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Demodex folliculorum: What You Should Know
What is Demodex folliculorum?
Demodex folliculorum is a type of mite. It’s one of two types of Demodex mites, the other being Demodex brevis. This is also the most common type of Demodex mite.
D. folliculorum lives within the hair follicles on human skin, feeding on dead skin cells. Unlike D. brevis, this type is mostly found on the face. These mites tend to be most prevalent around the eyes, affecting the lids and lashes.
Though the thought of having mites on your skin might sound unpleasant, it’s actually common to have small amounts of them. D. folliculorum only becomes problematic if they exacerbate preexisting skin conditions, such as rosacea. There’s also increasing evidence that large amounts can cause skin problems.
D. folliculorum is microscopic in size, so you won’t be able to diagnose its presence on your own.
Pictures of Demodex folliculorum
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What are the symptoms of Demodex folliculorum?
With large D. folliculorum infestations, you may notice sudden increased roughness of the skin.
Other symptoms may include:
- itchy or scaly skin
- redness
- increased skin sensitivity
- burning sensation
- skin that feels rough like sandpaper
- eczema
Many people with mites in their skin don’t know it. A small number of mites is unlikely to cause any symptoms.
What causes Demodex folliculorum?
D. folliculorum naturally occurs in human skin. However, the mites can be spread by contact with someone else who has them.
Unlike other types of skin mites, D. folliculorum increases the amount of skin cells in the hair follicles. In large amounts, this can create scaly symptoms on the face.
D. folliculorum is currently being investigated as a potential cause of rosacea. There’s evidence that these mites can cause flare-ups if you have rosacea. In fact, the anabolics-steroids estimates that rosacea patients have up to 18 times more Demodex mites than patients without rosacea.
Who is at risk for getting Demodex folliculorum?
Though D. folliculorum isn’t an uncommon occurrence, you may be at an increased risk for getting these mites if you have:
- a weakened immune system
- dermatitis
- skin infections
- alopecia
- acne, especially inflammatory types
- HIV
- rosacea, though increasing evidence suggests the mites can actually cause this condition
How is Demodex folliculorum diagnosed?
Since D. folliculorum aren’t visible to the naked eye, you’ll need to see a doctor to get a definitive diagnosis. To diagnose these mites, your doctor will scrape a small sample of follicular tissues and oils from your face. A skin biopsy shown under a microscope can determine the presence of these mites on the face.
Complications
People who have large amounts of the mites on their face may be diagnosed with demodicosis. Symptoms of demodicosis include:
- scales around the hair follicles
- red skin
- sensitive skin
- itchy skin
Your doctor can prescribe a cream that can help get rid of the mites as well as their eggs.
D. folliculorum can also cause complications with preexisting skin conditions. It may worsen acne outbreaks, rosacea rashes, and dermatitis patches. Controlling the mites may help the outcome of these types of inflammatory skin conditions.
How is Demodex folliculorum treated?
Certain home treatments can help get rid of D. folliculorum while also preventing them from spreading. Gently scrub your eyelashes with a 50 percent solution of tea tree oil. Then apply tea tree oil to kill any eggs left behind. The tea tree oil should get rid of mites and mite eggs.
In most cases, you don’t need to do anything about the mites unless they’re causing symptoms.
Medical treatments
Medical treatments are used when there is a large number of mites on your face. For D. folliculorum on the eyelashes, a medicated ointment may be used. This helps trap the mites and prevent them from laying their eggs in other hair follicles.
Creams, gels, and face washes with the following active ingredients may also help:
- benzyl benzoate
- salicylic acid
- selenium sulfide
- sulfur
Your doctor may also prescribe:
- crotamiton (Eurax)
- ivermectin (Stromectol)
- metronidazole (Flagyl)
- permethrin (Nix, Elimite)
What is the outlook for Demodex folliculorum?
The outlook for D. folliculorum depends on the underlying cause. People with inflammatory conditions, such as rosacea and acne, might have recurring mites that aggravate their symptoms. Frequent skin infections can also increase the likelihood that the mites will return.
Most cases also don’t cause any symptoms. Mites live for several weeks and decompose often without notice. In small amounts, D. folliculorum may actually offer benefits, as they can remove excess dead skin cells.
Last medically reviewed on March 7, 2019
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Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN — Written by Kristeen Cherney — Updated on July 24, 2019
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Demodex Brevis: What You Should Know
- Pictures
- Symptoms
- Causes
- Risk Factors
- Diagnosis
- Complications
- Home treatments
- Clinical treatments
- Outlook
What is demodex brevis?
