Symptoms and treatment of eye demodicosis in humans

Throughout his life, a person has to deal with various parasites that can cause significant harm to his health. One of the diseases spread by a microscopic skin mite of the genus Demodex is eyelid demodicosis. Infection can lead to serious consequences, so timely diagnosis and effective treatment will avoid eye pathologies, return the face to its normal appearance.

The causative agent of pathology and its main symptoms

The demodex tick in front of the eyes is found in almost 90% of the world's population. In most cases, he behaves neutrally, without showing his presence in the human body. It has microscopic dimensions - from 0.1 to 0.2 mm, which does not allow it to be detected with the naked eye. Demodex folliculorum or iron ore acne eats dead skin cells that accumulate on the edges of the eyelids. It parasitizes in the hair follicles of the eyelashes and ducts of the sebaceous glands.

Important!

Reproduction and prolonged existence of the endocite is possible only with symbiosis with humans.

Under favorable conditions for the parasite, it begins to multiply actively, affects live tissues of the eyelid, releasing toxic waste products in a huge amount. The following factors contribute to the increase in the tick population:

• decreased immunity;
• digestive system disease;
• violation of metabolic processes and hormonal levels;
• stress and nervous strain;
• unbalanced nutrition;
• vascular disease;
• allergies
• increase in ambient temperature;
• excessive enthusiasm for hot water procedures.

All this leads to an unpleasant infectious disease demodicosis eyelashes.

On a note!

The period of exacerbation of the disease occurs in the spring-summer season, since parasites are very thermophilic.

The disease is transmitted in direct bodily contact with the carrier of pathogens. This can be hugs and kisses, the use of poorly processed bedding, general personal hygiene products, cosmetics, wearing someone else's clothes. It should be remembered that you can become infected not only from a sick person, but also from an unsuspecting carrier subcutaneous tick. Symptoms of demodicosis of the eyes are manifested through such unpleasant phenomena:

• pronounced itching of the eyelids and burning;
• visual impairment and photophobia;
• fatigue and a feeling of tension in the eyes;
• eyelash loss and clumping;
• peeling of the skin, thickening and redness of the eyelids;
• pain in the eyes and a feeling of "sand" in them;
• the presence of ulcers and barley on the eyelids;
• a feeling of heaviness of the eyelids and bags under the eyes;
• mucous sticky discharge in the corners of the eyes.

The presence of any of these symptoms indicates a possible development of demodicosis. It is much easier to cure the initial stages of the disease than its neglected forms. A photo of demodicosis of the eyelids is presented below.

Diagnosis and treatment methods

In order to establish an accurate diagnosis, in addition to an external examination of the patient, a thorough laboratory test eyelashes from every eyelid, as well as scraping of the skin.

Important!

Detection of 3 or more ticks on one eyelash indicates a progressive form of demodicosis.

To make a final decision on the presence of this disease, the patient, in most cases, is recommended to undergo additional examination by a dermatologist, gastroenterologist, immunologist and other specialists. By eliminating adverse pathologies, an ophthalmologist can make his final verdict and prescribe treatment for human eyelid demodicosis. The duration of the process depends on the neglect of the disease, existing complications, the number of subcutaneous parasites and the underlying cause of the infection.

Standard treatment regimen covers an integrated approach to solving the problem. It is aimed at eliminating the symptoms of demodicosis of the eyelids and eyes, as well as restoring the protective functions of the patient's body, eliminating subsequent relapses. The treatment process involves the following sequence of actions:

• hygienic procedures to thoroughly clean affected eyelids and eyelashes;
• disinfection of clothing and bedding;
• emotional stability and lack of stress;
• intake of vitamins;
• massage and physical procedures;
• the use of antibiotics and antiallergic drugs;
• anti-inflammatory therapy;
• the use of lacrimal eye drops and gels.

A balanced diet with a predominance of vegetables and fruits, dairy products, and vitamin complexes will contribute to the healing process. Reviews of the treatment of tick-borne infection, posted on the Internet, indicate the effectiveness of an integrated approach in the fight against eyelid and eye damage.

Drug therapy

To effectively treat demodicosis of the eyelids, it is necessary to consult a specialist in a timely manner and act in strict accordance with his recommendations, carefully follow his appointments. The course can last from a month to a year, depending on the complexity of the form of the disease and the presence of side infections of the eyes.

Important!

Medicines are selected individually based on the age and condition of the patient.

Tablets

In the treatment of demodicosis of the eyes and eyelids, such agents have proven themselves well:

• Trichopolum - an antibiotic that blocks tick activity, the cost of packaging is 92 rubles .;
• Calcium pangamate - relieves itching and inflammation, the cost of packaging is about 1,500 rubles. depending on packaging;
• Ciprofloxacin - prevents the development of a secondary infection, the price is within 45 rubles. for 10 tablets;
• Metronidazole - fights against parasites and increases immunity, the price is from 30 to 140 rubles. depending on dosage and quantity.

