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Demodecosis of the eyelids
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
Demodicosis is a parasitic skin lesion caused by microscopic mites called demodex. Parasites can be present on the skin of many people, and they are completely harmless; they feed on the decay products of the upper layers of the skin and help remove toxins from the body. When the immune system fails or other provoking factors occur, the mites penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and cause unpleasant symptoms.
Causes demodecosis of the eyelids
The cause of the disease is parasitic microscopic mites – demodex.
The penetration of ticks under the skin can be facilitated by disturbances in the functioning of the immune, hormonal, endocrine systems, prolonged nervous tension, chronic diseases leading to improper digestion, frequent visits to public bathing places (saunas, baths) or work in hot workshops.
Light-skinned women are most susceptible to the disease; demodicosis can develop both in teenagers and in more mature age. In young people, the disease can be provoked by increased activity of the sebaceous glands or hormonal changes in the body during adolescence.
Another cause of demodicosis is poor hygiene - using other people's towels, poorly treated bed linen in trains, hotels, etc., dirty tools in beauty salons, using the same mascara or eyeshadow. The disease can also be transmitted from pets.
An ophthalmologist identifies the disease during an examination and confirms the diagnosis with a laboratory test.
Demodex prefers to settle in sebaceous ducts or hair follicles, most often the skin of the face is affected, when the eyelashes are affected, demodicosis of the eyelids develops, which greatly worsens the appearance and causes a number of unpleasant symptoms.
Symptoms demodecosis of the eyelids
The first sign of demodicosis of the eyelids is swelling, redness, and itching.
Also, during active reproduction, mites begin to secrete viscous mucus, leading to loss of eyelashes and the appearance of pustules covered with a yellow crust.
The skin on the eyelids becomes dry and begins to peel. Usually after sleep, yellowish viscous mucus appears on the eyelashes, the eyelashes stick together.
As the disease progresses, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye, dryness and rapid fatigue are observed. Some creams that promote the reproduction of parasites can increase itching, so with demodicosis, until complete recovery, you should use only those products prescribed by the doctor.
The parasitic activity of demodex can lead to inflammation of the eyelids, cornea, and tumor-like formations.
Mites secrete toxic decay products that can increase the risk of developing allergic reactions; if the disease is prolonged or has frequent relapses, demodicosis of the eyelids can cause various nervous disorders, depression, and lead to decreased self-esteem.
Where does it hurt?
Diagnostics demodecosis of the eyelids
This disease is detected by an ophthalmologist during the initial examination of the patient, the preliminary diagnosis is confirmed by laboratory tests, which are carried out quite quickly and easily - the presence of demodex is detected on the patient's freshly removed eyelashes under a microscope. Before examining the eyelashes, they are poured with kerosene (gasoline), glycerin, and a caustic alkali solution.
What do need to examine?
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Treatment demodecosis of the eyelids
Treatment of demodicosis proceeds well with early detection of the disease and strict adherence to the doctor's recommendations. It is very important to adhere to the treatment schedule, otherwise the disease can become chronic, and then it will be extremely difficult to get rid of demodicosis.
Demodex mites greatly worsen appearance, which also entails psychological consequences - low self-esteem, depression, development of complexes.
Treatment of demodicosis is long-term, on average 3-4 months (depending on the type of mite and the severity of the disease).
Results can be seen already in the first weeks of therapy, but it is very important not to stop treatment and complete the full course.
In advanced stages, with the development of complications due to concomitant diseases, with individual intolerance to drugs prescribed by the doctor, treatment of demodicosis can take more than six months.
The longer the patient refuses treatment, the more the disease progresses and the more difficult it is to treat in the future, which can lead to infection and inflammation in the mucous membrane of the eye, hair loss on the head, thickening and proliferation of fibrous tissue in the nose, damage to other parts of the body (back, chest, thighs, etc.).
Treatment of demodicosis is aimed at destroying the mite and normalizing the immune system, increasing the resistance of the skin, and improving digestive function.
Demodecosis of the eyelids indicates improper functioning of the body, so the main treatment is to eliminate the root cause of the disease (the factors that provoked excessive activity of the mite).
During treatment, it is important to follow a special diet, exclude alcohol, products containing caffeine, tobacco, and also improve personal hygiene (change bed linen, towels, etc. more often). In addition, during treatment, you should avoid visiting saunas, solariums, taking hot baths, and other places where the skin may be exposed to hot air.
Self-treatment of demodicosis is contraindicated; after consultation with a doctor, you can supplement the main therapy with traditional medicine.
Treatment regimen for demodicosis of the eyelids
The treatment plan is drawn up by the doctor, taking into account the degree of the disease, concomitant diseases, etc.
Therapy necessarily includes taking antibiotics, medications to normalize the immune system, digestion, and also applying external ointments.
Treatment for demodicosis is prescribed for no less than 1.5 months; in severe cases, the course of treatment lasts 10-12 months.
Remedies for demodicosis of the eyelids
In case of demodicosis, the external ointment for eyelids Demelan shows good efficiency. Before application, eyelashes should be cleaned from dry crusts, wiped with alcohol solution. It is best to use calendula tincture on alcohol, which should be applied twice with an interval of 15 minutes.
