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Subcutaneous mite
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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A subcutaneous tick is a parasite that is located inside or just below the skin layer, as well as inside the appendages of the skin and causes changes in its structure, in connection with its vital activity. More often people are affected whose skin is prone to such changes in its composition - it's teenagers or people with oily skin. Not always people know that such skin changes are not just features, but are caused by a parasite that can be removed and restored to its skin a healthy appearance. Therefore, it is necessary to know some of the features of the pathogen and the symptoms to start a timely treatment and a positive result.
Features of the structure of subcutaneous mites
The subcutaneous tick is a parasite that belongs to the group of mites. Parasites that cause skin lesions are different, but there are two main types of subcutaneous tick - Demodex follicullorum and Demodex brevis. The structure of subcutaneous ticks is such that they have very small dimensions, about 0.3 millimeters. Their body has a lanceolate shape, short legs and mouth organs of the thrust type. How does a subcutaneous mite look? With the naked eye, he can not be seen, but he looks a bit like a bug in the shape of his body and size.
What is dangerous for a hypodermic tick? By itself, it does not cause acne and acne, but it can increase the sensitization of the body and allergies occur, and as a result of dying under the skin of the mite itself, there may be favorable conditions for the multiplication of microorganisms there and the maintenance of the inflammatory process. Pathogens parasitize in different ways: Demodex follicullorum is predominantly localized in the cavity of the hair follicle, and Demodex brevis - in the cavity of the fatty follicle. Given that the skin mostly affects the face of young people, this is dangerous because of changes in the structure of the skin of the face and the formation of scars after that.
The life cycle of subcutaneous mites is not very long, but it can persist for a long time in the body precisely because of frequent mating and breeding of offspring. There are females and males. Female subcutaneous mites creep to the surface of the follicle, on which they live mainly at night, because at this time the males are activated. Males can crawl on the surface of the skin and go a few centimeters in the search for a female. Near the follicle, pairing of these two individuals occurs, and the female returns to the depth of the follicle, where it lays eggs. Such eggs ripen for a long time and pass their stages of development: first the eggs turn into a larva, and then into protonimphus and the nymph. In one follicle may be about twenty-five adults at a time. How long does a subcutaneous tick live? In general, this is about two weeks. But the adult is only one third of his life - about five days the adult female lives after egg laying, and the development of the eggs takes about ten days. All this time there is a release of the products of vital activity Demodex, which can cause allergic reactions, clinical manifestations of the disease. When an adult female or male dies, then the body of this individual is just under the skin, causing an inflammatory reaction.
Clinical signs of infection with a subcutaneous mite
It should be said that this pathology develops only in persons who have a tendency to this. Such people include people who have risk factors:
- adolescents with hormonal changes, which reduces the overall immunity and accompanies the development of skin diseases;
- people suffering from oily seborrhea;
- people with a burdensome allergic anamnesis;
- gastrointestinal disorders, which are accompanied by a decrease in the microflora of not only the intestines, but also the skin;
- endocrine pathologies with imbalance of hormones;
- people with autonomic neuroses and neurocirculatory dystonia;
- women with amenorrhea primary or secondary;
- people who have harmful labor factors, mainly fluctuations in the temperature of the external environment.
Is the subcutaneous tick infectious? This question bothers many, so it has been extensively studied. Talking about the fact that many people are infected with this parasite, but not all are sick, it can be said that this tick is contagious. Ways of infection are contact direct or indirect. The direct way is directly by touching the skin of a sick person, and indirectly it is through hygiene products - a towel, soap. But if there are no conditions for the reproduction of this tick, then it will not cause symptoms, since it lives on due to dead cells, and mainly it needs subcutaneous fat.
Symptoms of a subcutaneous tick depend on localization. The most frequent localization is the fatty areas of the skin: the forehead, chin, cheeks on the face, and other areas - hands, back, eyes, as well as hair on the head, can be less likely.
The incubation period of the subcutaneous tick for about ten days is the time necessary for the maturation of eggs and the emergence of mature individuals, which continue the cycle and contribute to the development of clinical signs of the disease by the products of their vital activity.
Clinically, several forms of demodicosis are distinguished, which depends on the degree of skin changes. Distinguish erythematous-squamous form, papular, pustular, rosace-like and combined forms.
The subcutaneous tick on the face is the most frequent localization. Symptom begins gradually, because the number of ticks is not so great. First, reddening appears on the skin of the face, similar to the onset of the pimple. Then on this place the skin peeling is formed, which is the most favorable option. More often there is a papule, and then pustules, which is filled with inflammatory contents of a murky color. Such pustules remind of something pimples, but they do not have a core inside, but they are homogeneous. After this, also peeling occurs and on a red background it has a rough appearance. Acne on the face due to the hypodermic tick is not formed due to its effect on the skin or cells, and they can be formed only when the mite dies and his body stimulates an inflammatory reaction.
