Subcutaneous mite

The subcutaneous mite is a parasite that is located inside the skin layer or directly under it, as well as inside the skin appendages and causes changes in its structure due to its vital activity. Most often, people are affected whose skin is prone to such changes in its composition - these are teenagers or people with oily skin. People do not always know that such skin changes are not just features, but are caused by a parasite that can be removed and return your skin to a healthy appearance. Therefore, it is necessary to know some features of the pathogen and symptoms to begin timely treatment and a positive result.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ]

Features of the structure of the subcutaneous mite

The subcutaneous mite is a parasite that belongs to the group of ticks. Parasites that cause skin lesions are different, but there are two main types of subcutaneous mites - Demodex follicullorum and Demodex brevis. The structure of subcutaneous mites is such that they are very small in size, about 0.3 millimeters. Their body is lanceolate, short legs and piercing mouthparts. What does a subcutaneous mite look like? It cannot be seen with the naked eye, but it is somewhat similar to a bedbug in the shape of its body and size.

What is dangerous about the subcutaneous mite? It does not cause acne and pimples by itself, but it can increase the body's sensitization and allergization occurs, and as a result of the mite dying under the skin, there may be favorable conditions for the reproduction of microorganisms there and the maintenance of the inflammatory process. Pathogens parasitize in different ways: Demodex follicullorum is mainly localized in the cavity of the hair follicle, and Demodex brevis - in the cavity of the fat follicle. Considering that the skin of the face is mainly affected in young people, this is dangerous due to changes in the structure of the facial skin and the formation of scars after this.

The life cycle of the subcutaneous mite is not very long, but it can persist in the body for a long time precisely because of frequent mating and breeding. There are females and males. Female subcutaneous mites crawl out onto the surface of the follicle, where they live mainly at night, since this is when the males become active. Males can crawl along the surface of the skin and walk several centimeters in search of a female. Near the follicle, these two individuals mate, and the female returns to the depths of the follicle, where she lays eggs. Such eggs mature for a long time and go through their stages of development: first, the eggs turn into a larva, and then into a protonymph and nymph. One follicle can simultaneously contain about twenty-five adult individuals. How long does a subcutaneous mite live? In general, it is about two weeks. But an adult individual is such only for a third of its life - an adult female lives about five days after laying eggs, and the development of the eggs itself takes about ten days. All this time, the release of Demodex waste products occurs, which can cause allergic reactions, clinical manifestations of the disease. When an adult female or male dies, then the body of this individual is simply under the skin, causing an inflammatory reaction.

[ 3 ], [ 4 ], [ 5 ], [ 6 ], [ 7 ]

Clinical signs of subcutaneous mite infestation

It should be said that this pathology develops only in people who have a tendency to it. Such people include people with risk factors:

1. teenagers who have hormonal changes that reduce overall immunity and contribute to the development of skin diseases;
2. people suffering from oily seborrhea;
3. people with a history of allergies;
4. gastrointestinal disorders, which are accompanied by a decrease in microflora not only in the intestines, but also in the skin;
5. endocrine pathologies with hormonal imbalance;
6. people with autonomic neuroses and neurocirculatory dystonia;
7. women suffering from primary or secondary amenorrhea;
8. people who have harmful work factors, mainly fluctuations in the temperature of the external environment.

Is the subcutaneous mite contagious? This question worries many, so it has been widely studied. Speaking about the fact that many people are infected with this parasite, but not all get sick, we can definitely say that this mite is contagious. The ways of infection are direct or indirect contact. Direct way is directly when touching the skin of a sick person, and indirect is through hygiene products - a towel, soap. But if there are no conditions for the reproduction of this mite, then it will not cause symptoms, since it lives off dead cells, and mainly it needs subcutaneous fat.

The signs of subcutaneous mites depend on the localization. The most common localization is oily areas of the skin: on the face, this is the forehead, chin, cheeks, and less often other areas can be affected - arms, back, eyes, as well as hair on the head.

The incubation period of the subcutaneous mite is about ten days, this is the time required for the maturation of the eggs and the emergence of mature individuals, which continue the cycle and with the products of their vital activity contribute to the development of clinical signs of the disease.

Clinically, there are several forms of demodicosis, which depend on the degree of skin changes. There are erythematous-squamous, papular, pustular, rosacea-like and combined forms.

