What are the symptoms of demodicosis, the first signs of the disease in humans

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Published: 02.03.2018

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Demodectic mange affects people and animals: dogs, cattle, sheep, pigs, cats. Anyone faced with an unpleasant diagnosis of a colleague, family member, or pet asks the question - is Demodecosis contagious or not? Is it worth quarantining or taking other measures to protect yourself from infection?

Two subspecies of iron gadgets live on humans:

• demodex folliculorum - in hair follicles;
• demodex brevis - in the sebaceous glands.

Doctors still do not come to a consensus on whether a mite on the skin is an abnormality or not. Most dermatologists are sure that demodex and its carrier are in epibiosis, that is, the glandular is not a parasite, but simply a cohabitant that does not cause harm.

Only a few scientists believe that if any number of mites are found on the skin of a person, medical intervention is required.

The presence of microorganisms on the skin does not mean that a person is infected. 98% of the world's population is a carrier of the parasite and do not even know about it. Demodectic mange will only appear if the mites begin to multiply abnormally quickly.

People with good health, properly functioning immune, nervous and hormonal systems, are insured against demodicosis. The mite living on their skin will not be able to multiply quickly and cause acne.

Features of the tick

Demodex is a conditionally pathogenic microorganism. In 90% of the world's population, the mite is present on the skin. However, not everyone shows signs of the disease. Most people are native speakers. Under the influence of certain factors, microorganisms are activated and begin to multiply actively.
A subcutaneous mite is localized on the face, head, since it is there that a large number of hair follicles and sebaceous ducts are concentrated. The parasite feeds on particles of the epidermis, fat. During the active reproduction of microorganisms, a person does not feel anything. After 20 days, the tick dies, begins to decompose, and poison the cells. At this moment, symptoms of demodicosis appear.

General information

In fact, human skin is an ideal breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria, microbes, microorganisms, and parasites. After all, heat and moisture are maintained here, which is a favorable environment for life and there is always a source of nutrition.

Almost every person has a subcutaneous tick, based on statistical data, 98% are carriers of the parasite demodex. How it looks can be seen in the photo.

If a person is healthy and there are no favorable conditions for the reproduction of these mites, then they do not cause any inconvenience and complications. They live deep in the skin and do not manifest themselves in any way. In addition, they are able to cleanse and renew the skin by absorbing dead particles of the epidermis.

They also stop the penetration and development of dangerous microbes. But when favorable conditions come for them, the population increases sharply, which causes the development of demodicosis. Most often, the reason for the intensive reproduction of these individuals is a weakened body and various diseases.

It is simply impossible to see these microscopic individuals. An adult can reach a maximum size of 0.4 mm. There is another type of mite - scabies, which is transmitted to humans by contact. It is very contagious and one touch to a patient with scabies is enough.

Demodex mite

The demodex mite manifests itself when the human immune system is weakened. This usually happens in the spring-autumn periods, when our body, having spent its internal reserves of useful microelements, begins to weaken. The environment and habitat of the individual are eyelash follicles, which are adjoined by 2-3 sebaceous glands, which secrete the main nutrient for the tick - sebum.

The diagnosis of demodicosis disease is established after the detection of a tick in the scraping of the affected skin area or on the removed hair, eyelashes.

Reproducing, the acne gland captures new areas of the body and provokes an allergic reaction of the body to its waste. The size of the parasite is on average 0.1-0.3 mm. Its life cycle is 1.5-2 weeks, during which the female is able to produce huge offspring and provoke serious lesions.

The tick has its own developmental stages, due to which it constantly renews its flora and increases the foci of inflammation. There are five stages of parasite development.

Mite egg

The female lays eggs in the sebaceous glands. Its size is 0.09 mm in length and 0.03 mm in width. The process of emergence of the larva takes 2-3 days.

Demodex larva

The larva is 0.2 mm long and 0.04 mm wide. She does not move, but her nutritional reflex is activated.