The subcutaneous tick on the head can also often multiply in the hair follicles, as this is a nutrient medium. In this case, the multiplication of ticks in the hair follicles disrupts the trophism of the hair, and it becomes thinner. This can cause hair loss, as they become thin. In this case, peeling of the scalp in the form of massive dandruff occurs. Hair loss due to subcutaneous mites occurs gradually and throughout the head, which distinguishes it from fungal head injury. At the same time, the hair is thin and lethargic, and their fat content increases.
Subcutaneous mite on the hands causes more often erythematous-squamous form - with reddening of the entire skin and peeling of it. This manifestation of demodicosis resembles an allergic reaction.
The subcutaneous tick is not seen very often in the eyes, but it can cause damage to the eyelids with peeling and loss of eyelashes, the formation of crusts on the eyelids. Also, a subcutaneous tick can cause a specific lesion of the eye mucosa - at the same time demodectic blepharitis or conjunctivitis is formed. The patient complains of a burning sensation in the eyes, the sensation of a foreign body, lacrimation, photophobia. This is accompanied by changes in the eyes in the form of the formation of viscous particles, the loss of eyelashes, plaque on the sclera of the eyeball is a murky color, the formation of scales. Such a defeat requires immediate treatment, as the changes can go deeper.
The hypodermic tick in the child is a rare phenomenon, because the child's skin does not have such pronounced and developed hair and fat follicles. But the child can be affected already in adolescence, when the development of these glands occurs. At an earlier age, the development of skin diseases, in this case of the subcutaneous tick, occurs more often secondary to a background of immune supression or endocrine pathology - diabetes, syndrome or Itenko-Cushing's disease. Therefore, when a subcutaneous tick appears in a child, one should think about the secondary process and conduct a thorough differential diagnosis with allergic dermatitis and other allergic skin diseases of childhood.
Subcutaneous mite during pregnancy can appear for the first time, even if before a woman had such a disease. This is due to many factors. Firstly, during pregnancy, relative immunosuppression of the body occurs, which increases the chances of the tick to reproduce and become a clinical manifestation, even if earlier it was simply on the skin and never caused symptoms. Secondly, during pregnancy the hormonal composition changes and the placenta synthesizes many hormones that affect the skin condition - its moisture content, fat content, the amount of useful microflora decreases, therefore it accompanies the development of subcutaneous mites. A feature of demodicosis in pregnancy is that as it arose suddenly, so it can disappear after childbirth. But there are particularities in the treatment of subcutaneous mites during pregnancy, which must be taken into account.
The consequences of subcutaneous mites can be caused by the very presence of the parasite and its persistent persistence, which leads to the spread of the process and the destruction of new skin areas. If the subcutaneous tick strikes the eyes, untimely treatment can cause blindness, and if it persists, there may be frequent blepharitis infectious or barley. If the mite parasitizes on the scalp, then the consequence of this process is loss of hair, which then is difficult to restore because of a violation of the structure of the follicle itself. The consequence of a subcutaneous tick on the face skin can be the attachment of the pustular and bacterial flora with the development of serious lesions and secondary changes in the contour and facial features.
Such a variety of clinical manifestations of subcutaneous mite damage requires serious diagnosis and timely treatment to avoid the development of complications and deeper skin lesions.
Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of subcutaneous mites
Diagnosis of demodicosis should aim not only at confirming the diagnosis of subcutaneous mites, but also provide differential diagnosis of this pathology.
First of all, it is necessary to determine anamnestic data on the height of the process, the duration of the process, and the dynamics of the affected areas of the skin.
An analysis for a subcutaneous tick, which is specific, is microscopic. The variety of clinical forms of demodicosis determines special methods of taking smears and materials for research. In erythematous form, the material is taken from different parts of the affected skin by surface scraping of skin scales. In papular, pustular and combined form, the scalpel is pierced and, by extrusion, receives the contents, which later on can be studied. Also, to remove the contents of the follicle, it is recommended to use a comedo extractor or an eye spoon. The resulting material is transferred to glass, treated with a 20% solution of potassium or glycerin, and then covered with a cover slip. Fifteen to twenty minutes later, the preparation is ready for study under a microscope with varying degrees of magnification.