Subcutaneous mites on the face are the most common localization. Symptoms begin gradually, since the number of mites is not yet so great. First, redness appears on the skin of the face, similar to the beginning of a pimple. Then, peeling of the skin forms in this place, which is the most favorable option. Most often, a papule is formed, and then a pustule, which is filled with inflammatory contents of a cloudy color. Such pustules resemble pimples in some way, but they do not have a core inside, but they are uniform. After this, peeling also occurs and on a red background it has a rough appearance. Pimples on the face due to subcutaneous mites do not form due to its effect on the skin or cells, but they can only form when the mite dies and its body stimulates an inflammatory reaction.

The subcutaneous mite on the head can also often multiply in the hair follicles, since this is a nutrient medium. In this case, the reproduction of mites in the hair follicles disrupts the trophism of the hair, and it becomes thinner. This can cause hair loss, since they become thin. In this case, the scalp peels in the form of massive dandruff. Hair loss due to the subcutaneous mite occurs gradually and over the entire head, which distinguishes it from a fungal infection of the head. In this case, the hair is thin and flabby, its oiliness increases.

The subcutaneous mite on the hands most often causes the erythematous-squamous form - in this case, redness of the entire skin and its peeling are observed. This manifestation of demodicosis resembles an allergic reaction.

Subcutaneous mites on the eyes are not so common, but they can cause eyelid lesions with peeling and loss of eyelashes, and crusting of the eyelids. Subcutaneous mites can also cause specific lesions of the mucous membrane of the eye - in this case, demodectic blepharitis or conjunctivitis is formed. The patient complains of a burning sensation in the eyes, a sensation of a foreign body, lacrimation, photophobia. This is accompanied by changes in the eyes in the form of the formation of viscous particles, loss of eyelashes, a cloudy coating on the sclera of the eyeball, and the formation of scales. Such lesions require immediate treatment, since the changes can deepen.

A subcutaneous mite in a child is a rare phenomenon, since the child's skin does not have such pronounced and developed hair and fat follicles. But a child can be affected already in adolescence, when these glands are developing. At an earlier age, the development of skin diseases, in this case, a subcutaneous mite, often occurs secondarily against the background of immune suppression or endocrine pathology - diabetes mellitus, Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome or disease. Therefore, when a subcutaneous mite appears in a child, it is necessary to think about a secondary process and conduct a thorough differential diagnosis with allergic dermatitis and other allergic skin diseases of childhood.

Subcutaneous mites may appear for the first time during pregnancy, even if the woman has never had such a disease before. This is due to many factors. Firstly, during pregnancy, there is a relative immunosuppression of the body, which increases the chances of the mite to reproduce and clinically manifest, even if it was previously just on the skin and never caused symptoms. Secondly, during pregnancy, the hormonal composition changes and the placenta synthesizes many hormones that affect the condition of the skin - its moisture and fat content increase, the amount of beneficial microflora decreases, so this contributes to the development of subcutaneous mites. A feature of demodicosis during pregnancy is that it appeared suddenly, and it can disappear after childbirth. But there are features in the treatment of subcutaneous mites during pregnancy, which must be taken into account.

The consequences of a subcutaneous mite can be caused by the very presence of the parasite and its long-term persistence, which leads to the spread of the process and the defeat of new areas of the skin. If the subcutaneous mite affects the eyes, then untimely treatment can cause blindness, and with its persistence, there may be frequent infectious blepharitis or barley. If the mite parasitizes the scalp, then the consequence of this process is hair loss, which is then difficult to restore due to the disruption of the structure of the follicle itself. The consequence of a subcutaneous mite on the skin of the face can be the addition of pustular and bacterial flora with the development of serious lesions and secondary changes in the contour and features of the face.

Such a variety of clinical manifestations of subcutaneous mite infestation requires serious diagnostics and timely treatment to avoid the development of complications and deeper skin lesions.

[ 8 ], [ 9 ]

Diagnostics and differential diagnostics of subcutaneous mites

The diagnosis of demodicosis should aim not only to confirm the diagnosis of subcutaneous mite, but also to ensure differential diagnosis of this pathology.

First of all, it is necessary to determine the anamnestic data regarding the peak of the process, its duration and the dynamics of the nature of the affected areas of the skin.

The specific analysis for subcutaneous mites is microscopic. The diversity of clinical forms of demodicosis determines special methods for taking smears and materials for research. In the erythematous form, the material is taken from different areas of the affected skin by superficial scraping of skin scales. In the papular, pustular and combined forms, a puncture is made with a scalpel and, by squeezing, the contents are obtained, which are then subject to research. It is also recommended to use a comedone extractor or an eye spoon to remove the contents of the follicle. The resulting material is transferred to glass, treated with a 20% solution of potassium or glycerin, and then covered with a cover glass. After fifteen to twenty minutes, the preparation is ready for study under a microscope at various magnifications.

