Demodex Rosacea – Could Your Problem be Caused by Mites?
Could your rosacea be caused by a reaction to mites? Several new studies confirm the link between demodex mites and rosacea-like symptoms.
In the past, rosacea used to be a mystery and it was impossible to determine its exact cause.
Today, researchers are coming to new conclusions that could simplify the search for a rosacea remedy.
The demodex mite is a very small, spider-like insect. To most people, this tiny crawler is harmless but a few could be exceptionally sensitive. This sensitivity will trigger an inflammation response and the results will resemble the symptoms of rosacea.
Is Your Rosacea Caused by Demodex Mites?
Rosacea is characterized by excessive facial redness and the appearance of small bumps. These could appear on the nose, the forehead and the cheeks. Though mostly women are affected by rosacea, the condition could also affect men.
In the past, researchers had no idea what the cause of rosacea could be. New studies, however, are shedding some light on possibilities and explaining what is demodex rosacea.
The demodex mites harbor a vast range of bacteria. These typically live on the skin and researchers have found out that anywhere between 20 to 80 percent of adults have demodex mites on their body. Invisible to the naked eye, the mites can hide inside the pores and release bacteria there.
The bacteria are the ones that trigger the inflammatory response and cause the symptoms of rosacea. According to researchers, the mites themselves are not harmful and they can live on the human skin without causing problems. Detection is not easy because of the microscopic nature of this generally harmless mite.
In order to determine whether demodex is the cause of rosacea, a dermatologist will need to perform a skin biopsy and examine the sample under a microscope.
Skin scraping and the use of adhesive bands can also be used to collect a sample and look for a demodex infestation but the results of such tests aren’t always conclusive.
Research about Demodex Rosacea
Researchers are only starting to explore the connection between demodex mites and rosacea. The preliminary studies have interesting results. One study carried out in Mexico’s General Hospital in Mexico City conclusively established a relationship between the presence of demodex mites on the skin and the rosacea-like symptoms.
Scientists used microscopes to explore the skin of people who suffer from rosacea. In many cases, they found a higher concentration of demodex mites than in the case of individuals having rosacea-free skin.
Another experiment was carried out at Ohio State University. The study involved more than 100 volunteers who suffered from rosacea.
The volunteers were treated with a topical cream against demodex mites. A vast majority of these individuals experienced improvements in their rosacea symptoms. The medics involved in the experiment concluded there is strong evidence of a link between the presence of demodex mites on the skin and the appearance of rosacea symptoms.
Treatments for Demodex Rosacea
Now that we’ve established what is demodex rosacea, it’s time to take a look at the treatment possibilities. The good news is that rosacea called by the microscopic mites is relatively easy to treat. In fact, the treatment is much easier than in the case of rosacea with unknown origin.
Clinicians are already working on a topical remedy that kills the demodex mites, thus giving rosacea sufferers some relief. This cream is based on one active ingredient – ivermectin.
Ivermectin is safe for human use and it kills the demodex mites. According to dermatologists testing the topical remedy, it delivers excellent results in terms of decreasing the prominence of rosacea symptoms.
At-home remedies can also be used to improve the situation and get rid of the rosacea-causing mites. Tea tree oil is one common and highly effective possibility.
The tea tree oil has natural anti-bacterial qualities and according to some studies, it may also be capable of killing the demodex mites. In order to deliver the desired results, the tea tree oil used on the skin should have at least 50 percent concentration.
Since some people may experience irritation by this concentration of tea tree oil, it’s a good idea to do a patch sensitivity test before opting for this natural remedy. Omega-3 and vitamin E treatments have also proven to be effective for the treatment of demodex rosacea.
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish oil and they have powerful anti-inflammatory qualities. Vitamin E is essential for skin health.
The combination of the two soothes the skin, decreases the redness and nourishes to reduce irritation.
Talking to a dermatologist and having a skin sample examined microscopically will be essential to determine whether a demodex infestation is causing rosacea symptoms.
Alternatively, a topical treatment against demodex mites can be tried to figure out whether it will decrease the prominence of the symptoms. A consultation with a dermatologist, however, is the most adequate approach and the one that will deliver a sustainable, long-term solution.
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