Demodicosis of the eye: diagnosis and treatment in Moscow at the Medvedev Clinic

Like any other parasitic disease, treating eye demodicosis in humans will require considerable effort, patience and time. After the diagnosis is made by the attending physician, as a rule, the patient is given a treatment regimen for demodicosis of the eyelids, which must be followed with maximum accuracy.

Our article will not replace your visit to a professional doctor specializing in the treatment of tick-borne blepharitis, but it will help you quickly navigate the upcoming events and the algorithm of actions.

As a rule, truly effective treatment for demodicosis of the eyelids consists of a series of procedures using various drugs. Therapeutic measures may include not only medications to destroy adult parasites, but also to eliminate larvae, eliminate toxic waste products of ticks and create an unfavorable background for their further reproduction. That is why it is important to follow an integrated approach and perform all activities in the given sequence and with the intensity indicated by the attending physician.

We will try to describe the most popular and effective options for treating demodicosis of the eyelids at home, using modern medicine and so-called “folk” remedies.

Causes of demodicosis of the eyes

Demodicosis of the eyes occurs when the mites Demodex folliculorum living in the eyelash bulbs are activated. Another reason may be a mite that lives in symbiosis with humans in several glands: the eyelid and eyelid cartilage, the so-called meibomian glands, and in the sebaceous glands of Zeiss near the hair follicles. All of them produce a secretion, which contains fatty acids and proteins - a very comfortable environment for demodectic mites, since there is a comfortable temperature, humidity and nutrients.

Demodectic mite is an obligate parasite that cannot develop outside a human cell. It lives and develops in the cavity of the bulb, and if conditions are stable and normal, the disease does not occur. The person is a carrier but has no symptoms. The disease occurs when conditions change, which provokes the development and reproduction of the parasite.

Among the factors provoking the disease, doctors identify the following:

hot weather, increased skin temperature and exposure to sunlight in spring and summer;
excessively dry and warm air in the home or at work (in a workshop, office, institution);
too frequent excessively hot water procedures;
loss of the body's defenses, decreased immunity;
restructuring of the body associated with diseases of various body systems: endocrine, hormonal, cardiovascular. In addition, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and various liver pathologies can provoke demodicosis;
violation of the acid-base balance on the skin;
myopia and farsightedness, which are not corrected by glasses or lenses, are also dangerous;
The disease can also be provoked by foci of inflammation that can cause intoxication or allergies.

How to get rid of demodicosis of the eyelids in humans

If the patient has skin rashes combined with severe itching and redness, you should contact specialized specialists:

If the parasite is localized on the eyelids and the eyelash bulbs are damaged, an ophthalmologist is involved in the restoration.
For foci of inflammation on the scalp - a trichologist.
If the skin is affected, you should consult a dermatologist.

Treatment for demodicosis usually takes place without any problems, but recovery can take up to 6 months. The beginning of therapy consists of stopping the infection channel and normalizing the protective functions of the epidermis.

Recovery must be comprehensive. To do this, the doctor collects a detailed medical history. Based on the information received, he prescribes the appropriate treatment option. Usually it consists of:

taking immunomodulators, vitamin complexes;
prescribing medications to restore the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
use of broad-spectrum anthelmintic drugs;
prescribing antihistamines to reduce irritation;
constant treatment of problem areas with medicinal compounds and ointments.

Ointments and gels prescribed by doctors reduce the number of adult individuals and prevent their subsequent reproduction, eliminating the increase in localization areas. Demodex-complex , consisting of soap, cream, and tonic, are prescribed as an addition to treatment

To increase the effectiveness of combating and preventing the disease, you can use Demazol medicinal shampoo. The plant components included in the composition - tansy, chamomile, verbena, string, birch tar - are effective for dermatitis of various etiologies. They contribute to the death of eye mites, parasite larvae and eggs. The product is protected by Russian patents: No. 2611347, No. 2611346, No. 2192860. RF patents in the name of I.B. Medvedev

Symptoms of demodicosis of the eyes

Doctors include the main signs of demodicosis of the eyes (demodectic blepharitis and demodictic blepharo-conjunctivitis):

eye fatigue too quickly, constant feeling of heaviness in the eyelids;
There is a burning and itching sensation near the eyelashes;
cutting pain in the eye, similar to that felt when small debris gets into the organs of vision;
thick, sticky mucus secreted from the conjunctiva accumulates in the corners of the eyes, both internal and external;
eyelashes stick together because crusts and keratin scales form between them;
the conjunctiva turns red as the skin capillaries on the eyelids dilate;
small ulcers appear near the roots of the eyelashes;
The thickness of the tear film on the cornea, due to pathology of the meibomian glands, decreases, which leads to dry eye syndrome.

Symptoms of demodicosis

Clinical manifestations occur after the eye mite penetrates the hair follicle area. As their number grows, the following symptoms become more pronounced:

inflamed eyelash follicles;
red rashes of a dermatological nature;
excessive eyelash loss;
swelling, purulent discharge, burning, sensation of a foreign object in the eyes;
itching, pain, peeling, small ulcers.

In difficult situations, acne appears on the patient's face. In some cases, a runny nose develops, not accompanied by other symptoms characteristic of a cold.

The pathology can occur in isolation or be combined with blepharitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis, demodectic seals on the face and other parts of the body.

Therapy

According to doctors, therapy for this disease is carried out taking into account the life cycle of demodex mites and lasts about a month and a half.

What activities are included in the treatment package?

