Demodecosis of the eyelids is a parasitic type of disease. It occurs due to the vital activity of a certain type of tick. This pathogen belongs to the genus Demodex. This pathology has another name, so to speak, folk - acne zheleznitsa. Let's look at the causes of this disease, its symptoms and treatment methods.
A few words about the pathogen
The tick, which is the causative agent of demodicosis of the eyelids (in the photo you can see how this parasite looks under a microscope), is very small. It is possible to consider it only with the help of special equipment. It grows in length from about 0.2 to 0.5 mm. Propagated in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Dead skin cells are food for these parasites.
It is worth noting that the demodex tick is present in the body of every person. In certain quantities, this is considered the norm. It does not cause any pathologies, since it is a conditionally pathogenic pathogen. Intensive development of the parasite can provoke a decrease in immunity. Also, pathology appears during chronic diseases.
In medicine, several forms of the course of demodicosis are diagnosed: blepharoconjunctivitis, seborrhea, rosacea and blepharitis. It is important to understand that when the first symptoms are detected, treatment must be started without delay. The fact is that the vital products of Demodex can provoke a severe allergy.
What triggers the pathology?
Demodecosis of the eyelids in humans occurs when the conditionally pathogenic form of the tick passes into the pathogenic one. It can provoke diabetes, hormonal disorders, various gastrointestinal diseases. Also at risk are adolescents during puberty.
An abnormal activity of ticks is caused by the climate of the environment. Their reproduction is promoted by high air temperatures and humidity level. It is better for the patient to refuse to visit the baths, saunas, as this will contribute to the rapid development of pathology. In the summer season, it is recommended not to be in hot rooms for a long time.
How is the disease transmitted?
Demodecosis of the eyelids is a contagious disease, therefore it is recommended to isolate the patient. Currently, medicine knows many sources that can cause the development of pathology. These include:
- Poor quality bedding. The risk of infection is increased in people who often travel by train or stay in hotels.
- Cosmetics already sick person. On the brush with which mascara is applied to the eyelashes, there may be a parasite. Also a source are pencils and eye shadow.
- Personal hygiene tools. In most cases, infection occurs in salons where disinfection is not carried out correctly.
- People with this disease. Infection occurs by contact with them.
- Infected pets.
Demodecosis of the eyelids: symptoms
In most cases, the first symptom of demodicosis is inflammation of the skin of the eyelid. In some cases, the pathological process begins to expand, capturing the eyeball. If the lesion is concentrated on it, then doctors will diagnose blepharoconjunctivitis.
The patient should pay attention to the fact that the exacerbation of the disease is seasonal. In most cases, it is activated in the summer or spring seasons.
Other symptoms may also occur. Demodecosis of the eyelids (treatment will be discussed a little later) is characterized by severe itching. Its intensity increases if a cream or other cosmetic products are applied to the affected area. Some of them contribute to the development of the tick. In addition to itching, the skin turns red on the eyelid, a swelling appears. With this disease, eyelashes may fall out, barley, peeling and even purulent crusts appear. Often the patient may feel a strong burning sensation. With damage to the eyeball, photophobia and increased lacrimation also develop.
Another symptom is discharge from the eye in the form of a yellow liquid. After some time, pustules begin to form around the eyelid. They are small bubbles, inside which is a capsule with pus. When it bursts, crusts form on the eyelashes. This is especially noticeable in the mornings, which patients say in their reviews. Demodecosis of the eyelids treatment requires immediate. The fact is that the vital products of the parasite can cause allergies. And if in one person it manifests itself only in a rash, then in others it can cause serious complications.
It is important to carefully monitor your health and go to the doctor at the first symptoms. Why is it not recommended to tighten? The fact is that demodecosis of the eyelids in a person can become chronic. Treatment initiated in a timely manner will help to avoid unpleasant consequences. In a chronic form, the disease manifests itself in a depressed state, nervous disorders, weakness, and a decrease in activity. In some cases, a person falls into a long depression.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis is carried out only by an ophthalmologist. In order to determine the demodicosis of the eyelids, as a rule, a simple examination is enough. The specialist draws attention to the symptoms, which is expressed by the formation of crusts, redness and swelling of the eye. In most cases, an additional examination is not necessary. Diagnosis of this disease is quite simple.
In order to determine the pathogen, the doctor uses a microscope. Due to the large increase, a small tick will be clearly visible. How is parasite detected?
- As a material, eyelashes of a sick person are used. Take them from both eyelids.
- Place them on a glass slide.
- With the help of a glycerin composition with the addition of water, the eyelashes are fixed.
- After that, they are covered with glass and placed under a magnifying glass of the microscope.
- The study is conducted in transmitted light.
After the laboratory assistant determined the number of ticks (deviation from the norm - two or more individuals), the diagnosis is confirmed. Based on this information, the doctor selects the treatment of demodicosis of the eyelids.
Diagnostics does not take much time. In most clinics, it is carried out immediately, so the patient will know the result already at the first appointment.
Treatment
If diagnosing this disease is easy, then treating it is much more difficult. Sometimes the fight can drag on for several months. To achieve full recovery, it is important to follow the doctor's recommendations exactly. If someone thinks that you can drink one tablet, and everything goes well, then he is very mistaken. It is possible to overcome this disease only by complex therapeutic methods.
So, how to treat eyelid demodicosis? First of all, you need to stop the infection. At the same time, the doctor prescribes drugs that will help improve metabolism, strengthen the immune system and eliminate the effects caused by hormonal disorders. Also during treatment, agents are used that relieve the inflammatory process in the skin of the eyelids.
