Demodex Die-Off Symptoms, Or, The Dark Hour Before The Dawn

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Demodex mites are tiny creatures that can reproduce on our skin, harm us, and bring different issues to our skin and hair. Those with severe Demodex infestation are always on the lookout for Demodex die-off symptoms.

"The darkest hour is just before dawn."

Thomas Fuller

Just before things start getting better, they may seem to get worse Demodex signs may get worse as the Demodex vanishes. But this condition is just before the recovery starts. Although this may not happen in all cases, it is common in severe cases. Surprised? Why should the symptoms get worse when the Demodex dies off?  Read on to find out.

Meet The Demodex Mites

From ancient times, humans have been hosts to different microorganisms. In other words, various fungi, bacteria, viruses, and mites naturally live inside or outside of our bodies and create a balanced ecosystem. Many of these tiny creatures seem to be good for us; for example, about 100 trillion bacteria live in your gut, making it more surprising and magical than the milky way. They are the small miracles that keep your digestive system healthy, and their imbalance is linked to numerous chronic conditions.

On the other hand, although they do not seem to do any good for us, some microorganisms are not harmful either. Demodex mites (as long as there are not many) seem to fall into this category. They are tiny mites that live in small numbers in our skin follicles. Although their population depends on various circumstances, they do not cause trouble in small numbers. So, they are considered an example of Commensalism.

[Commensalism meaning: Commensalism is a model of coexistence in which one organism benefits and the other obtains neither benefits nor suffers.]

However, maybe Demodex mites are not so useless. Perhaps their positive features are not fully discovered yet. For example, an article declared that they might act as a natural cleansing system in small numbers that clean the skin from excess oils, dead cells, etc.

Two species of Demodex are found on our skin - Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis. Most of the time, they are in the follicles and sebaceous glands and come out at night to mate with each other. They turn back to their shelter before the sun rises. Demodex mites hate sunlight; so, our skin is a safe passage for Demodex outside the nest at night.

The Way Demodex Mites Harm Us

Most of the time, the body's defence mechanism prevents Demodex and other micro-residents from multiplying more than the safe range required to maintain a balanced ecosystem. 

However, if the immune system does not operate correctly - for instance, defects of the immune system or patients consuming immunosuppressive drugs - Demodex may grow more than usual, passing five per cm square of skin. Now, they are no longer harmless but act as parasites and harm our bodies.

It is usually claimed that Demodex by itself does not cause skin and hair issues, but trigger or worsen them for people who already have these conditions. However, some articles discuss the cases that Demodex has a direct role in developing. 

Some of the dermatological concerns connected with the large population of Demodex are as follows:

  • Rosacea
  • Blepharitis
  • Acne vulgaris
  • Sty
  • Non-specific facial dermatitis
  • Androgenetic alopecia
  • Lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei
  • Dissecting folliculitis
  • Chalazion
  • Hair loss
  • Hair thinning 

Furthermore, severe Demodex mite infestations may be associated with the following signs:

  • Skin colour and texture changes
  • Flaky skin
  • Red skin
  • Sensitive skin
  • Irritation
  • Itchiness
  • Rash 
  • Eye sensitivity and inflammation
  • Falling eyelashes.
  • Burning sensation
  • Rough skin like sandpaper
  • Eczema

So, what do you think about getting rid of all these annoying symptoms by eliminating Demodex? Do the symptoms really get worse as the Demodex mites' population starts dwindling? Stay with us to get the answer.

Demodex Die-Off Reaction

No matter how you eliminate the Demodex mites, when a large number of them die at once, the symptoms may get worse for a short time before beginning to get better. This situation is known as Demodex Die-off Reaction or Healing reaction. The principal reason for this reaction is because of what the Demodex carries.

[Need to know more About Demodex mite treatment, follow this link.]

What Does Demodex Carry?

The Demodex is a portable vector for bacteria, fungi, and other harmful microorganisms. Furthermore, Demodex does not have an anus; so, whatever it holds in its body resides there till the time it dies. After the body of Demodex decays, all it holds leaks out onto our skin. The more Demodex mites die simultaneously, the greater the contamination will be.

These toxic bacteria and substances are responsible for most of the mite's manifestations. In other words, what the mites brought to us is mostly secondary to these harmful substances.

Well, then it is not surprising that one of the Demodex die-off symptoms is the worsening of these symptoms.