Laboratory diagnostics of eye lesions by subcutaneous mites is somewhat difficult. To do this, take a scraping from the eyelid or mucous membrane of the eyeball, drip a few drops of oil or clear liquid and examine under a microscope.

A diagnostically significant result for confirming the diagnosis of subcutaneous mite 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 number of parasites is considered acceptable, since they can be present in a person and not cause clinical manifestations.

Other methods that may be performed are mainly performed for the purpose of differential diagnosis.

Allergological diagnostic methods allow to exclude such similar pathologies. For this purpose, skin tests with allergens of different groups can be carried out. Also informative will be the method of immunological blood testing with determination of the main indicators.

A general blood test allows to exclude skin changes caused by bacterial pathogens. In case of subcutaneous mite parasitism, there should be no changes in the blood test, there may only be relative lymphocytosis.

Differential diagnostics of demodicosis should be carried out with other pathologies that cause changes in the skin. These are, first of all, bacterial lesions - carbunculosis, furunculosis, as well as allergic diseases in the form of urticaria, scabies, atopic dermatitis.

Carbunculosis is an inflammatory-necrotic skin disease caused by streptococcus or staphylococcus and characterized by damage to the hair follicle and the excretory duct of the sebaceous gland. In this case, a local inflammatory lesion of one follicle occurs, in the center of which a necrotic focus is formed. If inflammation and necrosis of several inflammatory follicles occurs, then we are talking about furunculosis. If furunculosis covers a huge area of damage, then a systemic reaction is possible in the form of a pronounced intoxication syndrome with a rise in temperature. But the main local clinical feature of a carbuncle, which distinguishes it from a subcutaneous mite, is the presence of a necrotic focus in the center with a necrotic hair in carbunculosis or furunculosis. A subcutaneous mite never causes necrosis of a hair follicle. Subjective symptoms also differ: with carbunculosis there is a strong nagging pain in the affected area, while with demodicosis there is itching and burning against a background of redness.

How to distinguish an allergy from a subcutaneous mite? 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 samples. When conducting such tests, the results will be positive with certain allergens. Also, with an allergological blood test, the indicators of immune complexes will be increased. Allergies, as a rule, do not develop suddenly, but there is a burdened family history or in childhood the patient indicates the presence of atopic dermatitis. Also, with allergic lesions, there is a connection with a certain allergen that causes symptoms, and with the persistence of a subcutaneous mite, the symptoms are constant and are not associated with external factors.

Urticaria is the most common form of allergic reaction, which by its external signs has similar skin symptoms. Urticaria occurs more often as a result of taking an allergenic product or medication, and demodicosis has no trigger factors and constantly bothers the patient. Urticaria is characterized by the spread of the process in the form of red spots that are raised above the skin level and most often the process is localized on the abdomen, lateral surfaces of the abdomen and arms. While the subcutaneous mite most often affects areas that have oily skin - this is the face (chin, forehead), back.

Subcutaneous mite or scabies? This is also difficult to differentiate, since both pathologies are characterized by itching of the skin, but there are differences in local manifestations. With scabies, the mite affects areas with thin skin - interdigital spaces, hands. In this case, the parasite actively crawls between the skin and makes passages, which is accompanied by severe itching and the formation of thin-walled cavities filled with liquid in places where the parasite was. With subcutaneous mites, manifestations are formed in the form of diffuse reddening of the skin and its peeling localized on the face and a tendency to form acne.

Given the variety of pathologies that may be accompanied by such symptoms, differential diagnostics between such pathologies should be a priority. Therefore, it is necessary not only to identify the pathology in time, but also to confirm the diagnosis, because the disease may not be isolated, then the symptoms may overlap and treatment must be prescribed, taking into account the combined pathology.

[ 10 ], [ 11 ], [ 12 ], [ 13 ]

Methods of treating subcutaneous mites

In the treatment of subcutaneous mites, not only drug therapy but also a wide range of drugs from local treatment, folk remedies and herbs give a good effect. Therefore, several methods can be used at once, which increases the effectiveness of treatment.