Tick ​​protonymph

After abundant nutrition for 2-3 days, the tick larva passes into protonymph. Demodex is enlarged and is 0.3 mm long and 0.04 mm wide. The difference between the mouth and legs of the protonymph does not differ significantly from the gnatosome of the larva. After 3-4 days, the next phase of development begins - a nymph.

A distinctive feature of this development is the appearance of limbs, which makes it possible to actively move along the follicular bag of hair and eyelashes. Strongly developed mouth organs (gnathosoma) are observed. The transition to the final stage of development is carried out within 3 days.

Tick ​​specimen

An adult individual of the acne gland has 4 pairs of limbs, which are located on the abdomen, he is able to move up to 0.5 mm per hour, affecting new areas of the skin of the hair, the sebaceous glands of a person.

Activation of the tick in the human body leads to the onset of the demodectic disease.

Localization locations

The favorite habitats of the tick are the face, eyelids, shoulders and chest, and the external auditory canal.
These areas are prone to active sebum production. It happens that Demodex settles on the arms, legs, hands, but this is more the exception than the rule.

It happens that a tick affects the turbinates. The patient's nose looks swollen and swollen. If the hair follicles are damaged, the hair stops growing and actively falls out, which can lead to alopecia.

IMPORTANT! If left untreated, demodicosis can cause more serious skin problems such as acne, rosacea, and dermatitis.

How subcutaneous mites are transmitted

According to experts, demodicosis is transmitted to babies from the mother on the seventh day after birth. Symptoms do not always appear. That the disease is transmitted from person to person has been proven many times. There are several ways of infection, but close contact with the source of the disease is always needed.

Demodecosis

Demodectic mange in humans is transmitted by hugging, kissing, contact with infectious things, bedding, hygiene products, through hats, combs, towels, napkins. Demodecosis is contagious in humans, even in the absence of vivid symptoms of the disease, with a carrier.

Why the lack of treatment is dangerous

If symptoms are ignored and in the absence of special treatment, demodicosis in humans can turn into a chronic form, which is characterized by different consequences depending on the affected area. Running demodicosis of the scalp can lead to profuse hair loss, the formation of bald patches and crusts in the area infected with the mite. Also, with such a disease, local baldness is possible.

If untreated, facial demodicosis can spread, occupying more and more area. This is manifested in the appearance of spots on the face, which are covered with a rash and are characterized by severe itching.

Launched demodicosis of the eyelids is manifested by the presence of a large number of crusts, severe loss of eyelashes and palpable itching. In addition, the appearance of "barley" on the eyes is becoming more frequent.

To avoid relapse, it is necessary to exclude all objects in contact with the eyes during the period when eyelid demodicosis was diagnosed: mascara, cosmetic sponges, makeup brushes, pillowcases, etc.

Etiology of the disease demodicosis

Demodecosis is a disease of the human skin that is caused by a demodex mite. Their habitat, the sebaceous glands of the human body, hair follicles. When the immune system is weakened, the parasite penetrates deep into the skin layer, which causes skin inflammation. Its symptoms are similar to rosacea or acne, which leads to a misdiagnosis.

In addition to weakening the body's immune defenses, there are other factors for the manifestation of this disease.

• disruption of the human endocrine system,
• constant stressful situations,
• the presence of hormonal and biological additives in cosmetics,
• plentiful consumption of coffee drinks,
• alcohol abuse
• hot seasonings for food,
• visiting dirty saunas and baths, solariums,
• close contact with a pathogenic tick carrier through a handshake, violation of hygiene standards.

The microorganism is detected only in laboratory research. To carry it out, 4-5 cilia are taken from the eyelid. They are placed on glass and an alkaline solution or 1 ml is added there. glycerin. After that, the substance is examined under a microscope.

• eyelids,
• the upper part of the superciliary arch,
• the frontal part of the head,
• the outer part of the ear canal,
• folds under the nose over the lips,
• the upper part of the dorsal region,
• hairline of the chest,
• the chin,
• hands,
• groin area.

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If inflammatory processes occur in these places, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor and establish the cause of these manifestations.