The list of effective drugs is not limited to these medicines. Their use is determined by the doctor, carrying out treatment depending on the symptoms.

Ointments

When infected with demodicosis, various ointments are used. Among them, the following compositions are very popular:

• Sulfuric acid is the most popular ointment for demodicosis of the eyelids, which makes it possible to soften the upper layer of the epithelium and destroy the parasites that have settled there. Price - from 30 to 73 rubles.
• Permethrin - effective against various types of ticks. Permethrin penetrates the dense shell of the parasite and affects it from the inside. The price is about 120 rubles.
• Benzyl benzoate - destroys the causative agents of demodicosis of the eyelids and eyes, as well as scabies parasites. Price - from 31 to 36 rubles.

The choice of the most optimal means of treatment depends on the form of pathology and is prescribed only by a specialized specialist.

Feedback

The eyelids began to itch strongly, discomfort appeared in the eyes. I tried to cope with the problem myself, but there was no visible relief. I had to contact an ophthalmologist. The diagnosis was disappointing - the initial form of demodicosis. The doctor recommended using sulfuric ointment for treatment. Pretty quickly I got rid of the pests.

Inga, Kolomna

Healing eye drops and gels

In this category of drugs, the following formulations are distinguished:

• Albucid - relieves tearing, redness and swelling of the eyes and eyelids. Price - from 43 to 67 rubles.
• Vizin is a drug that relieves dry eye syndrome that accompanies the disease. Price - 360-542 rub.
• Pilocarpine - eye drops from demodicosis. Parasite muscles are paralyzed and brought to the surface. They process the edges of the eyelids. Price - from 23 to 42 rubles.
• Blepharogel - used to treat delicate skin of the eyelids, does not irritate the mucous membrane of the eye, is not toxic. Price - from 165.

Feedback

Blefarogel helped me get rid of demodicosis. She processed the eyelids and skin at the places of eyelash growth as indicated in the instructions. After 2 weeks, the doctor canceled the treatment, as my eyes became completely healthy.

Svetlana, Moscow

Additional treatments

Eyelid massage with demodicosis has a positive effect on the course of the treatment process. It is prescribed in the absence of severe forms of the disease and is carried out approximately 15-20 minutes before the main healing procedures. Such an effect on the skin of the eyelids allows you to "extract" parasites from the eyes, cleanse the glands from pus and dead cells. There are such methods:

• Classic or dry. It can be used in the absence of ulcers and damage to the skin. The eyelids are massaged with light circular movements clockwise with the fingertips for no more than 5 minutes.
• Using gels, creams or ointments for antiparasitic action. Funds are applied in circular motions with the fingertips on the skin of the eyelids. Avoid contact with the eyeball. The procedure is repeated in the morning and evening.
• Medical glass stick. It massages the inner edges of the lower and upper eyelids, lifting them. Duration of exposure - no more than 5 minutes.

Important!

When carrying out procedures, one should not forget about the cleanliness of hands and tools.

To achieve the best effect in the process of treating a dangerous infectious disease, certain hygiene procedures are necessary. Their essence is to pre-clean the skin by washing with tar soap or decoctions of oak bark or celandine. After this, it is recommended to wipe the skin of the eyelids with alcohol tinctures of calendula, eucalyptus. You can cleanse your eyes of the vital products of Demodex using blepharolosion (the price varies from 132 to 225 rubles), which includes extracts of green tea and chamomile.

Folk remedies

In the fight against a serious illness, all means are good. Traditional healers have accumulated a rich arsenal of recipes that, in combination with medications, can achieve good results in the treatment of demodicosis of the eyelids and eyes. Among them, the following compositions stand out:

• Tincture of calendula. Used to treat the area around the eyelashes.
• Aloe. Dilute the juice from one leaf of the plant in a tablespoon of water. Apply cotton swabs moistened in the composition to the eyelids. The duration of the procedure is approximately 20 minutes.
• Wormwood decoction for internal use. 2 tbsp. l dry herbs pour 1 liter of water and bring to a boil over low heat. Insist for 2-3 days. Take 50 ml every hour on the first day, and then after 2, 3, etc. hours on the following days. Helps to get rid of demodicosis of the eyelids, as well as normalize the digestive tract.
• Oak bark. To prepare the broth, it is necessary to pour a small amount of crushed raw materials with water and boil. The filtered structure rinse the eyes daily.

Folk recipes It is allowed to apply only after consulting with a doctor, after which they can be used in complex therapy of a dangerous ailment. Self-diagnosis and treatment can have negative consequences. To reduce the risk of infection with eyelid and eye demodicosis, you must:

• strengthen immunity;
• lead a healthy lifestyle;
• comply with the basic rules of personal and household hygiene;
• Visit your optometrist regularly for professional examinations.

All this will save health and avoid the re-manifestation of the disease.