Demodex brevis is a kind of mite found on humans. Like its counterpart Demodex folliculorum, brevis is naturally occurring. D. brevis is so small that you can’t see the mites with a naked eye. In fact, the average mite is only 0.15 to 0.2 mm long. They only cause noticeable reactions and problems in people if the mites exist in large quantities.
Pictures of demodex brevis
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Symptoms
Symptoms of D. brevis usually only surface in cases of large infestations. Signs might include:
- red skin
- rough or tough skin
- scaly or patchy skin
The symptoms of D. brevis are similar to those of D. folliculorum. The key difference is location. While folliculorum tend to stay on the face, D. brevis can distribute all over the body. The chest and neck are common areas of D. brevis infestation, so you might notice more symptoms there if you have it.
Causes
Once in the skin, D. brevis feed off sebum in the oil glands. These glands are attached to hair follicles underneath the skin’s surface.
Infestations of D. brevis aren’t common in young children, but their numbers naturally grow with age. The mites may also be spread between humans.
Risk factors
Certain preexisting conditions can increase the risk of D. brevis, such as inflammatory conditions and infections. These can include:
- acne
- dermatitis (eczema)
- hair loss
- infections, including HIV
- rosacea
- an overall weakened immune system
Oily skin can lead to D. brevis because the mites feed off the oils under hair follicles.
Age also increases the prevalence of both kinds of demodex mites. For unknown reasons, D. brevis also tends to occur more in men than in women.
How it’s diagnosed
These mites are so small, you won’t know you have them unless you undergo testing at a doctor’s office. In fact, appointments for demodex diagnoses are rare because most people don’t even know they have them. People often discover they have demodex when they undergo further testing for other skin conditions.
To diagnose D. brevis, your doctor will conduct a biopsy. This consists of a small tissue sample scraped from your skin. Your doctor will then look at the sample under a microscope to see if any mites are present. They may also look for any other signs of skin disease that could be causing symptoms.
Can demodex brevis cause complications?
Usually, D. brevis doesn’t cause complications. However, extremely large amounts of the mites can lead to a condition called demodicosis. It occurs when there are more than 5 mites per square centimeter of skin. With demodicosis, you may notice pigmentation changes in addition to other D. brevis symptoms.
That said, D. brevis may sometimes exacerbate certain skin conditions, such as eczema.
Home treatments
In most cases, D. brevis isn’t severe enough to warrant significant medical treatment. Personal care is one of the main ways you can get rid of the mites and prevent widespread infestations. Follow these hygiene tips:
- Bathe daily to help remove excess oil that D. brevis feeds on.
- Take a shower immediately after working out.
- Use nongreasy lotions and sunscreen.
- Exfoliate your skin every couple of days to get rid of dead skin cells, as oils can become trapped under dead skin.
With these personal care steps, you may keep the mites at bay and avoid any further issues.
Clinical treatments
Clinical treatments for D. brevis are usually only necessary for widespread infestations or in cases of noticeable and uncomfortable symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe oral or topical medications to get rid of the mites. These medications get rid of the excess oils that the mites feed on and the dead skin cells they can hide under. These medications can also kill D. brevis eggs.
Your doctor may recommend creams and lotions with these active ingredients:
- salicylic acid
- benzyl benzoate
- selenium sulfide
- sulfur
Your doctor may also prescribe these medications:
- crotamiton (Eurax)
- metronidazole (Flagyl)
- permethrin (Elimite)
If your doctor thinks a preexisting condition is causing D. brevis to flourish, you will also need to manage the underlying causes. An infection, for instance, may be treated with antibiotics or antivirals. Topical products may also be needed for eczema and rosacea.
The outlook for D. brevis
Overall, D. brevis isn’t as common as D. folliculorum. It also doesn’t normally cause significant issues —you might have the mites and not even realize it. Personal hygiene can help keep demodex mites at bay and promote overall skin health. However, larger amounts of D. brevis can cause symptoms and warrant medical treatment. Clinically speaking, D. brevis is generally simple to treat.
Last medically reviewed on May 3, 2017
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Medically reviewed by Suzanne Falck, M.D., FACP — Written by Kristeen Cherney — Updated on May 4, 2017
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Eyelash Mites: What to Know
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Eyelash mites are caused by two types of Demodex mites. They feed on dead skin cells. Common symptoms include itchiness, redness, and burning around your eyelashes. Good eye hygiene can help prevent mites.
