Demodex Mites, Critters That Crawl on Your Face
Due to its abundant food resources, human skin is a great place for many microscopic organisms to build their nest. Although the human body has a symbiotic relationship with countless microbes, not all symbioses are beneficial. Some microorganisms cause damage to the human body and their coexistence with humans is considered parasitic. Skin parasites cause infection and other possible skin concerns in different parts of the skin. They consume food supplies and leave harmful residues. For example, Demodex mites, a common skin parasite, grow and spread over the skin, and cause or exacerbate dermatological issues.
Although the human body has hosted these microscopic organisms for thousands of years, scientists have discovered Demodex over the last century. In fact, the discovery of these mites has revealed the cause or exacerbation of many skin and hair complications and inflammation. The following article, along with the full introduction of this parasite and its effects on the skin, helps you get rid of the source of many of your problems.
Demodex Mites Morphology and Types
Although Demodex mites resemble worms, they do not fall into this category. Rather, they belong to the Arachnid family and are close relatives of ticks and spiders.
Demodex mites have a semi-transparent body and move at a speed of eight to sixteen centimetres per hour with their small, segmented feet (just like spiders). Their elongated body consists of two fused segments: the chest and the abdomen. Their length is usually less than half a millimetre and not visible to the naked eye.
Since the discovery of these microscopic creatures, different types have been found that live on the skin of various mammals. Of this wide diversity, fortunately only two species can survive in the human body. These two species are:
- Demodex folliculorum
- Demodex brevis
Although both types of human Demodex can survive in most parts of the skin, each of these species tends to live in specific regions. Demodex brevis prefer oil glands, while their counterpart tends to live in follicles.
These parasites loot resources required by the skin and hair, such as sebum, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Due to the Demodex's great interest in oils, they tend to live in the oily part of the skin, such as hair follicles, sebaceous glands, eyelids, cheeks, around the ears and nose, forehead, and chest. Many studies show that high concentrations of Demodex are located mainly in these areas.
Demodex Mites Life Cycle
Demodex mites hate light. That's why they spend most of their short life inside the skin pores, as well as in and beneath the hair follicles. They come up to the surface in the dark of night when we are asleep, and return before the sun rises. Demodex mites mate on top of the skin or near it, where they also feed and secrete harmful substances.
After mating, they return to the hair follicles and sebaceous glands to lay their eggs near food sources. Within a few days, the mite larvae hatch and grow rapidly using oil, vitamins, and other food sources. As they grow, they move along the follicular duct toward the surface and mature as they reach the outside. The larvae have six legs, but they grow two new ones when turning into adults. Each of these organisms can mate and reproduce again after reaching maturity.
The life cycle of Demodex (from spawning to puberty) is about 14 to 16 days, while their lifespan is several weeks. This means that any Demodex parasite can mate and lay eggs over and over during this time. The relatively long lifespan of mites compared to their short life cycle allows them to grow explosively. They can reproduce very quickly in the right conditions and get out of control in a short time.
Demodex-Linked Pathogens and Complications
These tiny organisms constantly move between the skin depth and surface, carrying pathogens and contaminants to hair follicles and other sensitive structures inside the skin. In fact, the high population of Demodex exacerbates various complications and intensifies inflammation.
On the other hand, these parasites do not have an anus. Therefore, whatever they consume is stockpiled inside their body. That's why individuals may encounter extra severe issues when a large population of them die simultaneously. Their bodies rot and their contents gradually spread over the skin. What they release contains many allergens, irritants, and inflammatory substances. In addition, many viruses, bacteria and fungi involved in different types of dermatological issues are discharged from their bodies and infect the skin. Corpse accumulation can block the skin pores and set the stage for acne and other inflammatory skin problems.
However, as mentioned above, Demodex also secrete toxic materials throughout their lives. These stimulants cause the immune system to react and trigger a cascade of inflammatory reactions, leading to the exacerbation of skin problems.
The activities of Demodex mites, especially when they are dense, may cause or exacerbate dermatological issues. Some of these complications include:
- Acne
- Eczema
- Rosacea
- Blepharitis
- Dermatoses
- Hair loss
- Freckles
- Itchy skin
- Wrinkles
- Hair thinning
- Incidents of many infections and other skin complications
However, Demodex usually do not directly cause these disorders, rather aggravate their symptoms. Still, in recent years, there have been some reports of Demodex mites directly causing some skin troubles such as blepharitis.
These skin mites act as a barrier to skin and hair therapies. That's why to implement any successful skincare procedures one should eliminate these skin parasites first.
Transmission of Demodex Mites
Since these parasites move along the skin and hair, they can easily transfer to others. The mites are usually found in all personal items of contagious people, such as towels, combs, hairbrushes, pillows, bedspreads and so on. Other people who use these belongings are exposed to Demodex infection.
On the other hand, going to public places such as hairdressers and beauty salons also increases the risk of infection as they use the same equipment for different people.
Also, in sports complexes such as swimming pools, where many people swim in the same place, the chance of getting Demodex is higher. Moreover, skin-to-skin contact, which is common between family members and close buddies, can easily transmit these parasites. Kissing, hugging, and any skin contact can transmit Demodex.
Newborn babies don't have Demodex. These mites have been thought to be first acquired from parent-to-infant skin contact. However, the good news is that Demodex cannot survive and multiply on children and infants. Thus, Demodex-related issues are pretty rare in this age group.
The most important advice to prevent infection is not to share personal belongings between family members. It is also necessary to pay attention to health tips in public environments. Spraying small amounts of SDT or PDT on contaminated surfaces can kill all of these parasites and prevent them from being transmitted to others.
Detect and Fight!
Many studies show that people who suffer from a variety of skin and hair conditions such as pimples, acne, thinning hair, rosacea, blepharitis, pruritus, hair loss, etc., often struggle with a high density of Demodex.
Dermatologists who worked in the field of Demodex mite infection usually detect high densities of Demodex based on a set of data including symptoms, clinical observations, and laboratory tests. Some personal habits and lifestyles, as well as suffering from multiple skin issues, are a good guide in estimating the density of Demodex. You can also take the Ungex online free test, the link to which is provided on this page, to estimate the severity of Demodex infection on your skin. This test estimates the population of your Demodex and analyzes the results very quickly and accurately. It also helps you take the necessary steps to solve this problem. Due to the contagious nature of Demodex, we recommend that all your family members take this free test. They may be asymptomatic, but they can be a carrier for Demodex and pass them on to others.
Ungex Mite Solution technology is one of the few protocols that has organized a comprehensive fight against the high density of Demodex. In fact, by using the natural and herbal products of this company and adhering to its unique protocols, you can eliminate Demodex and help solve the problems caused by them.
Ungex Anti- Demodex products directly target the parasites and remove them from the skin and hair, as well as other surfaces. Our products have no side effects, and you can use them with a comfortable mind on different parts of the skin (even on sensitive areas such as eyelids and ears).
Reference:
Human Demodex Mite: The Versatile Mite of Dermatological Importance
