Demodex mites and rosacea seem to be a popular pairing. If you are interested in eliminating demodex mites to see if your rosacea symptoms improve, just how can you kill them ? Demodex mites are tiny, and live naturally in everyone’s skin. They are quite difficult to kill.
Read on if you’d like to know more.
First of all, why would you want to eliminate them ?
There may be some new evidence that proteins from a bacteria that can be isolated from demodex mites cause an immune reaction in rosacea sufferers. I’m still not a believer in the involvement of these critters in rosacea. Just in case more evidence is found in the future, though, demodex mites are worth further understanding.
Demodex mites have a life cycle of 14-18 days.
Killing Demodex Invitro (in the test tube)
We know from the paper In vitro and in vivo killing of ocular Demodex by tea tree oil, that various oils and solutions can kill demodex mites quite quickly.
| Solution | Demodex Kill Time |
| 100% alcohol | 4 minutes |
| 50% tea tree oil | 15 minutes |
| 100% tea tree oil | 4 minutes |
| 100% carraway oil | 4 minutes |
| 100% dill weed oil | 14 minutes |
Note that carraway oil and dill weed oil are toxic to the eye. Studies have also confirmed that ether, xylol, benzene, Danish (sulfur-containing) ointment can kill demodex in a few minutes.
Ivermectin
Ivermectin is used in dermatology against some parasitic infestations in humans. The drug is used in the treatment of patients with different forms of scabies, human body lice, head lice, demodecicosis, et. al. Published literature includes a case study of one patient who was treated with topical permethrin and oral Ivermectin. In another case report of one patient, the papules and pustules of rosacea were difficult to treat until oral ivermectin was included in the treatment regime.
Several rosacea sufferers on the rosacea-support email group report success in treating their rosacea with Ivermectin, but the benefits were only short lived.
Ivermectin (Stromectol, Mectizan, Ivomec, Oramec, Cardomec) has been patented as a treatment for rosacea.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil is sourced from the Melaluca tree which is native to eastern Australia. Tea Tree Oil has been shown to kill demodex mites in as little as 4 minutes. External application of undiluted tea tree oil and/or at inappropriate high doses has been associated with toxicity, including death, in cats and other animals.
There is so much interest in the properties of tea tree oil that a research group has been created within the School of Biomedical, Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences at The University of Western Australia.
In a recent study, TTO was used to eliminate demodex mites living in the eyelashes of ocular rosacea sufferers. Study participants were given weekly lid scrubs with 50% tea tree oil and a daily lid scrub with a tea tree shampoo. After six weeks all 6 participants showed improvement in conjuctival irritation and inflammation.
TTO is not soluble in water, but is soluble in alcohol, but sadly that would be unsuitable for use around the eye. Tea Tree Oil can be diluted 50% in Macadamia nut oil for use around the eyes. Lid scrubs with 50% Tea Tree Oil did produce irritation in the participants but the effect was found to be minimised if care was used to avoid spilling it into the eye.
Full strength tea tree oil should never be used anywhere on the face.
Kwellada/Elimite (Permethrin)
Back in 2000, Annette Anderson advocated using Permethrin 5% on the face to eliminate the mites. Permethrin was originally used to treat scabies. She warned that getting it in your eyes burns terribly and that the instructions mention that you should not use it on your face. A few members of rosacea-support had bad reactions to using permethrin on their face, so use Permethrin with extreme care. In the U.S., 5% Permethrin (Elimite Cream) is only available by prescription.
If you are considering Permethrin in any form it would be wise to consider Dr. Linda Sy’s advice to “solicit the cooperation and supervision of their respective dermatologists, get a KOH skin scraping to establish the presence of florid demodex population … Participants try the Permethrin on a small area of face first, to determine if any immediate severe problem exists”.
Seabuckthorn Oil
Despite claims on various internet sites, I have not been able to find any published evidence that Seabuckthorn oil kills demodex mites. If you know of some evidence, please post in the comments below.
A natural approach
For those interested in a more natural approach to treating rosacea including using Olive Leaf Extract and Tea Tree Oil see Rachelle’s Alternative Treatments for Demodex Mites.
Over to You
Have you tried any treatments to eliminate demodex mites ? Did you have a bad reaction them ? any suceess ? Feel free to leave a comment below.
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81 comments ↓
My current thinking is that B. Oleronius, the Demodex parasitic bacteria, may possibly represent the initial inflammation that leads to the phases of rosacea.
One day the body develops antibodies to that antigen (the Oleronius bacteria proteins), and pretty soon after your skin develops signs and symptoms of rosacea. The
B. Oleroneus may cause the initial inflammation (immune response), which, over time, causes capillary changes that naturally occur under constant inflammatory stress (namely, increasing in size, increasing in numbers, and increasing in sensitivity). Then the “Gallo Phase” might enter. The skin is set up to react to everything, and is continuing to react to Oleroneus, so perhaps you see continually activated cathelicidins, for example.