What are eyelash mites?
Eyelash mites are caused by two types of Demodex mites. The two types are called Demodex folliculorumand Demodex brevis. Both types of mites are microscopic, so you can’t see them with the naked eye. They’re naturally prevalent in your hair follicles, where they feed on dead skin cells.
D. folliculorum is the most likely to affect eyelashes. These types of mites feed on the dead skin cells around the lashes as well as other areas of the eye, such as your lids.
Everyone has small amounts of these mites, but they still may be spread between people and animals through close contact. The mites may also become problematic in large quantities, which can then cause further skin issues. They can also aggravate preexisting skin diseases.
Since eyelash mites aren’t visible, you won’t be able to diagnose their presence on your own. The key is to make an appointment with your doctor if you experience possible symptoms of a mite outbreak around your eyes. Read on to learn what this looks and feels like.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Demodex mites on the eyelashes may include:
- itchiness in the eyelashes and surrounding skin
- scaly, rough patches of skin
- redness around the eyes
- burning sensation in your eyes
- worsening skin symptoms or flare-ups, such as in rosacea and eczema (dermatitis)
Advanced symptoms can cause eye inflammation (blepharitis). This can cause other symptoms such as crusty eyelashes, sticky eyes, and frequent blinking. Over time, blepharitis can also lead to eyelash growth abnormalities.
Still, symptoms of eyelash mites only tend to occur if you already have an underlying skin condition or if you have a large infestation. In mild cases, eyelash mites don’t cause any noticeable symptoms.
Demodex also appears to have strong connections with rosacea. According to the National Rosacea Society, people with rosacea have about 18 times more D. folliculorum mites compared with those who don’t have rosacea.
The mites are even considered by some experts to be a direct cause of rosacea. In any case, Demodex can lead to worsening rosacea symptoms in those who are affected.
Causes
Demodex mites are naturally occurring. Still, they can come in larger numbers, especially if you have rosacea. Skin mites are currently being investigated as a cause of rosacea.
Other potential causes for eyelash mite outbreaks include other skin conditions, such as dermatitis, inflammatory acne, and alopecia. Skin infections, weakened immune systems, and HIV are also linked to Demodex mites.
Are they contagious?
These mites can be contagious. Eyelash mites may spread from contact with others who have them. This can be a result of having close contact with someone else who has a mite infestation in their eyelashes or skin.
You’ve also likely been told to never share eye makeup. Such advice is especially relevant with eyelash mites, as they may be spread through mascara, eyelash brushes, and other cosmetics used around the eyelash area.
Treatment
Before eyelash mite treatment can begin, you’ll first need to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis. This is done with a small biopsy where your eyelashes are lightly scraped to collect a sample of oils, tissues, and possible mite exoskeletons.
The sample is then looked at with a microscope, since mites can’t be seen with the naked eye.
If your doctor does diagnose you with an eyelash mite infestation, they will prescribe a medicated ointment to help trap mites in place and to prevent them from spreading and laying eggs. Additionally, they’ll treat any underlying skin conditions.
Tea tree oil may be another option for treating Demodex mites in the eyelash area.
One 2013 studyTrusted Source found that the active ingredient terpinen-4-ol killed Demodex. You can clean your eyelashes with 50 percent diluted tea tree oil, which is available over the counter. The Mayo Clinic recommends doing this once a week.
Prevention
Eyelash mites can become problematic, leading to other eye issues if the infestation gets out of control. Good hygiene and eye care health can go a long way to help avoid the mites in the first place.
You can help prevent eyelash mites with the following methods:
- Never share mascara or any other makeup and cosmetic tools.
- Wear non-oily makeup and cosmetics only.
- Wash your face twice per day, also cleansing the eye area gently with water only.
- Use eyelash wipes daily, especially if you wear makeup or if you have excess debris or oil.
- Scrub gently with baby shampoo and an eyelash brush, as needed.
Find eyelash wipes, baby shampoo, and an eyelash brush online.
When to see a doctor
If you’re not seeing any improvements despite medical treatments and home remedies, then it may be time to see your doctor for further evaluation. You can book an appointment with a doctor in your area using our Healthline FindCare tool.
You should also make an appointment if your rosacea or eczema worsens. Call your doctor right away if your symptoms are affecting your overall quality of life.
