childhood.
Routes of infection
Subcutaneous mites are not always activated in the human body due to health problems or poor immunity; in some cases, accidental infection with these parasites is possible. Such infection can occur in the following ways:
- Personal hygiene products, cosmetics or bedding if they were used by an infected person.
- Contact with the sebaceous glands or hair of an infected person.
- Using non-sterile instruments in hairdressing or massage parlors.
Demodicosis in men
Demodectic mange infection occurs in both women and men, regardless of age or race. It has no distinctive features in its course, prognosis, symptoms and causes of development. Therapy is prescribed on an individual basis, but is usually the same for all genders. Differences may only relate to the dosage of medications.
According to statistics, women suffer from demodicosis 4 times more often than men. There is no scientific explanation for this information, but many are inclined to the hormonal theory. It is based on the fact that due to a regular surge of hormones (menstrual cycle, pregnancy), female representatives are more prone to stress and immunodeficiency states. The clinical picture of the disease is standard and includes:
- Skin rash of varying severity;
- Itching, pain and discomfort in the damaged area;
- Increased sebum production;
- Pain in the eyes, sensation of a foreign body.
The treatment regimen for demodicosis for women is standard. It consists of a diet, long-term medication and the use of special care products (oils, lotions, creams, etc.) to prevent relapse and consolidate the therapeutic result.
How to remove a tick (Video)
Before moving on to methods for removing ticks, here is a small list of what should never be done:
- Do not pick up a tick with your bare hands . Always use medical gloves; if not possible, use a bag.
- If someone advised you to douse a tick with gasoline, vodka, or cover it with Vaseline, do not listen! There is a myth that if you block the supply of oxygen, the tick will come out on its own; this is a dangerous misconception. The tick won't come out. But injecting saliva, rich in encephalitis pathogens, into the blood is easy.
- Do not press on the tick or pull it out using the usual method. The problem is that with such actions, the tick will most likely inject saliva into the blood, which may be infected.
The best advice we can give if you are bitten by a tick is to go to the nearest hospital immediately . There, the tick will be properly removed, the wound will be treated, and the insect will be sent for analysis to identify possible infections. If any disease is detected, it is much easier to treat it in the initial stages.
But if it is not possible to go to the hospital, then you should use one of the methods for properly removing a tick.
The first method is using special tweezers, which you can buy in advance.
The second method (field) of removing a tick is using a thread.
Removing a tick with a thread (photo)
Important! After fixing the tick with tweezers or thread, you need to unscrew it! Do not pull, do not press. Please exercise caution and patience.
Questions and answers on the disease
Can a sick person infect others?
Yes, you can become infected with demodicosis through contact and household contact. Kissing, hugging, contact with contaminated things of a patient (towel, bed linen, clothes and much more) can be dangerous for a healthy person. But this does not guarantee the manifestation of symptoms of the disease. Ticks of the genus Demodex are representatives of the opportunistic microflora of the skin. They are found in almost all people, but most of them are simply carriers. For the development of a pathological process, the presence of certain factors is necessary (for example, reduced immune defense against the background of an active or past disease).
Can you get infected from animals?
Animals, like humans, suffer from the activity of Demodex mites. But pathogens come in different types - and each of them survives exclusively in the body of its host. When exposed to other conditions, the parasite immediately dies. Therefore, it is impossible to become infected with demodicosis from a pet or wild animal.