A very important component of successful treatment of subcutaneous mites is a diet, which is aimed at cleansing not only the intestines, but the entire body. This helps to normalize the skin condition, its excretory function, since the work of the sebaceous glands is normalized and the amount of their secretion decreases. This also normalizes the work of the immune system, and thanks to such actions, the skin becomes cleaner. The diet should provide the needs for basic food ingredients, with a limitation of sweet foods - this is necessary during the period of intensive drug treatment, and then you just need to switch to a healthy diet and lifestyle.

The diet of subcutaneous mites has some peculiarities:

1. During the acute period, it is necessary to exclude all fats and harmful food additives;
2. you need to limit your diet by one third - this will help relieve digestion;
3. exclude sweets and foods containing glucose during the acute period;
4. exclude white bread, buns, cakes, and pastries;
5. It is necessary to have a breakfast with dietary fiber in the form of oatmeal or whole grain porridge - this stimulates peristalsis;
6. Every day you need to have dairy products in your diet - this will normalize the intestinal microflora and restore the normal biocenosis of the skin;
7. It is necessary to drink clean water daily in sufficient quantities at the rate of 32 milliliters per kilogram of body weight, but not after eating, but before;
8. 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 will help not only to normalize body weight, but also the condition of the skin and the functioning of internal organs.

Treatment of subcutaneous mites with medications has a very wide spectrum, using antibiotics, ointments, tablets, tinctures and lotions.

In acute cases, there may be significant swelling of the face, and antihistamines and dehydrating agents are prescribed, as well as local anti-inflammatory therapy. The presence of pustular elements of the rash requires the prescription of one of the tetracycline antibiotics, such as doxycycline (Unidox Solutab), or an antibiotic of the macrolide group (Zitrolex). After the edema disappears and the formation of fresh pustular rash ceases, patients are prescribed local antiparasitic therapy.

Methods of treating subcutaneous mites using local remedies are most justified in complex therapy, when lotions or ointments and tablets are used. Ointment for subcutaneous mites has a very good effect due to local action. Various drugs are used that have an antiseptic effect.

1. Yam is an ointment that has a complex antifungal and antiseptic effect. It contains acetylsalicylic acid, carbolic acid, as well as zinc and sulfur. Due to this, it also has a pronounced drying effect, which is especially beneficial for oily skin. The ointment should be used as follows: before use, mix the contents of the jar, then after light hygienic procedures, apply a thin layer to the affected areas of the skin. In this case, the ointment must be applied in such a way as to capture the affected areas and healthy ones around by two to three centimeters. It is necessary to use the ointment twice a day, the course of treatment is about seven to ten days. In this case, no skin or crusts should be peeled off, after the course of treatment everything should clear up on its own.
2. Benzyl benzoate is an ointment that has an antiseptic and antiparasitic effect, 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 an ointment of liquid consistency. The ointment is used after light hygienic procedures, it is necessary to apply the ointment in an even thin layer to the affected areas of the skin for three hours. Then, after three hours, it is necessary to apply the ointment again without washing it off. It can be used no more than twice a day. The course of treatment is about a week.

Such local treatment should be used in combination with other systemic drugs, then the effectiveness of treatment increases. 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.

1. Metronidazole (Trichopolum) is a broad-spectrum antifungal and antiparasitic drug. The active ingredient of the drug is nitroimidazole. It has a destructive property on the cells of the tick organism due to the disruption of nucleic acid synthesis, which inhibits normal cell proliferation and the process of reproduction of the subcutaneous mite. The drug is available in the pharmacological form of tablets, vaginal tablets and cream, as well as cream for external use and powder. For the treatment of subcutaneous mites, it is most advisable to use tablets for oral administration in combination with other drugs of local action - ointments. The drug is used 500 milligrams twice a day, the course of treatment is about seven days. During treatment with metronidazole, it is recommended to use probiotics, since the drug affects the intestinal microflora, which is undesirable in this case. Side effects of the drug are possible in the form of impaired coordination, drowsiness, lethargy, changes in the blood in the form of anemia and leukopenia, as well as allergic reactions.
2. Levomycetin is a drug that has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, which prevents bacterial complications after subcutaneous mite. The drug dries oily skin, affecting hair follicles and sebaceous follicles, which kills larvae and eggs of the subcutaneous mite exactly at the site of parasite reproduction. For this, a 1% solution of levomycetin alcohol is used. This tincture is used three times a day, after lightly washing the face. It is necessary to apply a small amount of tincture to a cotton pad and wipe the face. Then, after a few minutes, you can use antiparasitic ointments that are applied after the tincture. This improves the effect.