When left untreated, eyelash mites can cause vision problems. They may also lead to dry eye. You should see your doctor if you have any changes in your eyes or vision. Eyelash mites may be just one of the causes to rule out.
The bottom line
Demodex mites are common, with D. folliculorum affecting the eyelashes and surrounding area the most. While it’s completely natural to have these mites in your skin in moderate levels, infestations can cause the mites to get out of control, causing uncomfortable symptoms around your eyes.
Sometimes compounding the issue of eyelash mites are underlying skin diseases, including rosacea. Skin infections and uncontrolled eczema may also worsen your symptoms, as well as future infestations.
When detected early, Demodex mites are easy to treat. If you have rosacea, you may need to get tested for the mites on a regular basis. As a rule of thumb, you should see your doctor in the case of any new or worsening symptoms.
Last medically reviewed on December 19, 2018
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Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Dec 19, 2018
Written By
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Edited By
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Medically Reviewed By
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Medically reviewed by Ann Marie Griff, O.D. — Written by Kristeen Cherney on December 19, 2018
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Everything You Need to Know About Eye Parasites
What are parasites?
A parasite is an organism that lives in or on another organism, which is called the host. Through this interaction, the parasite receives benefits, such as nutrients, at the expense of the host.
There are three types of parasites:
- Protozoa. These are single-celled organisms that are able to grow and multiply within the host. Examples include Plasmodium species and Giardia species, which can cause malaria and giardiasis, respectively.
- Helminths. Helminths are larger wormlike parasites. Examples include roundworms and flatworms.
- Ectoparasites. Ectoparasites include organisms such as lice, ticks, and mites, which can attach to and live on the body of a host.
Some parasites can infect humans, causing a parasitic infection. They typically enter the body through the skin or the mouth. Once inside the body, these parasites can travel to other organs, including the eyes.
Read on to learn more about eye parasites, including how to tell if you have one and what to do next if you do.
What are the symptoms of an eye parasite?
Parasitic eye infections don’t always cause symptoms, which can make them hard to recognize.
When symptoms do occur, they can include:
- eye pain
- redness or inflammation in the eye
- excessive tear production
- blurry vision
- the presence of floaters (small spots or lines) in your field of vision
- sensitivity to light
- crusting around the eyelids and eyelashes
- redness and itching around the eye
- retinal scarring
- loss of vision and blindness
What types of parasitic infections affect the eye?
Acanthamoebiasis
Acanthamoebiasis is caused by a protozoan parasite. Acanthamoeba is a very common organism within freshwater and marine environments worldwide. While it usually doesn’t cause an infection, when it does, it can potentially damage your vision.
Acanthamoeba is transmitted through direct contact with the parasite and the cornea of your eye. Poor contact lens care is a major risk factor for developing acanthamoebiasis.
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is also caused by a protozoan parasite. It’s prevalent in the environment and can be found in animal waste, especially that of domestic cats.
The parasite can enter your body when you ingest it. It can also be passed from mother to child during pregnancy.
Most people who get toxoplasmosis won’t develop any sort of eye disease. But when this does happen, it’s referred to as ocular toxoplasmosis. People with weakened immune systems and newborns who’ve acquired the infection from their mother are more likely to develop ocular toxoplasmosis.
If left untreated, ocular toxoplasmosis can cause scarring in the eye and lead to vision loss.
Loiasis
Loiasis is caused by a helminth parasite that’s found in Africa.
You can acquire the infection through the bite of an infected fly. Once inside the body, the parasite continues to develop and can migrate to various tissues. It also produces larvae, called microfilariae.
Both the adult worm and its larvae can cause eye pain, impaired eye movement, and vision problems, including sensitivity to light.
Gnathostomiasis
Gnathostomiasis is caused by a helminth parasite that’s mostly found in Asia, particularly parts of Southeast Asia, Thailand, and Japan. It can also be found in parts of Africa, South America, and Central America.
You can acquire the parasite through eating raw or undercooked meat or fish. The parasite exits your gastrointestinal tract. From there, it can move to other parts of your body, including your eyes. If this happens, it can result in partial or full blindness.
River blindness (onchocerciasis)
River blindness, also called onchocerciasis, is caused by a helminth parasite. The parasite can be found in parts of Africa, the Middle East, South America, and Central America.
You can get river blindness if you’re bitten by an infected blackfly.
The larvae of the parasite burrow through your skin, where they can develop into adult worms. These worms then produce more larvae, which can move into different tissues. If they reach your eye, they can cause blindness.