Diagnostics

When there is a suspicion of the development of a disease of demodicosis, what does the diagnosis suggest? Acne is detected by a biological sample taken from the patient. The latter is examined under a microscope. A week before the intended visit to the laboratory, a person should not use cosmetics or take care of the body using alkaline hygiene products. If this condition is disregarded, the diagnostic results may turn out to be incorrect.

Sampling in case of suspicion of the development of demodicosis is carried out in the following ways:

• performing scraping from the affected areas of the epidermis;
• taking eyelashes for analysis;
• gluing a special transparent tape to the problem area, which after a while is removed and placed under the microscope between the instrument glasses.

Predisposing factors

The subcutaneous mite on the face is contagious, but the likelihood of infection in an infected person is extremely small. A weakened or pathologically weak immunity contributes to the development of demodicosis. The body is not able to restrain the vital activity of microorganisms, symptoms appear.

Contribute to the development of demodicosis:

• chronic fatigue;
• stressful situation;
• exhaustion of the nervous system;
• heredity;
• oily skin type, improper functioning of the sebaceous glands;
• hormonal disbalance;
• metabolic disease;
• non-observance of facial hygiene;
• squeezing acne;
• alcoholic drinks;
• smoking;
• abuse of fried, spicy foods;
• prolonged exposure to the sun in direct sunlight;
• pregnancy;
• liver pathology;
• long-term use of antibiotics, other medicines;
• frequent colds with high fever;
• taking hormonal drugs;
• pathology of the endocrine system, malfunctioning of the thyroid gland;
• tendency to allergies;
• bowel disease;
• fungal infection;
• chronic pathologies.

The reasons

Folk remedies

For the combined treatment of diseases caused by iron gland, not only medicines are used, but also folk remedies.

It is important to understand that they will not help without complex treatment, because the tick has a high survival rate and adaptability.

Folk remedies are mainly herbal treatments, they can also have contraindications, so before applying any treatment, carefully study its effect.

Wormwood decoction

Prepared as follows: 2 tbsp. tablespoons of dry grass is poured with boiling water and cooked for five minutes, then infused for three hours. The agent is taken orally.

It helps not only to cope with ticks, but also to cleanse the body. Every day you need to prepare a fresh broth. It can be combined with honey to enhance the flavor.

Blackcurrant decoction

The recipe is very simple: 4 tbsp. tablespoons of dried black currant berries are boiled in two glasses of water for 10 minutes, then insisted for half an hour. Gauze dipped in broth is applied to the face.

Tansy tincture

Tansy is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. With demodicosis, it relieves inflammation of the eyelids and blocks the reproduction of mites.

To prepare the infusion, take 1 tbsp. spoon of tansy flowers, pour a glass of boiling water and leave for 1.5 hours. From the infusion, lotions are made on inflamed areas for 1.5 months.

Propolis has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, you can wipe your face with an alcoholic extract of propolis before applying acaricidal ointments. This helps the skin to heal quickly.

Celandine ointment

A glass of fresh washed roots of celandine is poured with a glass of sunflower oil, left in the sun for two weeks. Then it is filtered into a dark glass vial and stored in the refrigerator. Mix with sour cream before applying to the face.

Tea tree oil

This agent is successfully used for the treatment of demodicosis as a strong natural antiseptic. It is safe for humans, but ticks cannot tolerate it.

The oil normalizes the activity of the sebaceous glands, dries the skin, and penetrates deep into the pores of the skin. Ticks die from it. Important: Avoid getting oil in your eyes!

How is demodicosis transmitted

Conditions in which you can contract the disease:

• decreased immunity;
• period of pregnancy;
• disturbances in the work of the endocrine system;
• severe stress;
• smoking;
• alcohol abuse;
• unhealthy diet;
• sleep problems;
• the use of certain drugs;
• allergic reactions;
• frequent visits to baths and saunas.

Scientists and practitioners are still trying to understand whether demodicosis is contagious in humans.

It happens that some have regular exacerbations of the disease, while others live their whole lives with a chronic form. Research into acne shows that the disease can be contagious if:

• people diagnosed with demodicosis have hypersensitivity to tick toxins;
• the infectious patient additionally suffers from skin dysbiosis;
• there is an excessive activation of the sebaceous glands.