At the present stage, in the treatment of parasitic diseases, drugs of the pyrethroid group are widely used - synthetic analogues of natural pyrethrins, which are known for their insecticidal and acaricidal action. The corresponding products that contain synthetic pyrethroid include "Nitiform", "Permethrin", Spregal.

Other remedies used against subcutaneous mites depend on the form of skin lesion. Antibiotics against subcutaneous mites are not an etiologic remedy, since they do not affect parasites. Therefore, the use of antibiotics is possible only in case of repeated infection or the addition of bacterial flora with the development of secondary skin pyoderma.

Drops against subcutaneous mites are used if they affect the eyes with the development of blepharitis or conjunctivitis. For this purpose, Stop Demodex eyelid gel is often used. This product contains metronidazole, tar and witch hazel (a homeopathic substance). The drug is effective when rubbed into the eyelids twice a day for a week.

A spray against subcutaneous mites can be used when they are localized in difficult places, such as on the back of the neck or on the ears. In addition, given the increased oiliness of the skin and its contamination, as well as to open the follicles of the accessory glands of the skin, it is necessary to use a spray before using local agents. Such a 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 against subcutaneous mites is used when the parasite is localized in the hair follicles of the head, and when hair falls out as a result. Many shampoos with antiparasitic properties are used: Manting is a shampoo that has a specific effect on the parasite, and, in addition, strengthens the hair structure and normalizes the trophism of the hair follicle. This shampoo should be used as follows: apply a certain amount of shampoo to damp hair, lather, and then rinse; then you need to apply the shampoo a second time and hold for a few minutes. Washed hair should be held in a towel for some time, then dried. You can also use Fabao shampoo and Demodex Complex. The method of use is the same.

Folk remedies for subcutaneous mites

Treatment of subcutaneous mites at home can be combined with systemic and local medications. Folk remedies, lotions and herbs are used. The main recipes are as follows:

1. Garlic has a pronounced antibacterial and antiparasitic property, and due to the drying effect of this product, it dries the inflamed areas of the skin well. In this case, it should be used as follows: in the evening after washing, it is necessary to smear the affected areas of the skin with a fresh clove of garlic. It is necessary to hold this mask for ten minutes, and then wash it off with warm water. After this, you need to wipe it with a dry towel and do not use any more local remedies. The course of treatment is a week.
2. Soap masks are very effective for treating skin lesions, as they also have an anti-inflammatory effect in addition to the drying property. Tar soap is a very effective remedy precisely because of the tar content, which is effective against mites, both subcutaneous and scabies. For such a mask, you need to lather your face with tar soap and wait until it dries, and then rinse with water. The procedure must be repeated every morning and every evening.
3. Inhalations are very useful in the treatment of subcutaneous mites that are on the face. Different oils can be used for inhalations. Tea tree oil promotes the expansion of skin follicles, which allows for better disinfection of the skin from this parasite with further use of the ointment. To do this, drip three to five drops of tea tree into hot water, then cover yourself with a towel and stay under the steam of such a solution for several minutes. Then, after the follicles have opened, you can lubricate the affected areas with anti-Demodex ointment.
4. Salt from subcutaneous mites can also be used in the form of inhalations. To do this, take sea salt, mix it in hot water and inhale the skin in the same way, covered with a towel.
5. Treatment of subcutaneous mites with bee products is widely used due to the normalization of fat secretion when using ointments based on such products, as well as due to the specific effect on the mite, because it is sensitive to propolis components. Propolis-based ointments are used, which are applied to the affected areas of the skin.

[ 14 ], [ 15 ], [ 16 ], [ 17 ], [ 18 ]

Prevention

Prevention of changes caused by subcutaneous mites consists of basic skin hygiene rules. It is necessary to use products to protect the skin from weather conditions, and also to select creams that match the skin type. It is necessary that cosmetics are not expired, use cosmetics only during the day and do not go to bed with cosmetics, as this disrupts the trophism of the skin. Nutrition and food intake are directly related to our skin condition, so it is necessary to monitor nutrition. Do not squeeze pimples, as this contributes to the spread of infection. If any skin disorders are detected, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

The subcutaneous mite is a parasite from the genus of mites, which causes skin lesions of the erythematous or papular rash type, with possible foci of inflammation. But for an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a microscopy of the parasite and determine its type. This pathology is treatable, but it is better to start therapy at the initial changes, then the effect is more complete.