Toxocariasis
A helminth parasite causes toxocariasis. It can be found globally and is most often found in domestic dogs and cats.
You can acquire the parasite by ingesting its eggs, which are often found in soil that’s been contaminated with animal feces. The eggs hatch in your intestines, and the larvae can then migrate to other parts of your body.
Toxocariasis rarely affects the eye, but when it does, it can cause loss of vision.
Crab lice
Crab lice, also called pubic lice, are found worldwide. They’re small insects that typically colonize the hair of the genital region. But they can also be found in other hair areas, including eyelashes.
They’re usually spread through sexual contact, but contaminated personal items, like clothing or towels, can also spread them.
Demodex folliculorum
D. folliculorum are mites that are found in hair follicles of humans around the world. This includes the hair follicles of your eyelashes.
Occasionally, these mites can cause a condition called demodicosis. Demodicosis can cause irritation around the eyelashes and lead to loss of eyelashes, conjunctivitis, and decreased vision.
How are parasitic eye infections treated?
Treating a parasitic infection depends on the type of parasite that’s causing the infection. But many types are treated with oral or topical medications, such as pyrimethamine, ivermectin, and diethylcarbamazine.
In some cases, adult worms will need to be removed from your eye. This is a common part of the treatment of loiasis, gnathostomiasis, and river blindness.
Are eye parasites preventable?
While it’s hard to completely avoid parasites, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of developing a parasitic infection in your eye.
Practice good hygiene
Wash your hands frequently, particularly before eating, after using the bathroom, and after picking up animal waste. Avoid sharing personal items like clothes, towels, and bed sheets.
Cook food properly
If you’re traveling in an area where parasitic infections are common, avoid eating raw or undercooked food. Be sure that all food is cooked through to the proper internal temperature. If you’re handling raw food, wear gloves and wash your hands afterward.
Prevent insect bites
If you’re going to go outside during times of the day when insects could bite you, apply an insecticide to exposed skin or wear protective clothing.
Properly care for contact lenses
If you wear contact lenses, don’t clean or store them with tap water. Use only sterile products approved for cleaning contacts. When storing your contacts, replace the contact solution in the case every time.
Make sure to wash your hands before handling or applying contact lenses. You should also try to avoid wearing your contact lenses while sleeping, especially after swimming.
The bottom line
There are many parasites throughout the world that can infect humans. Some of these parasites can infect your eyes. A parasitic infection in your eye won’t always cause symptoms. But if you notice any unusual eye pain, inflammation, or vision changes, make an appointment with a doctor. Left untreated. some parasitic infections can cause permanent vision loss.
Last medically reviewed on October 8, 2018
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Medically reviewed by Vincent J. Tavella DVM, MPH — Written by Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D. — Updated on October 9, 2018
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What’s Couperose Skin, and How’s It Different than Rosacea?
What is couperose skin?
Couperose is the French word for the chronic inflammatory skin disorder rosacea. The term “couperose skin” is sometimes used to describe skin that’s showing signs of rosacea.
Rosacea is a skin condition most common among people with fair skin. It’s thought that somewhere between 2 and 22 percentTrusted Source of people with light skin have rosacea.
Rosacea can be classified into four subtypes depending on the symptoms. People often experience symptoms of multiple subtypes.
- Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea is characterized by redness and flushing of the central part of the face. It often leads to telangiectasia, or visible blood vessels in a spiderweb pattern.
- Papulopustular rosacea leads to breakouts of pimples and pustules.
- Rhinophyma rosacea is a relatively rare form of rosacea that causes the skin on your nose to thicken. It’s more common in men than in women.
- Ocular rosacea is associated with redness and inflammation in and around the eyes.
Keep reading to learn the typical symptoms of couperose skin, what causes it, and how it can be treated.
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Symptoms of couperose skin
Couperose skin can occur in anyone, but it’s most commonTrusted Source in women over 30 years old with light skin, blonde hair, and blue eyes.
People with couperose skin may experience any of the following symptoms, depending on which subtype of rosacea they have:
- facial redness and flushing in the center of the face
- visible blood vessels
- sensitive skin
- burning and stinging skin
- formation of pimples and pustules that may contain pus
- thickening of the skin, especially of the nose
- the development of an enlarged nose
- dry, irritated, and swollen eyes
Couperose skin causes
The cause of rosacea and couperose skin isn’t fully understood. It’s thought that genetics, immune system reactions, environmental factors, exposure to certain microorganisms, and dysfunction of the nerves that control your blood vessels play a role in its development.