Sometimes demodicosis, even in an aggravated form, may not show itself as external signs or there is a slight itching, rashes appear. This indicates a mild form of demodicosis, which is not capable of infecting others. If the disease is severe and skin lesions develop, the patient is most likely contagious.

Infection methods

To understand how demodex is transmitted, you should pay attention to the typical area of ​​the tick's habitat - this is the T-zone of the face (chin, eyelashes, eyebrows, forehead). In men (rarely), the microorganism is able to spread to the area of ​​the scrotum, penis, buttocks. You can get infected through all the objects surrounding the person with which the patient was in close contact.

The danger is:

• linens;
• bath accessories (towel, toothbrush, soap, washcloth);
• cosmetics;
• Underwear.

Demodex is transmitted from the patient to others, settling on the skin, localizing in the sebaceous glands and hair follicles. Whether the patient is infected or not will also depend on the contact's immune system and overall health. The higher the body's defenses, the less chance of transmission of the parasite.

Microorganisms are not contagious when it comes to airborne droplets. Ticks are not able to be transmitted through saliva, other secretions, air.

Dermatologists have found out how demodex is transmitted from person to person:

• during intimacy;
• when using personal hygiene items of a partner in everyday life;
• through bed linen, hygiene products, garments;
• with a kiss.

Demodex is not able to dwell outside the human body for a long period. Individuals die in the water, in severe frost. Apart from the host, the parasite cannot survive for more than 2 weeks.

Medical practice proves that most patients diagnosed with demodicosis do not transmit the infection to family members. This confirms that the parasite can only be infectious to immunocompromised people.

It is worth paying attention to the provoking factors leading to infection. The presence of some signs suggests that the risk of contracting demodicosis is increasing. Not all items may indicate 100% infection. They only warn of danger.

In the presence of the following factors, you can become infected with demodicosis:

• weakening of human immunity;
• disorders of the endocrine system, when the hormonal background fails;
• pregnancy;
• non-observance of the rules of personal hygiene;
• tendency to allergic reactions;
• a subcutaneous mite can actively multiply on a face affected by concomitant dermatological diseases;
• prolonged exposure to sunlight;
• liver disease;
• diabetes;
• heredity;
• alcohol abuse, frequent smoking;
• chronic overwork, depression;
• regular visits to the solarium;
• taking hormonal drugs.

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In dogs and cats, the Demodex breis or canis mite is found, which does not pose any danger to humans. To understand whether demodicosis in animals is infectious or not, it is necessary to know the characteristics of these parasites.

Demodectic mange is transmitted both from a sick person and from a tick carrier. The person himself may not even know that he is a carrier, but its transmission to a weakened organism is quite possible. Ticks are not transmitted from animals to humans.

Demodex breis, canis cannot be infectious to humans. Ticks live only on the body of the animal, parasitizing in the spleen, intestinal wall, waste products of the body, lymph nodes, lungs, getting through the lymph flow and blood flow. Microorganisms are not adapted to life outside the animal in the same way that a human tick is not capable of infecting a dog or cat.

The signs of the emerging demodicosis for each part of the human body have their own individual characteristics.

Demodecosis of the century

The defeat of the eyelids is accompanied by symptoms:

• severe itching
• inflammation of the edges of the eyelids,
• stuck together at the base of the eyelashes,
• tired eyes.

In the absence of therapy, ulcers with bleeding may appear.

The manifestation of this form at the first visual inspection creates an erroneous opinion about the cause of its occurrence. Symptoms that indicate the onset of demodicosis of the facial part of the head:

• the appearance of itching, which intensifies with the onset of the evening,
• rash, ulcerative abscesses, peeling of the skin,
• the appearance of tuberosity of the face, forehead, cheeks,
• retraction, gray skin tone,
• greasy shine that remains even after washing,
• enlarged pores of the skin surface,
• swelling of the nose.

This symptomatology requires immediate therapy and examination of the foci of inflammation.

