Demodex Mites
Can Demodex Mites Cause Acne, Rosacea, Psoriasis, Eczema and Boils?
Demodex is a genus of tiny parasitic mites that live in or near the hair follicles of mammals. In dogs, Demodex Canis is associated with a skin disease known as mange. In humans, Demodex Folliculorum and Demodex Brevis are associated with acne, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, hair loss, eye irritation and hidradentis suppurativa (chronic boils). Despite a clear correlation between unhealthy skin and excessive demodex populations, demodex mites are rarely the absolute cause of chronic skin disorders. In fact, they are extremely common and normally harmless. They tend to multiply out of control when the immune system is compromised by illness, stress, allergies, poor diet or chemical exposure. When this happens, demodex mites can dramatically worsen underlying conditions by creating an environment conducive to infection. The demodex mite lives inside the sebaceous glands and hair follicles, sucking nutrients from hair roots, secreting waste and introducing bacteria. The more oil an individual produces, the more prolific the demodex mite will be. Hormones and menstrual cycles complicate matters by increasing the flow of thick, fatty sebum through pores.
The Connection Between Skin Disorders, Gluten Intolerance and Celiac Disease
Before discussing any type of remedy for the demodex mite, it’s important to recognize that the root cause of most chronic skin disorders is immune system malfunction. The buzz surrounding demodex cures is quickly taking a backseat to a more recent craze; gluten free living. An ever growing number of people are discovering that the elimination of bread and pasta is all it takes to improve acne, rosacea and chronic boils within weeks (and sometimes days). Psoriasis and eczema also respond well to a gluten free diet, though not as quickly. A gluten intolerant individual cannot digest the protein found in wheat, barley or rye. Over time, the small intestines become damaged, and toxins are pushed out through the skin. To complicate matters, Demodex mites feed upon dietary yeast. Yeast feeds upon carbohydrates and sugars. The old saying “you are what you eat” is particularly relevant here. A simple blood test from your doctor can establish gluten intolerance, a condition known as Celiac Disease. Even individuals without Celiac Disease can experience skin complications from consuming too much sugar, gluten and yeast. Only a medical doctor can help you decide if you should limit dietary triggers or avoid them completely.
How to Kill the Demodex Mite
The purpose of this web site is NOT to sell treatments for the human demodex mite. If you’re looking for a gentle beauty treatment loaded with vitamins and essential fatty acids, try seabuckthorn oil, rose hip oil or coconut oil. If you’re looking for a serious solution for dogs with mange mites, you’ve come to the right place. If you’re worried about the spread of mange mites from animals to humans via couches and bedding, that’s our area of expertise. Our formula is unique for several reasons.
- Every drop of Dr. Ben’s Evictor is fractionated and filtered to remove impurities. Unlike other essential oils sold for beauty or pest control purposes, it won’t stain carpets, furniture or bedding. It’s that light and that pure.
- Instead of using weak or ineffective “carrier oils” such as rice bran oil to deliver our formula, we use melted quartz rock, an organic agent that amplifies the insecticide properties of cedar oil without compromising safety. We believe that if a carrier oil has no effect upon the target mite or overall health of the host, it should not be used to dilute the formula and thus inflate the price.
- In tests ordered by the United States Department of Agriculture, researchers at Iowa State University tested our formula against 29 other natural and chemical products and ranked it number one for killing parasites.
Many essential oils have antiseptic and skin softening qualities, but that doesn’t mean they are superior parasite killers. See video footage of our product’s effect upon parasites.
Treatment Instructions
FOR BALDNESS OR THINNING HAIR: Hair loss associated with ringworm or demodex mites may be treated with Dr. Ben’s Paws & Claws or Dr. Ben’s Evictor. Both products are organic and safe for humans and animals. For a strong treatment, soak your scalp with Dr. Ben’s Paws & Claws, paying special attention to the hairline. Apply a swimmer’s cap and leave in place for an hour.
NOTE: The demodex mite is just one common factor associated with hair thinning and hair loss. Both men and women can experience hair loss that is caused by aging, genes or hormonal changes. Thinning hair can also be caused by telogen effluvium, a condition triggered by a sudden emotional or physical stress. Other causes may include certain medications, autoimmune diseases, thyroid disease, radiation therapy and excessive dandruff. Before using this or any other hair loss remedy, consult a medical doctor to determine the root cause of your hair loss.
TREATMENT OF DOGS WITH MANGE: Spray dogs with a light mist of Dr. Ben’s Evictor or Dr. Ben’s Paws & Claws. (Both are the same formula. The Evictor is sold in gallon sized containers for total home treatment.) Pay special attention to skin folds and leg pits of infected animals. Avoid the face and eyes. Do not rinse. Mange caused by demodex mites may be passed to nursing offspring, but it’s usually not contagious to other dogs in the home, as long as the dogs are healthy with strong immune systems. Mange caused by sarcoptic or cheyletiella mites is HIGHLY contagious. Dogs infected with either of these mites should be quarantined from other animals until they can be treated. Spray animals, carpets, couches and bedding with Dr. Ben’s Evictor or Dr. Ben’s Paws & Claws. Repeat the treatment daily until all signs of mange are gone. For bath time, try Vet’s Choice Shampoo.
HOME TREATMENT: Home treatment is not necessary for the human demodex mite. Most individuals who come in contact with these mites will experience no symptoms at all, but people with compromised immune systems may experience random skin irritations. To prevent the spread of human demodex mites between people, change pillowcases frequently, don’t share hairbrushes or cosmetic utensils, wash towels in Borax and sterilize phones with alcohol. To prevent the spread of demodex canis to people, it’s very important to mist couches, bedding and carpets with Dr. Ben’s Evictor or Dr. Ben’s Paws & Claws. Dog mange caused by demodex mites is not considered to be highly contagious to humans with strong immune systems, but mange caused by sarcoptic or cheyletiella mites is extremely contagious to all humans. When passed to humans, sarcoptic mites may cause mosquito like bumps or a full blown scabies infestation of the skin. Cheyletiella mites can cause itchy rashes and remain on human skin for extended periods. For more information on this subject, see our article on mange mites.