Laboratory diagnosis of subcutaneous mites is somewhat difficult. To do this, take a scraping from the eyelid or mucosa of the eyeball, drip a few drops of oil or clear liquid and examine under a microscope.
Diagnostically significant result for confirming the diagnosis of a subcutaneous tick is the presence of 10 or more individuals in one hair follicle, taking into account all forms of the parasite - mature, eggs, larvae and nymphs. A smaller amount of parasite is considered acceptable, since they can be in humans and not cause clinical manifestations.
Other methods that can be performed are mainly conducted for the purpose of differential diagnosis.
Allergological methods of diagnosis can exclude so similar pathologies. For this, skin tests with allergens of different groups can be carried out. Also, the method of immunological examination of blood with the definition of the main indicators will be informative.
A general blood test can eliminate skin changes caused by bacterial pathogens. When parasitizing a subcutaneous tick, changes in the blood test should not be, only relative lymphocytosis can be.
Differential diagnosis of demodicosis should be carried out with other pathologies that cause changes on the skin. These are, first of all, bacterial lesions - carbuncles, furunculosis, as well as allergic diseases in the form of urticaria, scabies, atopic dermatitis.
Carbunculosis is an inflammatory necrotic skin disease that is caused by streptococcus or staphylococcus and is characterized by a lesion of the hair follicle and the escaping duct of the sebaceous gland. In this case, a local inflammatory lesion occurs in a single follicle, in the center of which a necrotic focus is formed. If there is inflammation and necrosis of several inflammatory follicles, then it is a question of furunculosis. If furunculosis covers a huge area of damage, then a systemic reaction is possible in the form of a marked intoxication syndrome with a rise in temperature. But the main local clinical feature of carbuncle, which distinguishes it from subcutaneous tick - is the presence of a necrosis center in the center with a necrotic hair in carbunculosis or furunculosis. The subcutaneous mite never induces necrosis of the hair follicle. There are also subjective symptoms - with carbunculosis - a strong pulling pain in the area of the lesion, and with demodicosis - itching, burning against the background of redness.
How to distinguish an allergy from a hypodermic tick? This can be very difficult, especially with the erythematous-squamous form of demodicosis. Then very informative methods for confirming the diagnosis are allergological tests and tests. When carrying out such tests, the results will be positive with certain allergens. Also, with an allergic blood test, the immune complex indices will be increased. The allergy, as a rule, does not develop suddenly, but there is a burdened family history or in the childhood the patient indicates the presence of atopic dermatitis. Also, with allergic lesions, there is a relationship with a certain allergen that causes symptoms, and when the subcutaneous tick is persistent the symptoms are constant and are not related to external factors.
Urticaria is the most common form of an allergic reaction, which by its appearance has similar skin symptoms. Hives occur more often due to the intake of an allergenic drug or drug, and demodecosis does not have trigger factors and constantly worries the patient. Urticaria is characterized by the spread of the process in the form of red spots that are elevated above the skin level and more often the process is localized on the abdomen, lateral surfaces of the abdomen and hands. While the subcutaneous tick often affects areas that have oily skin - this person (chin, forehead), back.
Subcutaneous mite or scabies? It is also difficult to differentiate, since both pathologies express skin itch, but there are differences in local manifestations. When scabies mite affects areas with thin skin - interdigital spaces, hands. In this case, the parasite actively creeps between the skin and pushes the moves, which is accompanied by severe itching and the formation of thin-walled cavities filled with fluid in the places where the parasite was. When a subcutaneous tick is formed manifestations in the form of diffuse reddening of the skin and its peeling with localization on the face and a penchant for the formation of acne.
Given the variety of pathologies that can be accompanied by a similar symptomatology, the priority should be differential diagnosis between such pathologies. Therefore, it is necessary not only to detect the pathology in time, but also to confirm the diagnosis, because the disease may not be single, then the symptoms can overlap and prescribe the treatment you need, taking into account the combined pathology.
Methods for treating subcutaneous mites
In the treatment of subcutaneous mites, a good effect is not only medication, but also a wide range of drugs from the local treatment, alternative drugs and herbs. Therefore, several methods can be used at once, which increases the effectiveness of treatment.
A very important part of the successful treatment of subcutaneous mites is a diet that is aimed at cleansing not only the intestines, but the entire body. This contributes to the normalization of the skin condition, its excretory function, as the work of the sebaceous glands normalizes and the amount of their secretion decreases. It also normalizes the functioning of the immune system, and thanks to such actions the skin becomes cleaner. The diet should provide the requirements for the main food ingredients, with the restriction of sweet foods - this is necessary for the period of intensive medical treatment, and then you just need to switch to the right way of eating and living.