Rosacea is a chronic condition, and symptoms tend to flare up in waves.
Exposure to the following factors may trigger flare-ups:
- hot drinks
- spicy food
- foods that contain cinnamaldehyde, such as chocolate, cinnamon, tomatoes, and citrus
- red wine
- alcohol
- extreme temperatures
- ultraviolet (UV) light and wind exposure
- heightened emotions
- exercise
- some cosmetic products
- drugs that dilate blood vessels
Couperose skin vs. rosacea
Couperose is the French word for rosacea. The two terms are synonyms and refer to the chronic inflammatory skin disorder. Other synonyms include:
- acne rosacea
- facial erythrosis
- copparosa (Italian)
- Kupferfinne (German)
In English, the term “couperose” is often used to refer specifically to the red, inflamed appearance of the skin. Couperose skin is skin that’s prone to developing rosacea flare-ups.
Couperose skin treatment
At this time, there’s no cure for rosacea, so treatment focuses on managing symptoms.
If you think you’re dealing with rosacea, it’s a good idea to see a doctor so they can rule out other conditions, eczema or lupus, that may produce similar symptoms.
Avoiding triggers
You may notice that certain triggers cause rosacea to flare up. Avoiding these triggers may help you minimize symptoms. Red wine, spicy foods, UV light, and alcohol are among common triggers.
You can protect yourself from UV light by applying a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher whenever you go outside.
Couperose skin creams and gels
If your rosacea is mild to moderate, a doctor may recommend one of several creams or gels that can be applied to your face, such as:
- brimonidine
- azelaic acid
- metronidazole
Brimonidines reduce redness by causing the blood vessels in your face to constrict. Azelaic acid and metronidazole have antimicrobial properties that help manage acne.
The creams or gels have to be reapplied frequently to see continuous results. The effects of brimonidine last up to 12 hoursTrusted Source.
Pulsed light therapy
Pulsed light therapy is a form of laser therapy that uses heat from beams of light to shrink blood vessels.
Most people see a 50 to 75 percent reduction in visible blood vessels with one to three treatments. Results tend to last from 3 to 5 years.
Side effects are usually mild. These include:
- temporary redness
- loss of skin color
- bruising
Acne medications
If rosacea is causing pimples and pustules and doesn’t respond to using a gentle face cleanser, a doctor may recommend oral antibiotics and other acne medications like Amnesteem and Claravis (isotretinoin) to manage acne. Isotretinoin helps shrink oil-producing glands on your skin.
Oral antibiotics can help manage acne by killing bacteria that live on your skin and reducing inflammation. Common antibiotics prescribed for rosacea include:
- minocycline
- doxycycline
- erythromycin
- clarithromycin
- clindamycin
In the United States, 40 milligramsTrusted Source of doxycycline is often prescribed.
WARNING
Isotretinoin shouldn’t be taken by pregnant women, since it’s linked with birth defects.
Kanuka honey
Honey has anti-inflammatory effects that may help manage symptoms of rosacea when applied topically.
A 2015 randomized controlled trial examined the effects of topical kanuka honey as a potential rosacea treatment. The researchers found that after 8 weeks of using kanuka honey, about a third of the people treated had clinically significant improvements compared to one-sixth of people given a placebo.
Takeaway
Couperose, more often referred to as rosacea, is a common inflammatory skin disorder. It generally causes redness in the central part of your face, visible blood vessels, and sensitive skin.
It’s not entirely known what causes couperose skin, and at this time there’s no cure. Treatment includes managing symptoms through lifestyle changes, medications, and laser therapies.
It’s a good idea to talk to a doctor before starting rosacea treatment so that they can rule out conditions with similar symptoms.
Last medically reviewed on October 26, 2020
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Medically reviewed by Sara Perkins, MD — Written by Daniel Yetman on October 26, 2020
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Can Humans Get Ear Mites from a Pet?
Ear mites are a type of mite that lives in the ear canal and feeds off skin oils and ear wax. They’re commonly found in animals. However, they may jump from pets onto humans and bite them.
Ear mites are more commonly found in animals, including family pets like your dog and cat. These mites can jump from animal to animal in close contact situations. There’s also the risk of humans getting ear mites, although this is unlikely.
If your dog or cat has a case of ear mites, here’s how to identify signs and symptoms in you, as well as information on how to treat ear mites in humans.