The following symptoms indicate the presence of a microorganism in the scalp:

• redness of small areas of the head,
• hair loss,
• small scales on the head at the base of the roots.

Sometimes the onset of the disease can occur on a person's limbs.

The main signs are the appearance of red spots (inflammation), acne, abscesses.

This type of tick, if untreated, can cause a number of complications and eye diseases. Against this background, foci of inflammation, rash, dermatitis and a number of other pathologies appear.

This type of disease is chronic, which gives it the possibility of remission and a period of exacerbations. Thanks to this, a complete cure for the disease is not possible. But through therapeutic intervention and the use of antibiotics, permanent relief of symptoms can be achieved. Methods of treatment with folk remedies are also possible.

The main drugs for the treatment of demodex ticks are drugs based on tinidazole and metronidazole. There are also gel and cream preparations that can penetrate deep into the skin.

By combining different methods of treatment, it is possible to achieve the maximum result and recovery in a short time. For this, the state of the immune system is strengthened, physiotherapy is prescribed.

Also, in the implementation of therapeutic procedures, special attention is paid to complete human hygiene, the elimination of contact with possible contaminated objects, bedding, clothing. This will require a complete cleaning of the premises, laundry and adherence to normal hygiene standards.

In practice, there is no separate approach to the prevention of demodicosis. But with the usual hygiene rules, the possibility of contracting this disease is reduced to zero.

At first, the disease develops asymptomatically. With an increase in the number of parasites, as well as with their mass death, the first manifestations appear. Determining infection with demodicosis is problematic, since the manifestations are similar to other dermatological pathologies - allergies, dermatitis, psoriasis. You need to pay attention to the following manifestations:

• acne - acne;
• rosacea;
• redness, hardening of the epidermis on the face;
• edema;
• enlargement of the nose;
• expansion of pores;
• itching;
• peeling;
• tightness;
• pigmentation;
• spider veins;
• skin color changes to gray, burgundy;
• the skin becomes bumpy, loose;
• small sores;
• hair loss;
• itching on the head;
• heaviness of the eyelids;
• purulent accumulations in the corners of the eyes, foreign body sensation;
• blepharitis.

When using hormonal drugs for allergies, a therapeutic effect does not occur, there is a temporary relief or aggravation of the situation.

Signs of illness

Symptoms of primary demodicosis are itching, especially in the evening, when the mite is most active, peeling and rashes in places that the mite has infected.

Often, demodicosis can be confused with other diseases due to an unexpressed clinical picture.

It happens that a tick acts as a secondary cause, demodex is a saprophyte and lives in symbiosis with a person, but it can join an already existing inflammation if there are favorable factors for development.

Also, when the mite moves deeper from the surface of the skin, it can pull other harmful bacteria and dirt with it, which can cause inflammation.

The skin of the face affected by demodex has a reddish tint, looks edematous, small capillaries are visible. The skin seems loose, with a grayish tinge, the redness intensifies after washing, especially in those areas that are most affected.

If the eyes are affected, there is a feeling of sand or a foreign body, itching of the eyelids, swelling. In severe forms of eyelid demodicosis, eyelashes may begin to fall out, conjunctivitis develops.

In an advanced stage, other infections can join the already affected skin, which causes the formation of purulent pasules, ulcers and abscesses, the patient's skin acquires a grayish-brown tint, which, if left untreated, can greatly disfigure the face.

The deeper layers of the skin the tick affects, the harder it is to treat, and the more unpleasant the consequences. Together with sebum, the mite draws out all the beneficial substances from the skin. With an advanced form, hair may begin to fall out, since the hair follicles in the affected areas do not have enough nutrition.

In the photo below, you will find out what demodicosis looks like:

Prevention methods

Prevention

• lead a healthy lifestyle;
• to refuse from bad habits;
• do not abuse alcohol;
• take hormonal drugs in case of urgent need;
• eat right;
• limit the use of seasonings, spices, fried, fatty foods;
• to minimize stay in stuffy, hot rooms, in direct sunlight - saunas, baths, sunbathing on the beach;
• adhere to personal hygiene;
• prevent the chronic course of disease;
• monitor the cleanliness of the skin of the face, head;
• maintain normal weight;
• do not get carried away with sweets, coffee, chocolate;
• take vitamin complexes;
• prevent physical overwork, nervous exhaustion;
• excessive use of facial skin care products;
• avoid stressful situations.