As a rule, eye drops, special creams and ointments are prescribed to combat demodicosis. In addition, it is important to follow a diet and personal hygiene. During therapy, all actions should be aimed at eliminating the underlying pathology, that is, neutralizing the action of the tick.
In order to strengthen the body, you will need to take immunomodulating agents. They will be effective if the treatment is supplemented with the intake of vitamin complexes. Also, the doctor must prescribe special drugs that improve the digestive tract. At the beginning of treatment, you will have to drink a course of anthelmintic and antiallergic drugs.
Medications
Let's look at the medications with which the treatment of demodicosis of the eyelids in humans is carried out. For these purposes, drugs such as "Demalan", "Blefarogel" are most often used. Metronidazole gel is also quite effective. For procedures, one or two percent composition is used.
Most doctors prefer Blepharogel. A positive result is achieved due to the fact that sulfur is present in the composition of this preparation. In addition to the main action (elimination of ticks), it cleans the ducts of the sebaceous glands. Hyaluronic acid, which is also part of Blefarogel, accelerates the regeneration of the skin, promotes healing and strengthens the immune system.
Combination therapy includes taking antihistamines. Of all the available, it is worth highlighting “Lecrolin” and “Diazolin”. For preventive purposes, medications that prevent the development of bacteria are great. This group includes Tetracycline, Albutsid, Okomistin and others.
Ointments
Demodecosis of the eyelids is a disease in which doctors often prescribe ointments for treatment. It is not recommended to select them yourself, it is better to consult a specialist. As an introduction, some of the drugs used to treat pathology will be presented below. The reviews say that they are the most effective.
- Sulfuric ointment. This type of tick responds well to drugs that contain sulfur. Thanks to the balanced composition of this ointment, it is possible not only to destroy parasites, but also to accelerate the regeneration of the skin, as well as to disinfect damaged areas. Such an effective drug is inexpensive, so it is popular among people. On average, the course of treatment lasts about 12 days. But before applying this ointment, patients should be aware of two significant disadvantages. The reviews say that it has a rather specific smell, which is unpleasant to many, and also leaves greasy spots on things and bedding.
- Ichthyol ointment. Most people are familiar with this drug. It is used to relieve inflammation, it fights well with purulent discharge and relieves pain. In order for the treatment to be effective, the ointment is applied on the eyelids three times a day.
- For the treatment of demodicosis of the eyelids, ointment “Yam” can be used. It is a dermatological agent. Effectively affects fungal bacteria and ticks. The course of treatment is 14 days. It is applied forever twice a day, for example, in the morning and in the evening. However, this must be done correctly, so it is not recommended to use the drug on your own. Be sure to consult a doctor.
- Permethrin ointment. This drug has a local effect. It is an acaricidal and insecticidal agent. The active substances that make up the ointment are able to act on the tick from the inside, that is, they enter the body and are paralyzed at first, and then completely destroyed. The skin of the eyelids is processed three times a day. Important! The ointment should not fall on the eyelashes. The maximum duration of the course is 14 days, after which it is necessary to make an appointment with a doctor.
Drops
Treatment of eyelid demodicosis (a photo demonstrating the process of such therapy, see below) necessarily includes the use of special drops. However, unlike conventional ophthalmic preparations, they are not buried inside, but simply applied to the extreme part of the eyelid. They are quite effective, since it is in these places that ticks are located. In order to treat the skin with drops, you will need to apply a small portion of the liquid to the fingertips, after which just massage the eyelids. A cotton swab is also suitable for these purposes. They are instilled directly into the eye only if the patient feels an unbearable itching or burning sensation. These symptoms indicate an inflammatory process.
Currently, pharmacies have a large assortment of such drops. The comments speak well of people about Fosfakol, Karbakhol. These drugs are acaricidal. Can only be used on the outside of the eyelid. They cannot be rolled into the eyes.
If the disease is complicated by an infection, doctors prescribe antibacterial drops. They help to quickly remove the inflammatory process, which will greatly facilitate a person’s life. Most people noted with positive reviews Levofloxacin, levomycetin drops, Ciprofloxacin. To reduce the symptoms, which is manifested by severe itching, you can use "Dexamethasone", "Okumetil" and other similar medicines. It is important to remember that their reception is possible only after consulting an ophthalmologist.
Hygiene
An integral part of the treatment of demodicosis is hygiene. Even if you take all the drugs that were prescribed by your doctor, you won’t be able to recover without special procedures. As mentioned above, with this disease, crusts form on the eyelashes. Also, many have flaky skin. It is important to regularly clean the affected areas from these formations. Without such a procedure, the effectiveness of all drugs will be at zero.
Experts recommend daily cleansing of the face and eyelids with tar soap. As a rule, it can be purchased at any pharmacy. If for some reason this soap is not suitable, for example, you have very dry skin, then you can replace it with tincture of calendula. It is great for cleaning procedures. People with sensitive skin are encouraged to try a good remedy. It is called "Blefaroloson." It consists of chamomile, which has an anti-inflammatory effect, green tea, hemodesis. The last component removes toxic substances from the body, thereby purifying it and strengthening the immune system.
Demodecosis of the eyelids: reviews of women
In conclusion, let's talk about what excites women most of all. In their reviews, they often talk about cosmetics and the likelihood of infection. Yes, indeed, this disease can be transmitted. Therefore, it is important to visit only trusted beauty salons. Do not use someone else's makeup. And if the first symptoms appear, you will need to completely abandon makeup. Be sure to visit a doctor and begin treatment. But it’s better to throw out old cosmetics in order to exclude secondary infection.