Demodecosis test

Demodecosis can only be confirmed by laboratory tests. Analysis for demodecosis involves identifying parasitic microorganisms on skin areas or in hair follicle secretions.

To detect mites, a scraping is performed, which does not take much time and is carried out by a dermatologist or cosmetologist.

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Indications

A demodicosis test is prescribed if there is a suspicion of parasitic infection. 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 include reddening of the skin, dilation of blood vessels, peeling of the skin, and itching. When the eyelashes are affected, severe itching and swelling occur, and in the morning the patient is bothered by a viscous substance in the eyes, etc.

Preparation for analysis for demodicosis

A demodicosis test is necessary to identify the mite and determine its type.

Before the doctor takes a scraping from the skin or eyelashes, you must not wash your face for three days, use decorative cosmetics, and also not use any ointments or creams for 10 days.

It is worth noting that demodexes do not tolerate ultraviolet light and hide in the deep layers of the skin in the morning and daytime, emerging to the surface in the evening and at night.

This feature of parasites is of great importance when conducting an analysis, because if a scraping is taken when the parasite is hiding in the deep layers, the analysis may not show anything and it will be impossible to establish the correct diagnosis.

Almost all laboratories accept tests only in the morning, which is why, even after multiple tests, demodex is not detected, which worsens the skin condition and leads to active reproduction of the parasite.

To avoid mistakes, it is best to take the test after 6-7 pm (you can find dermatologists or cosmetologists who will agree to conduct the test at this time).

How to get tested for facial demodicosis?

Analysis for facial demodicosis involves examining skin particles from affected areas.

The doctor uses a scalpel or an eye spoon to scrape off the epidermal particles affected by the disease, and the contents of the acne pimple may also be taken for laboratory testing.

Immediately after collection, the doctor places the skin particles on glass with 10% alkali and examines them under a microscope.

The test takes about 15 minutes, and a positive diagnosis is made when larvae, mites, and empty shells are detected. As with the eyelash test, if only empty shells are detected, a repeat test is required.

Blood test for demodicosis

The main means of detecting demodex is the examination of eyelashes, epidermal areas for the presence of the mite and its waste products (larvae, eggs, empty shells). A general blood test is prescribed as standard, as with any other disease, it will help to identify the general condition of the patient and determine concomitant diseases (anemia, inflammatory processes, bacterial infections, allergic, parasitic diseases, etc.).

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Analysis of eyelashes for demodicosis

Microscopic examination of eyelashes is the main method for detecting Demodex and confirming the diagnosis.

For analysis, the doctor needs several of the patient's eyelashes (usually 4 eyelashes are taken from the upper and lower eyelids), which are placed in a special solution (alkaline or glycerin) and examined under a microscope.

If parasites, eggs or larvae, empty shells are found on the eyelashes, the specialist concludes the result is positive.

If only empty shells are detected, then a repeat test is required.

Also, the demodicosis test helps to determine the type of mite, since the treatment and its duration depend on this.

The longest treatment process when detecting Demodex brevis (short type of mites)

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Where can I get tested for demodicosis?

You can take a demodicosis test in almost any laboratory. Usually, a doctor issues a referral for tests, and he or she can also recommend a laboratory.

A number of laboratories practice conducting such an analysis independently. The patient needs to stick a piece of adhesive tape to the affected area, preferably overnight. In the morning, this tape needs to be placed between two glasses (issued in the laboratory) and taken to the laboratory as soon as possible. As in other cases, this approach does not always allow the disease to be detected the first time.

A demodicosis test can reveal the cause of itching, flaking and redness on the skin. Unfortunately, today there is no method that would allow the disease to be detected the first time, and in some cases the patient must take a scraping several times.