Signs and symptoms of ear mites in humans
When ear mites get into a cat or dog’s ear canal, one telltale sign of an ear mite infection is your family pet constantly scratching their head. You may even notice a darkish discharge resembling coffee grounds coming from their ears.
It’s important to identify an ear mite infection in pets as soon as possible. This way, you can get the infection under control and prevent the spread to other family pets and those living in the home.
Just like for animals, an ear mite infection is uncomfortable for people. And just like how ear mites can jump from animal to animal, they can also jump from animal to person.
If you have ear mites in your ear canal, symptoms can include:
- itchiness
- redness around your ear
- dark-colored ear wax
- ear irritation
Symptoms can vary from person to person. You could develop all of these symptoms or only a few.
Some people with an ear mite infection also have tinnitus. This is a condition characterized by a ringing, buzzing, or humming noise in the ear.
Some people even have a sense of fullness or pressure in the ear. If left untreated, ear mites can damage the ear canal and cause hearing loss.
How do ear mites in humans occur?
When ear mites occur in humans, the most likely cause of infection is transmission from a family pet. Ear mites need a host to survive, so it’s not uncommon for mites to hop from animal to animal and person to person.
Infections are more likely, though, when there’s close contact with a pet who has an infection. This close contact can occur if you share a bed with your pet, or if you allow your pet on the furniture.
If your pet has ear mites, these mites can travel to your bedding and furniture and then attach themselves to you — a human host.
Keep in mind you don’t have to have an animal of your own to get ear mites. You can develop an infection if you come in close contact with anyone’s pet who has ear mites.
You might visit someone’s home and sit on a couch infested with ear mites. You might even get ear mites from playing with an animal with an infection.
How to treat ear mites in humans
To diagnose ear mites, you can start by making an appointment with your family doctor. They will likely refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
Your doctor can take a swab sample from your ear and complete an otoscope examination. This is a tool used to examine deep inside the ear canal. These tests can check for any abnormalities in the ear, as well as confirm or rule out the presence of ear mites.
Since ear mites feed off skin oils and ear wax, treatment usually starts with your doctor flushing out your ear canal with a saline solution to remove any wax buildup.
Afterward, your doctor may prescribe special ear drops containing the ingredients:
- triamcinolone acetonide
- neomycin
- gramicidin
- nystatin
These ingredients can relieve itching, infection, or inflammation in the ear.
Some people have also had good results using acetic acid in the ear, which can stop the growth of fungi and bacteria. Treating an ear mite infection also involves killing live mites and their eggs, so your doctor will prescribe an antiparasitic ear drop.
Also, an ear mite infection can sometimes lead to a secondary bacterial infection. In this case, your doctor may need to prescribe antibiotics. Take the antibiotic as directed to prevent a recurrent infection.
How to prevent ear mites
One of the best ways to avoid getting ear mites is to keep a close eye on your family pets. Recognizing the first signs of an ear mite infection in animals can protect you and others in the household. Although human transmission is rare, it’s still possible.
If you notice a dark discharge from your animal’s ears or frequent head-scratching, see your veterinarian immediately.
Your veterinarian can examine your pet’s ear canal for the presence of mites. If there’s an infection, your vet will thoroughly clean their ear and then prescribe medication to treat the infection. This can include antiparasitic treatments like selamectin and moxidectin or imidacloprid.
Also ask your vet about preventive measures for future infections, such as giving your dog a monthly antiparasitic application.
If your pet has an infection, make sure you keep other family pets separate. You can also protect yourself by not sharing a bed or furniture with your pet. This is especially the case while they’re undergoing treatment.
Sanitize and wash any items your pet uses on a regular basis, such as chew toys and their bedding.
The bottom line
An ear mite infection can be an irritating problem, especially if you’re dealing with severe itchiness, tinnitus, or a feeling of pressure or fullness in your ear.
If you develop any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away. Also check your pet for signs of ear mites and make an appointment with their vet.
Animal-to-human transmission is unlikely, but it can happen. The sooner you see a doctor and receive ear drops, the sooner you can kill live ear mites and their eggs.
Last medically reviewed on September 25, 2023
How we reviewed this article:
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Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Sep 25, 2023
Written By
Valencia Higuera
Edited By
Allison Tsai
Medically Reviewed By
Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN
Copy Edited By
Sara Giusti
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Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN — Written by Valencia Higuera on September 25, 2023
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