However, as Thomas Fuller has declared, the darkest hour is just before dawn. That means this worsening of the symptoms is usually temporary, and after a while, they subside, and you will feel better. In other words, the healing reaction indicates the proper functioning of therapeutic compounds.

However, this reaction doesn't occur for all. If the initial population of mites is not so large, it is unlikely to happen. In other words, many people who use anti-Demodex treatments feel better from the first few weeks without experiencing any symptom flare-ups.

What Causes Demodex Die-Off Reaction?

Demodex mites primarily reside in hair follicles and sebaceous glands, especially in facial areas such as the forehead, cheeks, and nose. They feed on dead skin cells and sebum (oil), which is why an increase in sebum production can lead to their overpopulation. Several factors can contribute to the die-off of Demodex mites:

Topical Treatments:

The use of topical treatments like medicated creams or lotions containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, or tea tree oil can target Demodex mites and cause their numbers to decline rapidly.

Systemic Medication:

In severe cases of Demodex overpopulation or related skin conditions like rosacea, doctors may prescribe oral medications like ivermectin to reduce mite populations.

Changes in the Skin Environment:

Changes in the skin's pH levels, temperature, or moisture content can also impact Demodex mites and cause their numbers to decrease.

Stress and Immune Response:

Stress and weakened immune systems can make the skin more susceptible to Demodex mite overgrowth. As the body's immune system responds to the presence of mites, their population may decrease.

demodex die off reaction

Demodex Die-Off Symptoms With Ungex Products

Ungex products are high-quality Australian-based products that help you remove Demodex mites from your skin, as well as from other surfaces. To prevent or subside the Demodex die-off symptoms, we recommend our customers dilute our specific products based on the instructions for the first few weeks of usage, especially people who have sensitive skin or severe head-to-toe Demodex infestation.

See the Impact of Ungex on Demodex Die-Off

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Symptoms of Demodex Die-Off Reaction

When Demodex mites start to die off in large numbers, it can lead to a temporary worsening of symptoms and skin irritation. Some common symptoms experienced during Demodex die-off reaction include:

Increased Itching:

As the mites die and their body parts decompose, it can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to increased itching.

Redness and Swelling:

The body's immune response to dying mites may cause redness and swelling in the affected areas.

Temporary Worsening of Skin Conditions:

Individuals with pre-existing skin conditions like rosacea or acne might experience temporary exacerbation as the mites die off.

Dry and Flaky Skin:

As the mites feed on sebum, a sudden decrease in their population can lead to dry and flaky skin.

Pustules and Bumps:

In some cases, pustules or small bumps may appear on the skin due to the inflammatory response.

24 thoughts on “Demodex Die-Off Symptoms, Or, The Dark Hour Before The Dawn”

    1. Hi Maggie, thanks for your question.
      I have to tell you these mites can be dropped from your skin and hair on your pillowcases and sheets and be retransferred to you. But if you start your treatment to stop this retransferring, you can use our spray “PDT” for those places where you have body contact, like those you told. A few sprays before going to bed (15 mins before going to bed). Then you will be sure that your personal items won’t contain mites.
      Actually, you may use washing and drying them in sun too at the same time.
      But keep in your mind they want to come back to your skin/hair since you can feed them and pillowcases can’t.

    1. Hi Regina,

      These parasites are skin parasites and feed on nutrients on the surface of the skin and the lower layers of the skin, such as sebum. So they do not penetrate into the organs

  1. I have been treated for a scalp outbreak with a variety of diagnoses. No treatment had helped after an entire year. My lashes are infected and I have severe digestive issues. Doctors tell me everything is fine. I strongly fear a cutaneous parasitic infection. I’m not sure where to turn.

    1. Hi, thanks for your message.
      I can’t comment on your digestive problems, but skin problems related to parasites like Demodex are very related to stress and a weak immune system. Even if you have skin parasites like Demodex, they can be treated and there is no need to be afraid. You can contact our consultants to benefit from a free consultation in the field of Demodex parasites.

        1. Dear friend,

          Thank you for sharing your concerns about your severe Demodex infestation. It sounds like you are experiencing a lot of discomfort and frustration due to this condition. The good news is that there are effective treatments available to help manage Demodex infestation, and Ungex is one such treatment that has shown promising results.

          Ungex is a natural and safe treatment that targets Demodex mites and helps to eliminate them from the skin. The treatment involves a series of topical applications, which can be tailored to your specific needs and the severity of your infestation.

          I highly recommend that you start Ungex treatment as soon as possible, to alleviate your symptoms and prevent the spread of Demodex mites.