Nutrition with a subcutaneous mite has some features:
- It is necessary in an acute period to exclude all fats and harmful food additives;
- It is necessary to limit the diet to one third - it will help relieve digestion;
- To exclude in the acute period sweet and products containing glucose;
- to exclude bread of white grinding, buns, cakes, cakes;
- it is necessary to have breakfast with food fibers in the form of oatmeal or porridge of coarse grinding - this stimulates peristalsis;
- every day you need to have dairy products in your diet - this will normalize the intestinal microflora and restore normal skin biocenosis;
- it is necessary to drink clean water daily in sufficient quantities in the calculation of 32 milliliters per kilogram of body weight, but not after eating, but before that;
- it is necessary to take vitamins every day in the form of fresh vegetables and fruits - this restores the structure of skin cells and normalizes blood circulation.
These dietary rules of nutrition will help not only to normalize the body weight, but also the skin and internal organs.
Treatment of subcutaneous mites with medicamental agents has a very wide spectrum with the use of antibiotics, ointments, tablets, tinctures and lotions.
In acute course, there may be pronounced edema of the face and at the same time prescribed antihistamines and dehydration agents, as well as local anti-inflammatory therapy. The presence of pustular efflorescence elements requires the appointment of one of the antibiotics of the tetracycline series, for example, doxycycline (Unidox solute), or the antibiotic group of macrolides (Zitrolex). After the disappearance of edema and the cessation of the formation of fresh pustular otsypki, patients are assigned local antiparasitic therapy.
Methods of treating subcutaneous mites with the use of local remedies are most justified in complex therapy when using lotions or ointments and tablets. Ointment from subcutaneous mites has a very good effect due to local action. Use different drugs that have an antiseptic effect.
- Yam is an ointment that has a complex antifungal and antiseptic effect. It has in its composition acetylsalicylic acid, carbolic acid, as well as zinc and sulfur. Due to this, its drying effect is also expressed, which has a particularly beneficial effect on oily skin. Ointment should be used as follows: before use, you need to mix the contents of the jar, then after a light hygienic procedure, apply a thin layer on the affected skin. In this case, the ointment should be applied in such a way as to capture the affected areas and healthy around by two to three centimeters. You need to use the ointment twice a day, the course of treatment is about seven to ten days. At the same time, it is not possible to carry out any rending of the skin or crusts, after a course of treatment, everything should purify itself.
- Benzyl benzoate is an ointment that has antiseptic effect and antiparasitic, which is especially pronounced against ticks and lice. The composition of the drug includes benzoic acid ester, which destroys the wall of the parasite and disrupts its reproduction. The drug is available in the form of a liquid consistency ointment. Apply ointment after light hygienic procedures, it is necessary to apply the ointment evenly thin layer on the affected skin for three hours. Then three hours later, it is necessary to apply the ointment again, without washing off. Use can be no more than twice a day. The course of treatment is about a week.
Such local treatment should be used in complex treatment with other systemic drugs, then the effectiveness of treatment is increased. Tablets from subcutaneous mites are one of the most accessible means for achieving compliance with the patient. The action of the tablets is aimed at antiparasitic and antiseptic effect.
- Metronidazole (Trichopolum) is an antifungal and antiparasitic drug of a wide spectrum of action. The active substance of the drug is nitroimidazole. Has a destructive effect on the cells of the body of mites due to a violation of the synthesis of nucleic acids, which inhibits normal cell multiplication and the process of reproduction of the subcutaneous tick. The drug is produced in pharmacological form of tablets, vaginal tablets and cream, as well as cream for external use and powder. For the treatment of subcutaneous tick most appropriate to use tablets for oral administration in a complex therapy with other topical preparations - ointments. The drug is used at 500 milligrams twice a day, the course of treatment for about seven days. During treatment with metronidazole, it is recommended to use probiotics, since the drug affects the intestinal microflora, which in this case is undesirable. Side effects of the drug are possible in the form of impaired coordination, drowsiness, inhibition, changes in the blood in the form of anemia and leukopenia, as well as allergic phenomena.
- Levomycetin is a drug that has antimicrobial activity and anti-inflammatory, which prevents bacterial complications after subcutaneous mites. The drug dries fatty skin, affecting the hair follicles and fatty follicles, which kills the larvae and eggs of the hypodermic tick at the place of reproduction of the parasite. To do this, use 1% solution of levomycetin alcohol. This tincture is used three times a day, after an easy washing of the face. It is necessary to apply a small amount of tincture to the cotton pad and wipe the face. Then you can use after a few minutes the antiparasitic ointments, which are applied after the tincture. This improves the effect.