It is useful to wash your face with tar soap, since tar produced from birch is an excellent antiseptic and insecticide.
Regular massage of the eyelids is needed, which helps remove accumulated fluid from the glands.
To reduce the mobility of mites, 2 times a day the edges of the eyelid should be wiped with alcohol or alcoholic tinctures of herbs: calendula officinalis and eucalyptus.
2-3 times a week it is recommended to lubricate the edges of the eyelids with 3% Carbohol eye drops. This procedure leads to contraction of the ciliary part of the orbicularis oculi muscle and, as a result, the contents of the glands are released with parasites. The same effect is achieved after washing the edge of the eyelids with 0.25 percent Physostigmine eye drops and 0.02 percent Phosphacol drops.
For a month and a half, Demolon gel, which has a bactericidal effect, can be applied to the edges of the eyelids in the morning and evening. It contains metronidazole, silver citrate, sulfur, as well as burdock and mulberry extracts. You need to be very careful not to let the gel get into your eyes.
The Stopdemodex eye gel, containing metronidazole, hyaluronic acid and chamomile extract, has proven itself well. It is applied to the eyelids at the roots of the eyelashes after pre-treating the skin and edges of the eyelids with an alcoholic tincture of calendula. After 30 minutes, the remaining product is removed with a napkin specially designed for this purpose. The procedure is carried out twice a day for 6 weeks.
The composition of the anti-demodicosis drug "Blepharogel 2" includes hyaluronic acid, aloe vera extract, sulfur, glycerin. First, apply it with a cotton swab in the area where eyelashes grow. After this, use clean fingertips to gently massage the eyelids for 2-3 minutes. The procedure must be carried out every day in the morning and at night.
Antibacterial drops are also effective if there is inflammation resulting from infection. Ophthalmologists prefer Levomycetin, Levofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Tobrazon (Tobrex) or Dexagentamicin.

Diagnosis of the disease

Establishing an accurate diagnosis does not cause difficulties for ophthalmologists and does not require preparatory measures. To do this, the patient submits a scraping for demodicosis. The test can be taken in the laboratory of a medical institution at the place of registration, or at a dispensary. But budgetary organizations do not always have the necessary material for the survey.

The eye biomicroscopy procedure involves selecting cilia and eyebrow hairs without damaging the hair follicles, examining them under a microscope, and counting parasites, larvae, and eggs. Their number is normally 0–1; the presence of 3–4 or more microorganisms on 6 eyelashes indicates a deviation.

Before the session, it is not recommended to use cosmetics, creams, or eye drops if the patient resorts to them due to impaired functioning of the visual apparatus.

Treatment with traditional medicine

To cure demodicosis of the eyes, traditional medicine suggests using medicinal plants: chamomile flowers, calendula, linden, tansy, oak bark and aloe juice.

To wash the eyes and apply warm compresses to the eyelids, use an infusion, for which a tablespoon of these dry plants is poured with a glass of boiled water.

From aloe juice (pharmaceutical or squeezed from fresh leaves of agave), mixed with boiled water in a 1:1 ratio, lotions are applied every day, the duration of the procedure is at least 15 minutes.

Treatment of demodicosis of the eyes at the multidisciplinary clinic “International Health Center”

Qualified dermatocosmetologists of our clinic perform an examination, take an analysis for demodex (eyelashes, skin), and use the latest laboratory equipment to make a diagnosis within 24 hours. This approach allows you to quickly select treatment methods. In our pharmacy you can also purchase medicinal shampoo "Demazol". It is made on the basis of extracts of string, chamomile, birch tar, verbena, tansy. These medicinal plants have a beneficial effect on the scalp and hair. The product does not disrupt the natural growth of hair, makes it shiny, silky and voluminous.

Our doctors are trained in Russia and abroad. By providing paid services, we can send our staff to be trained in modern medical standards. You can find out prices for treatment for demodicosis by calling our number.

Preventive measures

Demodicosis of the eye is easily transmitted from person to person. This explains the importance of following personal hygiene rules. This is the most important factor in helping prevent disease.

If you are sick, during treatment, wipe your face not with a cloth towel, but with a disposable paper towel - they are sold in pharmacies and hardware stores. The pillowcase is changed daily or ironed with a very hot iron. Personal items are treated with alcohol, ether, an alcohol solution of salicylic acid, and boiling water. Needless to say, you should not use eye creams and decorative cosmetics that were in use before the diagnosis - they must be disposed of.

Treatment

To cure eyelash demodex, you need to conduct the necessary research that will show possible complications. It is necessary to begin therapy by observing the rules of personal hygiene. This will further minimize the risk of relapse of the disease. As a result, the effectiveness of treatment will increase significantly.

An integrated approach to the treatment of the disease is the key to successful treatment of demodex. The use of antibiotics, immunomodulators and antihistamines is combined with the use of acaricides and local medications. The duration of treatment is usually about a month, but can reach a year. It depends on various complications and aggravating factors.

It is very important to regularly clean the eyelid from formed scales. To do this, you can use an alcohol infusion of eucalyptus or calendula. You also need to apply an ointment that contains tar, sulfur, ichthyol, yellow mercury, benzyl benzoate or zinc thyol. These acaricidal substances attack the tick, which leads to a decrease in the number of the parasite. Preparations containing metronidazole are used orally.

Demodex Complex is highly effective, helping to cope with ticks in various ways. Also, in some cases, anticholinesterase drugs are used, which paralyze the parasite due to their effect on muscle and nervous tissue. At the same time, it is worth paying attention to normalizing metabolism. To do this, you need to adjust the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and immune system.