I especially migrate back to this theory because it satisfies the question as to why rosacea is mostly limited to the face. Consider the fact that it has been known for quite some time that acne is caused by a bacteria. Furthermore, if we had general capillary weakness, wouldn’t we see issues elsewhere? The Oleroneus bacteria carrying mite may love the face because the skin there is different than on the rest of the body, especially the flush zone with it’s warmth, endless sebaceous glands, and rich capillary supply.
What about the Borax, Peroxide, and water mixture. Borax is found in many over-the-counter lotions and cleansers. I do believe it is used to kill demodex in animals, and I recall reading that some have used this mixture topically for rosacea with good results. Perhaps it could be added to the list?
Cheers!
Artist
Hi Artist,
I haven’ been able to find a reference to information about the effectiveness of Borax. I wonder if anyone knows of a good study or trustworthy site that can show that borax and peroxide can kill demodex.
thanks,
davidp.
I have suffered for last 10 years with rosacea (age now 84). Air conditioning , hot cars, theatres, dining halls etc; would trigger off an attack. The nose first and then spread to scarlet on the cheeks with some small acne. I am at the moment 90% free of of rosacea thanks to a doctor who sent me to a SPECIALIST in this field. The followingis only available in this country on PRESCRITION and needs on going 3 MONTHLY supervision. The drug I take is known as “AROPAX”(paroxetine) 20mg in the morning. It is a an Anti-Depressant and does conflict seriously with other MEDICATION that a patients may be on, so your doctor will have to know your MEDICAL HISTORY before prescribing. For me, now after 18 months I am FREE. Davidp.
Hi…
Before i was pretty skeptical about these mites being the cause of the redness and inflammation because i figured that the answer could not simply be that easy. However, recently i had a very interesting experience at a local swimming pool. Once i entered the pool, i noticed that it was quite chlorinated, pretty much to the point where you could smell it. When i got out i was amazed. My face was completely clear. No redness, nothing. My skin was quite dry and this lasted about 4 or 5 hourse. It was enough to raise my suspicions. I did some research on chlorine when i got home and found that it is a very strong anti-fungal, anti-yeast, cleanser type deal. I figured that this must have had some sort of effect on the demodex population on my face, whether it washed them off, starved them, or just simply killed them, i dont know. Anyone with a similar experience???
I have had the same exact experience with swimming in a chlorinated pool.
Yes I believe demodex may play apart in rosacea. Apart from medication mentioned earlier. I have a morning and evening routine as follows: A wash with Extra Gentle Cleanser (Neutrogena) (www.neutrogena.com) followed by a application of (Savlon Cream) (chlorhexidine 1mg/g. Cetrimide 5mg/g.) The cream is non greasy and leaves a smooth texture to the skin. It can be tinted with a liquid makeup. Ok. for Girls and Guys. I believe this cream plays a big part in keeping my face free of that burning feeling thats followed by an angry flush. David (Pitanjara)
I need help with demodex!!!a doctor did the tree tea-macadamia nut 50-50 eyelid scrub and my corneas were both scratched and I could not see!!! No one seems to know or be able to really help! Please email me. I am frantic…thank you Suzanne
Hi Suzanne,
Sounds like you are in a bad way. Is there any way that you can get to see an opthalmologist with short notice ?
Did you notice the TTO leaking into you eyes during the scrubs ?
davidp.
I have had rosacea for about 10 years with mostly mild redness. BUT, 4 months ago I broke out with a full blown case of pimples, papules and pustules, cysts, roughness of skin, and extreme redness… I looked hideous. Dermatologist prescribed doxycycline (100mg 2x/day) and metrogel, and said I would have to use it for months or maybe years. I didn’t like the idea of taking strong antibiotics long term so did a lot of research to find the cause, not just treat it temporarily.
I came to believe that demodex mites were the underlying cause. I started on a borax/peroxide treatment I found on Earthclinic website. (See below). It took a long time to work, but after 2 months, it improved greatly. Like most treatments, it got worse before it got better – lots of pus filled pimples erupted and drying out of skin initially. As my skin got smoother, I actually confirmed that I had these mites. I could see them when I examined my face with a strong magnified mirror (15x) by a window with good indirect sunlight. I could just see their heads slightly erupted on the skin. I took a good fine pair of slanted tweezers and could easily pull them out. They look just like the image posted above. I could only see them in the magnified mirror. Everyday I would pull out dozens of them. I suppose they came out when they got poisoned by the borax. It was gross, but I had to do it.