Demelan is applied to the eyelids with gentle massage movements twice a day, the course of treatment is 1.5 months.
In case of democosis, Blefarogel is used for eyelid massage, which should also be used by close relatives of the patient for prevention.
In case of demodicosis, hormonal external agents are contraindicated, as they promote the reproduction of parasites.
If the disease spreads to the mucous membrane of the eye, antibacterial eye drops (Tobrex, Levomycetin) are prescribed.
In severe cases (if an infection occurs, symptoms are pronounced), antibiotics are prescribed.
Today, the most effective drug against parasitic diseases is Demodex Complex, which should be used as part of complex therapy (in combination with soap, cream, drugs to improve immunity, etc.).
Demodex Complex is extremely easy to use, allows you to get rid of parasites in a shorter time, has a minimum of side effects, has a natural composition and reduces the risk of relapse.
Eyelid ointment for demodicosis
Often, a doctor will prescribe Trichopolum ointment for demodicosis of the eyelids, which can be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women. The ointment is easy to use - you just need to apply it to the affected areas.
Also showing good effectiveness are fatty-based ointments - tetracycline, clotrimazole, which have a low risk of allergic reactions and increase the skin's resistance to parasites.
In some cases, a fast-acting drug is prescribed - benzyl benzoate, YAM, but such drugs have recently become less and less popular, since they contain alcohol and sulfur, which destroy the top layer of the skin, leading to excessive dryness and flaking.
Tansy with demodicosis of the eyelids
Tansy has a number of medicinal properties - anthelmintic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, destroys insects, soothes, relieves inflammation, reduces fever and pain.
In case of demodicosis of the eyelids, tansy infusion helps to relieve inflammation and stop the reproduction of mites. The infusion is used for wiping, compresses, and washing. It should be remembered that tansy is a poisonous plant, so do not exceed the recommended dosage.
To prepare the infusion, pour 1 tbsp of flowers with 200 ml of boiling water and let it brew for 1-1.5 hours.
The resulting infusion should be instilled into the eyes three times a day, 2 drops at a time, and a compress should be made at night for 20-25 minutes. It is recommended to make a fresh infusion every day.
Duration of treatment is 1 – 1.5 months.
You can also make an ointment with tansy - for this you will need fresh tansy flowers and wormwood grass. Grind the well-washed and dried herbs in a blender, put them in a saucepan, pour in melted fat (it should have the consistency of sour cream) and simmer in a water bath for 20-25 minutes, then cool the resulting mixture and use it as a mask - apply for 20-25 minutes to the affected areas of the skin (it is better to cover it with a cosmetic napkin on top). After such a mask, you need to wipe the skin with an alcohol tincture.
Eyelid massage for demodicosis
Massage for demodicosis is an important part of complex treatment. For greater effectiveness, massage is done with special means that are prescribed for the disease.
The simplest method is to massage with your fingertips.
Also, special creams (Kang, Xinsheng) will help to enhance the effect, which will help to destroy parasites. Before the procedure, it is necessary to treat the edges of the eyelids with an alcohol tincture of calendula or eucalyptus, after drying, the cream is applied with light movements to the closed eyelids (morning and evening).
Diet for demodicosis of the eyelids
When affected by demodex mites, a diet is necessary to normalize digestion and the body's defense functions.
It is recommended to eat boiled meat, fermented milk products, fresh vegetables, unsweetened fruits, boiled potatoes, rice, buckwheat, oatmeal, wheat porridge, grain bread, nuts (almonds, peanuts), raisins, fresh juices.
In this case, the disease requires complete exclusion of spicy, smoked, salty foods, and honey.
More information of the treatment
Prevention
Demodex mites can move from the skin to towels, bed linen, clothing, cosmetics (mascara, eye shadow, etc.), so the basis for preventing demodicosis is personal hygiene.
If a relative is diagnosed with the disease, all items that could have come into contact with the patient’s face – scarves, hats, pillowcases, etc. – should be washed in hot water.
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Forecast
With demodicosis, the prognosis is favorable only if the person has a fairly strong immune system and no serious concomitant diseases. In this case, the unpleasant consequences of tick infestation disappear after a full course of treatment (after 3-4 months).
In case of demodicosis, it is important for a doctor to monitor the patient’s condition; as a rule, a specialist notes the effectiveness of the chosen treatment regimen and makes adjustments if necessary.
The disease is easier to treat if it is detected at an early stage and has not become chronic. If the doctor's recommendations are not followed, the treatment regimen is chosen incorrectly, or therapy is not stopped in a timely manner, relapses may occur, and then the prognosis will be disappointing.
Demodecosis of the eyelids is a serious disease caused by microscopic parasites living on the skin. There are two types of mites that can cause the disease. When the body is functioning normally, the parasites do not harm a person, but when there are any failures, the mites become active and begin to actively multiply, causing a number of unpleasant symptoms and deterioration of appearance.
Parasites are especially active in the autumn-spring period, when the body is weakened.