However, sometimes the organisms that call our bodies home can be harmful to our health, turning our mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship into one that is purely one-sided and parasitic. One such creature with parasitic potential is the Demodex mite. Read on to find out the warning signs of Demodex mite infestation and what you can do about it.
What Are Demodex Mites
Demodex is a genus of mites that inhabit the skin, specifically in the oil glands and the hair follicles. Dozens of species of demodex mites exist, and they may use a variety of mammals as hosts, including canines and human beings.
The life cycle of these mites is incredibly short—so short, in fact, that their bodies are not even equipped with organs for eliminating waste products.
They live to eat bacteria from our skin, mate, lay eggs, and then die within two weeks of being hatched. Often, both humans and their four-legged friends can live peaceably with each other; the mites commonly live in and around eyelashes, for example, without causing any irritation at all.
However, when their numbers grow too high and an infestation begins, many unpleasant side effects may be experienced by the host.
Warning Signs of Demodex Mite Infestation
Demodex mites are thought to be the culprits responsible for causing rosacea flare-ups and bouts of fungal skin infections, such as ringworm.
This happens when an excess of mites are living on the skin, laying too many eggs within oil glands and leaving behind their corpses to cause clogging of the pores, thus hindering the skin’s natural self-sloughing abilities. Thus, Demodex mite infestation can manifest in:
- Flushing and swelling of the skin
- Clogged pores (acne and blackheads)
- Rash-like appearance to the infested skin
- Intense itching and burning sensations
- Hair loss
These symptoms can be incredibly uncomfortable to live with—but the good news is, that you don’t have to!
Natural Treatments for Mites
There are all-natural treatment options available to treat Demodex mite infestation and prevent future recurrences of infestation, many of which are backed by empirical research. Let’s discuss a few of these home remedies and how to apply them in the event that you or someone in your home develops a Demodex mite infestation.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has been proven to be one of the most effective natural remedies against Demodex mites, with survival time stretching no further than 15 minutes when pure tea tree oil is applied.
To utilize the healing properties of tea tree oil to your benefit (and the Demodex mites’ detriment), add a few drops of tea tree oil to a full bottle of shampoo or liquid soap and cleanse as usual.
If you prefer a method where you don’t have to do any mixing or measuring, many products containing tea tree oil are available online and in stores, such as bar soap (like this one), laundry detergent and hair products. For other uses of tea tree oil, read my article about the 75 extraordinary uses for tea tree oil. If you are interested to learn more about essential oils you can find useful information in my e-book Magical Aromatherapy which will help you to discover the power of essential oils and the most effective ways to use them.
Note: Essential oils should not be used in areas where it can come into contact with the eyes. If your Demodex mite infection is in the eyelid or eyelash area, please do not use essential oils as a topical treatment.
Camphor oil
Camphor oil is another effective means of ridding oneself of Demodex mite infestation. Camphor oil is made by distilling the bark and wood of the camphor tree.
According to a research, treatment of human facial demodicidosis with freshly prepared camphor oil with or without glycerol dilutions gave complete cure with concentrations of 100%, 75% and 50%. Incomplete cure but marked drop in infestation density was achieved with diluted camphor oil at concentrations of 25-20%. Camphor oil application proved to be safe with no side effects.
Oregano oil
Oregano oil is one of my 13 powerful antibiotics that don’t require a prescription. Oregano oil can be detrimental to Demodex mites as well. Because oregano oil is very concentrated, mix a few drops of oregano oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil and apply to the affected area twice a day.
Caraway oil
Caraway oil was found by researchers to be just as effective as tea tree oil in eliminating Demodex mite pests. Caraway oil may be used topically on the skin in much the same way as tea tree and oregano oils, where a few drops are added to existing shampoo, soap, or detergents.
Dill oil
Dill oil is made from seeds and other parts of the dill plant and it is highly effective for treating Demodex infestation. To treat, put no more than two drops into hair treatment products, facial cleansers, or laundry products and use as normal. Existing mites will slowly die off, and use of the oil will prevent new infestations from taking place.
Olive leaf extract
Olive leaf extract has amazing health benefits. Olive leaf can be purchased as an extract in health stores or online. You can purchase olive leaf extract in a liquid form like this one or as a dried powder in capsules like this one. Always make sure the extract was made from organic olive leaves to make sure it’s pesticide free.
Take the extract as directed, making sure to take a two-day break per five days of treatment. After two weeks, you should see a marked improvement of the afflicted area, with health and clarity returning to the previously infested skin.
Clove oil
Clove oil is one of the best essential oil for eczema. It is an amazing natural home remedy that is useful in treating myriad ailments—and Demodex infestation is no exception. Mix a few drops of clove oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil such as coconut oil and apply to the affected area.
Sulfuric foods
Sulfur is another anti-Demodex treatment that some people find very effective. Sulfur can be noxious in large quantities, but one healthy and natural way to utilize its benefits in small quantities is by consuming foods containing sulfur, such as onion, garlic and eggs—particularly the yolks. Another option is to use topical creams that contain sulfur (like this one).