I am on my third month of treatment and my skin is clear and smooth and I only have just some redness left caused by the capillary veins. A few of these mites still show up about every 3 days now, but mostly just on my chin and not nearly as many. I plan to continue this treatment for a while longer. I highly recommend this treatment. I did not have any side effects from the topical or ingested borax.
I also used the oil cleansing method to exfoliate my skin during the bad drying/scabbing period. theoilcleansingmethod.com. It was very gentle and worked quite well on my sensitive skin. And I used only Cetaphil to wash my face, and Cetaphil lotion for moisture. I also added borax to my laundry loads to kill any mites that might be on my sheets and towels.
When I went back to the dermatologist after 2 months, she thought my skin looked so, so much better. I told her I didn’t use the prescriptions and told her about the mites and my homemade treatment. She was suspicious and I offered to show her these mites so she can see them under a microscope but she refused to even look! I can’t believe that most doctors refuse to believe or even investigate the possibility of demodex cause/solution for rosacea.
This is the borax/peroxide/alkalize remedy I used as recommended by Ted at Earthclinic.com:
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand: Firstly a Rosacea can either be a demodectic mites, this is the one I encountered, and or it can be a form of mycoplasma or fungus like organism. The second one is harder to get rid of. In both cases it responds to borax and hydrogen peroxide remedy. Therefore, I had to revised my remedy to deal better the second condition, where usually the borax remedies require (the updated one) 1/8 or 1/4 teaspoon of borax, plus at least 30 drops of hydrogen peroxide 3% in one liter of drinking water. Alkalization is needed still, usually the simplest one, not necessarily the most effective, is 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water taken once in the morning and once in the evening. However, a more effective one I have found is the use of carbicarb remedy, which requires 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon of sodium carbonate (washing soda, both are usually Arm & Hammer’s brand). in 1/2 glass of water taken twice a day. These are the minimum dose, usually for alkalizing that adds to the effectiveness of the remedy, but 10 drops of H2O2 to alkalizing remedy further adds to their effectiveness also.
Use externally: The method of killing them is external application of 1% hydrogen peroxide with borax saturated solution to the face, unrinsed. It tends to cause drying. So you can apply appropriate lotions to prevent drying, such as jojoba oil, aloe vera or lavender oil.”
* Excerpt from:
http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/rosacea_questions.html
Hi Kate,
could you please email me if earthclinic borax/peroxide=really worked for you without side effects?
And if jojoba oil and others are not actually feeding the mites??I have bad experience with extra virgin olive oil on face as it feels like marching ants and wierd itchy, even though my GP doctor just by looking at me said that- the shiny one next to each other tiny egg-like appearence-on my cheeks is just dry skin and not mites…
I am suffering with Rosacea since 2003, although lately after 15mnths of antibiotics course it worsen rapidly and from little white pimples became bigger blister white pustules which travels around the face and neck with uneven redness, spider web likes routes between them and dry hard bumpy skin. I also suffer from dandruffs and similar things around eyelashes and eyebrows as whole my face is dry-I just wash with hard UK water thats all i use, no creams, cleansing etc. now.
However, will appreciate any kind of info of how to cure Rosacea.
many thanks
fren
please email me on: frrenchie@yahoo.fr
I’ve had the same experience as Red in swimming pools. Many times.
Also, I have always noticed that getting dust on my face is the WORST aggravator of rosacea. I was always really careful of getting dust on my face, or touching my face when I might have dust on my hands. People think I’m neurotic, but I know it has a really bad effect on me. I used to tell my bf not to touch my face with his fingers unless he’d just washed his hands. He thought I was crazy! But now I think it may be related to the mites? Are these the same ones that live in dust?
Hi Davidp,
thanks for stating what is killing the DEMODEX mites (different from bed or home-dust mites, right?), it’s a great help. I would also like to know if anyone think that Seabuckthorn Oil kills DEMODEX mites on face as my skin is very sensitive and I am a bit worried to use the TeaTree oil.
What about NEEM OIL-anyone used it to kill DEMODEX?
Please let us all know
many thanks and good luck
fren
Hi Fren,
I have not been able to find any evidence that Seabuckthorn Oil has any effect on demodex mites. You are well advised to be careful with tea tree oil on your face as it can be very harsh.
Is an oral treatment like Ivermectin a possibility ?
The link between rosacea and demodex is still very preliminary, so please don’t think it is a given that this will guarantee a benefit.
davidp.
