Ailment: Mites (demodex mites)
Remedy: Hydrogen peroxide
Comment posted by David Niven Miller of Perth, WA, Australia on 15 April 2024 at 12:7 5560
Reply to Comment 5559 posted by Sarah of Dallas, TX, USA on 14 April 2024.
Please read the Grow Youthful web page on Demodex mites. They can NOT reproduce in bedding, clothes, carpets etc. Heavy cleaning is not necessary to control mites.
If allergy to mites, dust etc is an issue, then cleaning as suggested in this comment makes good sense. But remember that the cleaning is not to control mites, it is to control allergies.
Comment posted by Sarah of Dallas, TX, USA on 14 April 2024 at 13:36 5559
YES
I've read many research articles and there are bacterium that the mites produce that can further cause inflammation and issues, so hydrogen peroxide does work to rid the anaerobic bacteria. Studies show that Terpenen 4, found in tea tree oil, works to kill then with no side effects. Clove oil eugenol is also proven to kill them. Rosacea is caused by demodex infestation. Demodex live on us but usually do not become a problem unless there is poor hygiene or lowered immune system. Make sure to take zinc, C, D, and B vitamins and wash regularly and use cleansing cloths to remove excess oil. Washing bedding on a sanitization cycle and high heat dry cycle will keep bedding clean. Vacuum mattress between washes to suck up dead skin and mites. Use a dust mite protector on pillows and mattress, as those with demodex infections usually have allergies anyway due to immune system issues. Allerease is a good brand, make sure weave is proper micron protection level.
Comment posted by Tammy of New York, NY, USA on 7 April 2024 at 23:29 5557
YES
I’ve been dealing with demodex rashes for 7 years, and basically gotten it under control except for when I get cocky and go off my protocol for too long. Hydrogen peroxide works for me. It stings like hell on the skin with demodex overgrowth but doesn’t bother healthy skin and then brings them out but by the next day most of the rash has dried up and or subsided. I use a bunch of other topical things which I list below. However, the biggest deal is to work from the inside. Demodex growth reacts to diet. There is a link between demodex and histamine intolerance, gluten intolerance, and gut issues. Try eliminating gluten, sugars and high histamine food as well as histamine releasers. That’s why I’m having problems now too many strawberries and oranges since they’re super sweet right now, too much gluten and too much eating out. My list below is admittedly extensive. See what works for you. I use hydrogen peroxide 1x or 2x a day during problems but then only once or twice a week. Kojic acid soap gets rid of residual dark spots from old demodex break outs. Tea tree body wash helps. Cortisone rash cream sometimes worsens itching. Antibiotic cream helps itching and Solacaine stops itching with no negative effects. I have tried glycolic vitamin C serum, salicylic acid, hydroquinine, rosehip oil, antihistamines, tagament dao gut powder without much success. It is important to eat clean food avoiding processed, canned, smoked, anything less than fresh foods. I use light therapy occasionally. Sulphur soap for chest and hair and face only when bad.
Comment posted by Danielle of Burlington, Vermont, USA on 9 December 2013 at 5:38 1604
A month ago I started having all the same symptoms, not soon after my younger children did too only milder if there is such a thing. It started with itchy heads and I treated for lice but then my left started in especially in the folds. Drs said it was eczema which clearly it is not. These things have attacked my ear so badly I can't even sleep on that side! I was given ivermectin which worked for a day or 2 till new eggs hatched and developed. I found that borax and peroxide baths help immensely but do not kill eggs in the follicles. These things are on all body parts in nose and even on tongue lips and gums....EWWW! Last night I did borax and peroxide bath and then blow dried my entire body it helped the most since this started and skin felt softer! Today I got tea tree oil which I'm adding to lotion and shampoo. I also got some Apple Cider Vinegar. Ingredients are acv, cayenne pepper powder and ginger root powder. I have read many positive reviews about acv and its mite killing power. My bf and I started taking 2 a day hopefully I can report positively about this! What I'm struggling with most is keeping home clean with having a full time job and children. I've read suggestions to wash bedding daily and dispose of pillows and buy new, maybe for someone who has money to do so but I just do not! I've sprayed with bleach/water and borax/peroxide/water but I think the borax clogs the sprayer so I an gonna try straining the solution. This is an ongoing battle! I believe either the kitten we rescued brought this into my home, or that my teenager has had them for a while but we thought he just has bad acne from teenage boy hormones! Either way doesn't matter, what matters is getting rid of it before my once beautiful face is disfigured for life! I hope this helps, I will post with updates of progress.
Question posted by LauraLee of Spokane , WA, USA on 26 October 2012 at 21:39 784
Hello All! First off I'm so sorry we are all here because we have this pest consuming our daily lives, but I'm glad we are here in attempt for a cure and share knowledge.
My story is, I had been using retin a for a few years at my dermatologists request. I should have listened to my instincts when I felt it was damaging my skin by removing too many protective layers and destructing my barrier. I was right. Soon my pores began to enlarge, I was noticing black specks engraved into my skin, holes, itching moving sensations, and what felt like a pierce or bite that would be followed with redness then form a little bump/pimple afterwards. This is truly damaging my skin.
I believe I weakened my skin and removed critical protective barriers that allowed my skin to be vulnerable to the mites now. I have new bumps occurring at the sides of my nose and center if cheeks, which leave holes afterwards. I'm trying to heal my skin, but yet kill these mites at the same time, so I feel like whatever route I choose I will be counterproductive in healing the other issue.
I have heard of trying a borax plus h202 solution, sulphur, seabuckthorn oil, cold cream, enzyme spray, and tea tree oil. Please if anyone knows of a sure fire way to decimate this creature, shout at me!
Thanks so much and good luck to you all!