Ayurvedic Treatment for Demodex Mites

Sometimes there is formation of crust and debris on eyelashes and lash line along with itching and swelling. It can occur as a sign of infection due to a parasite living on eyelashes. Is it normal or rare? Can it be dangerous at a time? If yes, how can it be managed? Let us move forward to have the answers for all of these questions with the most ancient way of life, Ayurveda.

Overview

These are very tiny parasites which live near or in hair follicles and are known as Demodex. Two species of this genus Demodex – Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis, typically found in human beings. These demodex mites are also known as eyelash mites. These are so small to be visible to the naked human eyes. These demodex folliculorum mites feed on dead skin cells and oils that buildup in the roots of hair follicles.

• Demodex infestation is common in adults and its prevalence varies between 23 to 100%.
• Studies show that its presence is higher in the age group of 20 to 30 years because they have higher sebum secretion rate.
• Their presence is higher in males than females.

Where can this parasite be present in the body?

Demodex are mostly found on the face- cheeks, chin, nose, eye brows, forehead, eye lashes, and area around eyes, with major presence in areas where there are more sebaceous glands. The less affected regions are- neck, back, shoulder, buttocks.

What are the causes?

Although these mites are naturally occurring parasite but some factors can increase their colonization and cause infection –

• Secretion of more oil from glands.
• Not maintaining proper personal hygiene.
• Not removing makeup before going to bed, especially eye makeup leads to increase in the risk of mites.
• People who are taking corticosteroids, have a history of liver disease or cancer or have HIV are more prone to the risk of demodex mites.
• Other factors can be – skin infections, weak immune system, etc.

Are eyelash mites contagious?

YES, they are. These can be transferred through one person to another, if you have close contact with an infected person or by sharing the same products like hair brushes, cosmetics used especially around eyes, eye makeup, etc. So, it is always advised by beauty and health professionals not to share personal makeup and cosmetics products.

Symptoms

Mostly these mites are asymptomatic and harmless but when their number increases various symptoms can be seen.

• Formation of dandruff like crust on eyelashes
• Blepharitis- an inflammation of eyelids which can cause redness and watery eyes.
• Itching and swelling near eyelash area
• Burning and redness of eyelids and area around the eye
• Dryness of eyes
• Sensations of some foreign body in Eyes
• Rosacea – this means red, small pus filled acnes on face
• Various kind of eye or skin infection
• Severe infection can also lead to falling of eyelashes. This condition is called Madarosis.

Diagnosis

As mentioned above, Demodex mites are so small that they cannot be seen by naked eyes, they can only be seen under a high power microscope. So, they are mostly identified by doctors through physical examination of symptoms.

Complications

There are not any life-threatening complications but more intensity of infection can lead to eyelash falling and blurry vision.

Ayurvedic context related with demodex mites

In Ayurveda, all these parasites, mites, tapeworms, and roundworms are considered under the name ‘krimi’. There are ‘krimihar gana’ (i.e. groups of drugs which have anti-helmintic properties) mentioned in classical texts, to help in the management of Demodex Mites. Planet Ayurveda provides you with a combination of various drugs which work wonderfully in such conditions. These drugs are 100% natural and vegetarian and are free from any harmful chemicals and additives. These products are not only good to combat such eye problems but also to maintain healthy skin and hair.

Herbal remedies for demodex mites

1. Gandhak Rasayan
2. Manjishtha Capsules
3. Wormistop Capsules
4. Neem Oil mixed with Coconut oil

Product Description

1. Gandhak Rasayan

Gandhak Rasayan is a classical formulation prepared exactly as mentioned in ayurvedic texts. Ingredient used in this is shudh gandhak (purified Sulphur). It is a mineral based formulation which possesses antimicrobial, anti-helminthic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties. So, it is very helpful in various skin and hair problems. It also has anti-oxidant and blood purifying properties and due to all these, can benefit in the cases of Demodex Mites.

Dosage– 2 tablets two times a day, after meals with normal water.

2. Manjishtha Capsule

Standardized extract of Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia) is used in the preparation of these capsules. Manjishtha has blood purifying properties, which makes it good to be used for different types of skin ailments and infections. It acts as a detoxifier and has antioxidant properties as well. These prove Manjishtha as one of the best herbs for achieving radiant skin. It also improves immunity and enhances blood circulation in the body contributing towards an effective treatment of Demodex Mites.

Dosage– 2 capsules twice a day, after meals with plain water.

3. Wormistop Capsule

These capsules contain Palash (Butea monosperma), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Vidang (Piper retrofractum), and Sonth (Zingiber officinale). These drugs have anti-helmintic and antimicrobial properties. Vidang is considered as the best ‘krimihara’ drug in Ayurveda. Combination of these drugs provides the best product for eyelash mites, hence the formulation is also named as Wormistop, which clearly describes its main action.

Dosage– 2 capsules two times a day, after meals with normal water.

4. Neem oil mixed with coconut oil

This combination of oils is for EXTERNAL APPLICATION only. Neem oil is rich in fatty acids, limonoids, vitamin E, triglycerides, and anti-oxidants. This plant is widely used for various skin and hair ailments since ages because of its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Coconut oil is also the most helpful remedy in dry scaly skin and itching. Combination of both these herbal oils provide a soothing effect on skin and helps to treat various infections including Demodex Mites.

How to use
Mix an equal amount of neem oil and coconut oil and keep it in a clean bottle. This mixture can be applied on eyelids and areas around the eyes. Clean your face with appropriate herbal face wash or soap, then apply this mixture gently on the affected areas. Using this two to three times a day will show required results soon.

Other Recommendations to protect yourself from Demodex mites

• Proper cleansing of eye makeup & maintenance of proper hygiene is must for protecting yourself from flare of these mites in your eyelids and eyelashes. So, it is necessary to remove all makeup before going to bed and clean your face with natural face wash or herbal soup.
• Do not Share Personal belongings – Avoid sharing personal items like makeup products, hair brushes, towels, pillows etc.
• Tea tree oil- Tea tree oil can be used to reduce the production of excess oil, and helps in reducing the chances of demodex mites flare up.
• Balanced Diet – Avoid eating deep fried food, oily food and processed packed food and include more green leafy and nutritious edibles.

Thus, in the above content, we have tried our best to provide all the information related to demodex Mites and its preventive and treatment measures. So, do not live with it, get rid naturally, for more details, consult with our Ayurveda experts and reduce the risk of complications. Don’t forget, others can give advice but at last it is our own duty to follow it and safeguard us against problems.