How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of Demodex Mites?

It’s a question we often get here at Ungex, and the truth is that there is no one answer, it is based on the circumstance of the individual. To understand the treatment period for Demodex mites and how long it takes to get rid of them, you have to understand their life-cycle and life-span (yes, they are entirely different things!).

So, What are Demodex Mites?

You have probably noticed that Demodex is a kind of 8-legged microscopic mite that mostly lives under hair follicles and in oil glands within the skin of mammals. The two known species that live on humans can contribute to issues such as acne, rosacea, hair loss, blepharitis, hair thinning, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, unexplained itching, and much more

What is The Life-Cycle of Demodex Mite?

It takes three to four days from the time a female Demodex lays her eggs to the hatching of six-legged larvae. Seven days after the larvae are born, they are fully mature and can mate again. Studies suggest that Demodex mites have a total 14-day life cycle.

However, the life span of Demodex is up to several weeks. So there are many mites on the skin of people who are severely infected with Demodex, each of which reproduces several times during its lifespan.

According to the above, Demodex has a high capacity for rapid reproduction. If there is no obstacle, the population of this mite can increase rapidly. So, although it is not hard to kill a mite in theory, it takes time to eradicate them all when the mite population is so memorable.

Now it’s time to ask the question: How long does it take to get rid of Demodex mites in humans?

The Demodex Treatment Period

Although Demodex is relatively short-lived and survives only a few weeks, many of Ungex’s clients have suffered from Demodicosis for years. Some of them have tried different ways that either had no effect or had minimal impact in the long run.

Why don’t treatments like tea tree oil eliminate Demodex?

There are several reasons for this lack of treatment, some of which are as follows:

1. The way mites behave.
They spend the majority of their time under the skin, where treatment is not available. That is why they are not easily killed.

2. Some treatments are too harsh to the skin.
Traditional treatments for Demodex mites such as tea tree oil are very harsh to the skin. As most mites are under the skin, these harsh treatments of trial and error may wear the skin barriers down, and further benefit Demodex as it can take advantage of lowered immunity.

3. Population density.
Hundreds, thousands, or even millions of mites may be present. However, only a small percentage of them come to the surface periodically, where they can adequately be targeted.

4. Personal habits.

Certain things make individuals more habitable for mites. Things like washing at the wrong times, using products that will provide excess food for mites, irregular sleeping patterns, medication, or a stressful life can all influence the way mites react to treatment.

So, what is the actual period I need to treat the Demodex?
Now we get down to the nitty-gritty (no pun intended). Ungex estimates that it takes a minimum 3 – 4 month period to eliminate all generations from under the skin- but that’s not an absolute.

Factors that can influence treatment time are as follows:

• Health issues or stress
• Head to toe infestation
• An extremely high population
• Infestations that have gone on for many years
• Previous use of antibiotics, ivermectin or permethrin
• A higher number of D. Brevis rather than D. Folliculorum
• Sensitive skin where treatment has to be gradual (such as eye areas or rosacea-prone skin)

What is Ungex Demodex treatment?

Ungex products, by helping to create hostile environments, lay siege to the Demodex populations of your skin. Ungex causes reducing Demodex populations night after night until eventually none are left (all well-being kind to your skin!).

We also aim to incorporate positive habits to support long term success and control any cross transfer in the home environment for the duration of treatment (such as bedding, towels, hairbrushes, etc.) as well as a reliable support team of Consultants who are happy to answer any questions before, during and after treatment.

In summary, we aim to provide a complete package without any side effects and get results. It’s not an overnight miracle. However, it is a long term and stable option for those suffering from Demodex. We would love to help you through this journey.

Here are some of the products you can use to get started.