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To reduce the risk of infection, it is necessary to observe personal hygiene, not to use other people's things, to exclude unnecessarily close contact with other people - kisses, hugs.

There are 5 rules to help prevent infection with Demodectic mange:

1. A person must definitely know how the subcutaneous tick is transmitted in order to understand what to look for in everyday life. This is the first rule of prevention, which means "forewarned is forearmed."
2. A patient with demodicosis should boil clothes, bedding, carry out regular wet cleaning, ventilate and humidify the room, wash hygiene items to avoid re-infection during treatment. Contacts of patients with demodicosis should be limited during therapy. This will serve as an excellent prevention for other people.
3. Since anyone is a carrier of the parasite, it is necessary to monitor the use of cosmetics (fatty creams, ointments lead to the reproduction of a tick).
4. Constant care of clothes, underwear. Laundry should be washed only at temperatures exceeding 50 degrees. You can not use other people's hygiene products, personal items.
5. Take care of the immune system, consume more vitamins, minerals, conduct vitamin therapy courses. Regulate nutrition to be healthy. Eat more vegetables and fruits, exclude fatty, refined foods, alcoholic beverages, sweets.

Prevention of demodicosis should be followed by everyone to exclude infection or exacerbation of the disease.

Doctors always talk about the importance of prevention and elimination of provoking factors. Every seventh patient seen by a dermatologist is a demodex-infected patient. The disease can not always be transmitted to another. To avoid infection of relatives, close people, you should consult a doctor in time.

Diagnosis

Regardless of what kind of symptomatology manifested itself, it is necessary to consult a doctor. It is impossible to independently diagnose the disease, an examination of the patient is required, a scraping is taken from the skin and studied in laboratory conditions.

In most cases, skin parasites affect areas of the skin on the face. A person can easily confuse the first manifestations with ordinary acne, and think that it is just acne. The use of the wrong drugs only aggravates the condition, the disease develops and complications appear on the face of the body.

In subsequent stages, the oval of the face may be deformed, the size of the nose will increase, and severe swelling will be observed.

With the defeat of the hands, purulent rashes appear on the outside. The defeat of these areas is quite rare, and infection is more often associated with the use of a fatty cream of an already infected person. This symptomatology is confused with eczema and dermatitis, which cannot be tolerated.

The defeat of the legs and chest by a subcutaneous parasite occurs in very rare cases, most often these areas are affected by the scabies mite. In addition, a rash on the skin in these areas may be associated with an elk flea bite. Each individual case requires its own individual treatment.

The parasites do not affect the back and buttocks; any signs in these areas may indicate the development of eczema, allergies, or tick-borne dermatitis.

Remember, the sooner a disease is correctly diagnosed, the easier it will be to cure it. The development of the disease causes complications, which will be quite difficult to cope with. In severe, neglected forms, treatment can take years, and sometimes complications caused by the disease lead to irreversible processes.

Preventive actions

In order to prevent serious diseases and complications, you must try to do everything to protect yourself from infection with these microscopic parasites. Of course, the very first and most important rule is to regularly monitor personal hygiene. You can not use someone else's cosmetics, razor, comb.

If you visit the pool, sauna, bath, be sure to use your own towels. Trust only professional cosmetologists, where you can be sure of the cleanliness of devices and regular disinfection. Also, do not let other people use your cosmetics and personal care products.

If you develop any symptoms, even at first glance, see a doctor. Remember, the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the faster the course of treatment will pass and serious consequences will be excluded.

You cannot self-medicate, because there are a huge number of skin diseases that are very similar in symptoms, especially in the initial stages of development. Improper treatment will only aggravate the situation, the disease will go into severe stages, when complications already appear.