Analysis for demodicosis
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Demodicosis can only be confirmed by laboratory tests. Analysis of demodicosis is to identify parasitic microorganisms on the skin areas or in the secretions of hair follicles.
To identify mites, a scraping is performed , which does not take much time and is performed by a dermatologist or a cosmetologist.
[Indications
Analysis for demodicosis is prescribed if parasites are suspected of being infected. The disease is caused by a subcutaneous mite from the demodex family, which settles in the sebaceous glands, hair follicles and feeds on sebaceous secretions.
Symptoms of the disease are redness of the skin, dilated blood vessels, skin peeling, itching. With the defeat of eyelashes there is a strong itch, puffiness, in the morning the patient is troubled by a viscous substance on the eyes, etc.
Preparation for demodicosis analysis
Analysis for demodicosis is necessary to identify the mite and determine its type.
Before the doctor takes a scraping from the skin or eyelashes you can not wash for three days, use makeup, and do not use any ointments and creams for 10 days.
It is worth noting that demodexes do not tolerate ultraviolet and in the morning and afternoon hours are hidden in the deep layers of the skin, getting out to the surface in the evening and at night.
This feature of parasites plays a big role in the analysis, since if the scraping is taken, when the parasite is hiding in deep layers, the analysis can show nothing and it will be impossible to establish the correct diagnosis.
Almost all laboratories take tests only in the morning, which is why, even after repeated delivery, demodex does not reveal, which aggravates the skin condition and leads to active multiplication of the parasite.
To avoid mistakes, it is best to take an analysis after 6-7 pm (you can find dermatologists or beauticians who will agree to conduct a study at this time).
How to pass the analysis on demodicosis of the face?
The analysis for demodicosis of the face consists in examining the skin particles from the affected areas.
The doctor uses a scalpel or an eye spoon, which scrapes the particles of the epidermis, affected by the disease, also for the study in the laboratory can be taken the contents of the acne.
Immediately after the fence, the doctor places the skin particles on the glass with 10% alkali and studies under a microscope.
The study takes about 15 minutes, a positive diagnosis is made when identifying larvae, ticks and empty shells. Just like in the study of eyelashes, when only empty shells are detected, a second analysis is required.
Who to contact?
Blood test for demodicosis
The main means of detecting demodex is the study of eyelashes, areas of the epidermis for the presence of a tick and its products of vital activity (larvae, eggs, empty shells). The general blood test is prescribed as standard, as with any other diseases, it will help to identify the general condition of the patient and determine the concomitant diseases (anemia, inflammatory processes, bacterial infections, allergic, parasitic diseases, etc.).
Analysis of eyelashes for demodicosis
Examination under the eyelash microscope is the main method for detecting demodex and confirming the diagnosis.
For the analysis, the doctor needs several eyelashes of the patient (usually takes 4 eyelashes from the upper and lower eyelids), which are placed in a special solution (alkaline or glycerin) and examined under a microscope.
If the specimens of parasites are detected on eyelashes, eggs or larvae, empty shells, then the expert concludes a positive result.
If only empty shells are detected, then a second analysis is required.
Also, an analysis of demodicosis helps to determine the type of tick, because the treatment depends on it and its duration.
The longest treatment process for detecting Demodex brevis (short-sighted ticks)
Where can I take an analysis for demodicosis?
Analysis for demodicosis can be done in almost any laboratory. Usually referral to the tests is given by a doctor, he can also recommend a laboratory.
In a number of laboratories, this analysis is carried out independently. The patient must glue a piece of adhesive tape to the affected area, preferably at night. In the morning, this tape should be put between two glasses (issued in the laboratory) and as soon as possible to carry it to the laboratory. As in other cases, this approach does not always make it possible to detect the disease from the first time.
Analysis of demodicosis can identify the cause of itching, flaking and redness on the skin. Unfortunately, today there is no method that would allow the first time to identify the disease, and in some cases, the patient must repeatedly take a scraping.