DEMODEX SKIN INFECTION
(chronic parasite mite causing face redness)
What are the symptoms?
Most common concerns are rosacea, acne, sensitive skin, which keep recurring.
- Red irritated sensitive skin
- A rough texture of the skin like sandpaper
- A burning sensation in the skin
- Itching
- Eye redness
- Acne-like blemishes
What are the risk factors?
- Acne
- Eczema
- Weakened immune system in conditions such as HIV, chemotherapy, steroids therapy
- Oily skin
- Rosacea
- Dermatitis
How can I treat my skin?
This strongly advised not to treat your skin with self-prescribed medication.
After a consultation with an experienced medical practitioner and microscopic
examination special medication is prescribed to apply to the skin. In severe
cases oral medication is needed.
How can I prevent myself from the disease?
It is recommended to wash pillowcases in warm or hot water regularly, use
your personal face and body towel, not share cosmetic sponges and brushes
and clean them daily, exfoliate the skin correctly as advised by your cosmetic
physician.
Demodicosis is a common skin disease caused by Demodex mites which live in the oil grands of hair follicles.
The organisms are microscopic, so they are not visible to the naked eye, but they are dangerous enough to develop skin
inflammation.
Most affected areas are face including eyelids and scalp, where most most oily skin.
The skin condition is very common in people aged 13 to 25 because of higher sebum production as well as in elderly because of the weakness of the immunity system.
Why Demodex mites are risky for my skin?
Long-lasting skin inflammation can lead to:
- Permanent skin discolouration
- Scarring
- Thickening of the skin especially eyelids
- Permanently irritated sensitive skin
- Alopecia (hair loss)
What are part of skin the mites are living in?
Oily glands, usually attached to hair follicles, are a nutritional supply for the demodex mites, therefore often higher concentrations of mites are found in areas, rich of oily skin.
Acne consultation cost is $150 for the 1st one (possible bulk billing for Medicare eligible patients for following visits), which include comprehensive assessment via electronic dermatoscope, skinoscope and plan.