At the present stage, preparations of the group of pyrethroids - synthetic analogues of natural pyrethrins, which are known for their insecticidal and acaricidal action - are widely used in the treatment of parasitic diseases. To the appropriate means, which contain a synthetic pyrethroid, belong to "Nitiform", "Permetrin", Spregal.
Other drugs that are used from a subcutaneous tick depend on the shape of the skin lesion. Antibiotics from subcutaneous mites are not an etiological agent, since they do not affect parasites. Therefore, the use of antibiotics is possible only with the re-infection or attachment of bacterial flora with the development of secondary skin pyoderma.
Drops from subcutaneous mites are used if it affects the eyes with the development of blepharitis or conjunctivitis. To do this, often use the Eye Stop Demodex gel. This drug, which includes metronidazole, tar and witch hazel (homeopathic substance). The drug is effective when rubbed into the eyelids for a week twice a day.
Spray from subcutaneous mites can be used when it is localized in difficult places, for example, on the back of the neck or on the auricles. In addition, taking into account the increase in the fat content of the skin and its contamination, as well as for opening the follicles of the accessory glands of the skin, before using local remedies it is necessary to use a spray. Such spray "Spregal" has active antiparasitic components. For treatment, it is necessary to spray it on the affected areas of the face. The course of treatment is twenty days.
Shampoo from a hypodermic tick is used when the parasite is located in the hair follicles of the head, and when hair falls out due to this. Use a lot of shampoos with antiparasitic properties: Manting - a shampoo that has a specific effect on the parasite, and, in addition, strengthens the structure of the hair and normalizes the trophic hair follicle. Apply this shampoo as follows: on wet hair, apply a certain amount of shampoo, foaming, and then wash off; then you need to spread the shampoo a second time and hold it for a few minutes. Wash your hair for a while in a towel, then dry it. You can also use Fabao shampoo and Demodex Complex. The method of use is the same.
Alternative means for subcutaneous mites
Treatment of subcutaneous mites at home can be combined with systemic and local medications. Use alternative means, lotions and herbs. The main recipes are as follows:
- Garlic has a pronounced antibacterial and antiparasitic property, and also due to the drying effect of this product, it dries well the inflamed skin. In this case, use it as follows: in the evening after washing, it is necessary to smear with a fresh clove of garlic the affected areas of the skin. It is necessary to hold this mask for ten minutes, and then wash it off with warm water. After this, you must wipe it with a dry towel and do not use any more local products. The course of treatment is a week.
- Soap masks are very effective for treating skin lesions, as they also have an anti-inflammatory effect besides drying properties. Tar soap is very effective because of the tar content, which has effectiveness against ticks, both subcutaneous and scabious. For such a mask you need to soap the face with tar soap and wait until it dries, and then rinse with water. The procedure must be repeated every morning and every evening.
- Very useful in the treatment of subcutaneous mites that are on the face, the use of inhalations. For inhalation, you can use different oils. Tea tree oil promotes the expansion of the skin follicles, which allows for further use of the ointment to better disinfect the skin from this parasite. To do this, in the hot water you need to drip three to five drops of tea tree, then cover yourself with a towel and stay under the steam of such a solution for several minutes. Then, after opening the follicles, it is possible to lubricate the affected areas with antidemode ointment.
- Salt from subcutaneous mites can also be used in the form of inhalations. To do this, take sea salt, stir it in hot water and hold inhalation for the skin in the same way, covered with a towel.
- Treatment of subcutaneous mites with beekeeping products has a widespread application because of the normalization of fat release when using ointments based on such agents, and also because of the specific effect on the tick, because it is sensitive to propolis components. Use ointments based on propolis, which lubricate the affected areas of the skin.
Prevention
Preventing the development of changes that are caused by a subcutaneous mite, is the elementary rules of skin hygiene. It is necessary to use means to protect the skin from weather conditions, and also to select the cream corresponding to the type of skin. It is necessary that cosmetics are not overdue, use cosmetics only in the daytime and do not go to bed with cosmetics, as it breaks the trophism of the skin. Food and food can be directly related to our skin condition, so you need to monitor your diet. You can not squeeze out pimples, because it helps spread the infection. If any abnormalities from the skin are detected, it is necessary to consult a doctor for advice.
The subcutaneous tick is a parasite of the genus of mites, which causes skin lesions as an erythematous or papular rash, with possible foci of inflammation. But for accurate diagnosis it is necessary to microscopy the parasite and determine its type. This pathology is treatable, but it is better to start therapy with initial changes, then the effect is more complete.