          Best of luck with your treatment, and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions or concerns.

  2. I just went to the dermatologist, they said it wasn’t contagious, now I’m reading that is? I don’t know what to think, it’s devastating enough you have it, now you’re scared you might give it to someone else.

    1. Demodex mites are not usually considered contagious in the traditional sense like the common cold or flu, but they can be passed from person to person through close contact such as between family members, couples, or close friends. It is important to take precautions such as avoiding direct contact with other people’s skin, washing your bedding and clothing regularly, and maintaining good personal hygiene to limit the spread of Demodex mites. Our Product, PDT, is the best product that you can manage your personal items.

  3. I believe me and my 2yr old daughter have severe infestations and am sooo super freaked out and devastated… I’m a single mom and do not have barely ANYTHING outside of providing my baby’s neccessities… I don’t know what to do…??? I’ve also been seeing alot of statements of a medicine called ivermectin…??? And tea tree oil…??? ANYYYYYY advice and help would be greatly appreciate!!!

    1. It is unlikely that a 2-year-old would have a severe Demodex mite infestation, as babies typically do not have many Demodex mites due to the lack of sebaceous gland activity. However, it is still recommended to consult with a dermatologist or medical professional to have your daughter properly evaluated, maybe there’s another issue. I don’t recommend any medicine to your daughter. But you may be in contact with our consultation team here.

  4. Can demodex mites impact the hypodermis (fat cells) at all? I had a fat transfer procedure to my face 6 months ago and feel like my volume has suddenly decreased dramatically since the investigation started. I’ve very devastated by this. It all started from using the Tacroloimus from my dermatologist, and now I have a full full of mites and feel like it’s decreasing my facial volumes

    1. While Demodex mites impact on hypodermis (fat cells) is not well-documented, sudden changes in facial volume following a fat transfer procedure and the use of Tacroloimus should be discussed with a dermatologist or medical professional. Factors like post-surgical healing and underlying conditions could contribute to volume changes, and seeking expert advice is essential to address your concerns appropriately.

    2. Miserable. Have had full body infestation for 4 months no relief with 3 rounds of steroids which caused massive weight gain to add to this hell and 3 rounds of Ivermectin oral and permethrin creams. 2 rounds of antibiotics and eye drops. I can’t afford Ungex. Please help!

      1. we are so sorry to hear this, one of our team will be in touch to talk a bit more about what you have been through and if we can help.

  5. I had neck surgery in April. Started PT in June. By July I’m infested with the demodex mites. I guess from the weakened immune system from the surgery. I’ve taken 2 doses of ivermectin and 2 doses of permethrin. I’m still having severe crawling in my nose, face and whole body. They also ruled out scabies because they crawl under my breasts and feet. I guess I can talk to a representative to find out the best treatment might be for me. It’s awful and very stressful.

    1. I’m really sorry to hear about your struggle with Demodex mites, especially during your recovery from neck surgery. It sounds like you’ve been through a lot, and I can understand how stressful this situation must be. It’s essential to seek professional guidance for effective treatment options, you can be in touch with us here and start Ungex Demodex Treatment.

  6. I have this feeling in the daytime that they are crawling in my nose and ears and eye lashes. I thought they only come to the skin surface at night. Why are they bothering me all the time?

    1. I’m sorry to hear about your discomfort with Demodex mites. While these mites are more active at night when they come to the skin’s surface, they can occasionally cause sensations during the day due to their presence. To address this issue, you can be in contact with our consultants here.

    1. Thanks Ann for your comment. If you say it’s that much big, it may be another problem than Demodex mite. Since Demodex mites are microscopic parasites.

  7. I have had this Demodex mites for 14 months. I went to 5 Dermatologist, 2 different Emergency Rooms 5 times to each of them. 2 Urgent Cares with a total of about 13 Doctors. No one would look at it seriously.. “Put a Bandaid on it”. “Take Sphyco pills”. “Your in your 50’s, it’s all in your head”. It has been horrible. I am finally using Tea Tree oil. I hope this works plus I will check out this medicine. Wish me Luck

    1. I’m sorry to hear about your frustrating experience with Demodex mites. It’s great that you’re trying Tea Tree oil, but you should know for long term use, it can make your skin harsh. I would also recommend looking into Ungex Demodex treatment, as it has been effective for many individuals in addressing Demodex infestations. Best of luck with your treatment journey, and I hope you find relief soon!

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