Just in regards to neem oil, this paper reviewed here did not mention this as either being effective or not in killing demodex mites.
last year I had mites under skin everywhere couldn`t even touch my own face without spreading them greater i ended up trying over 30 poisoness solutions of doctor not 1 worked..I asked my doctor 2 give me ivermectin lied and got 4 times the amount needed..I tried the required amount.didn`t work left week & half then had another strong dose. this worked a treatment 6 mnths on i kept gettin symtems back however they lie dormant for mnths before visable and my doc wont help.I thought it was scabies last year, I was working with engineering and now again and now I feel em coming back..Only I`ts not dermatites I have cream does nothing any 1 with any comments what are these mites sounds like scabies but i not convinced I been great for 9months now symptoms starting up again
neem oil is a great releaver for anyone with itchy burning or inflamed skin. It soothing properties are the best Ive seen,However it DOES NOT CURE or kill parrasites
I would like to buy ORGANIC Tea Tree 100% Pure Australian Oil (100ml+),
culled from the leaves of a tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), Pharmaceutical Grade of less than 5% cineole and over 35% terpinen-4-ol
which qualifies for “Pharmaceutical Grade”, as established by the Australian Tea Tree Oil Industry Association
and ORGANIC TTO PRODUCTS to Contain the Natural Benefits of Tea Tree Oil (can contain other organic ingredients like Aloe Vera, etc.) but having difficulty to find it free from SLS/SLES, Parabens, phthalates and artificial fragrances etc. or it does not state: PHARMACEUTICAL GRADE and its percentage- I need at least 50% TTO in all products: facial non- soap cleanser, shower gel, shampoo, lotion, cream, deodorant, toothpaste (e.g. 50% tea tree oil with Macadamia nut oil, applied with cotton tip applicators, after one drop of tetracaine, then 20% and 10% tea tree oil ointment for dry inflamed eyelids on Demodex Folliculorum/ Brevis. TTO Products on face- mild pustular ROSACEA).
Anyone there could help (UK London based, it is needed by this Sunday 12/10/2008), please?
Many thanks for any suggestions
Hi All, I wanted to share my real experience with you. For myself I had type 2 rosacea (with pustules) here and there. Very reactive skin. Anyway I tried the z cream, and it significantly brought me into remission, however my problem came back. I believe, I could have stayed on treatment longer, but did not(might have been the problem) Anyway, I have noticed since I bought a certain cream that keeps my skin less oily and protects my capilleries(it is an excellent cream to prevent oily skin) which I had a terrible problem with which mites thrive on, my theory is as long as I use the cream and use less make up, keep my skin from getting oily,//// keeps them away. I seldom flare now, only the odd time under stress, drinking alcohol, however my rosacea has greatly improved. I firmly believe in the demodex and really believe in keeping my skin at bay from these critters taking over again as they caused me alot of grief and THANK GOD for that z cream, which potentially was the proof of my underlying problem, which I was really sceptical as anyone would be. good luck and dont give up!!! I never did.
tamara
Hi Tamara and Everyone,
Well, I was diagnosed with much higher than usual numbers of demodex since my last post. I finally found a good derm and she asked me if she could take some skin samples, without my even suggesting it!
Tamara, I’m confused — is there a second cream that you find helpful, besides ZZ cream? Can you please share the name with us?
Thanks!
Gabriella
gabriella….something else to get rid of the critters…there is borax solution on earth clinic….email me gabriella, I will help you
Tamara, I’m not sure how to email you. Are you the same Tamara on the Yahoo Group — I will try to email you that way.
Thanks!
Gabriella
Hi Everyone, I just want to say that since I found this website, all of you have gave me more hope than I could possibly imagine. I have had Rosacea since 2005 which came out of nowhere during my first pregnancy. It seemed to be going away after I had my son, then I got pregnant again and it was all over my face with pustules and severe redness. I feared taking anything because I did not want to harm my child so I waited until I stopped nursing my second son. I was on Doxycyclin for about 7 months and applied Metrogel twice a day. My Rosacea seemed abou 50% better and I decided at that point taking antibiotics any longer would cause other problems. It has been about 10 months now since I stopped the antibiotics and my face has not had any major flare ups. I still continue to use the Metrogel once a day and use Murad Redness Sensitivity products, cleanser, lotion, etc. My cheeks are still red and I have breakouts of pustules every couple of days. I really do need to get this under control and I am tired of the Metrogel. I do believe however that the Metrogel has kept the problem from worsening. I want to get laser surgery on my cheeks but don’t believe it would be a good idea until I stop these breakouts. Could someone please help me figure out what I should do next? I am confused which product to start with and I do not want to risk having a major flare up and have to start over again. I am kind of stuck on Metrogel and want to use something more natural. Thanks everyone and good luck to all of you. I know I have struggled socially..still do because some stranger has to ask why my face is so red.
Anyway, let me know what you think. Thanks!
Jen
Hi everyone,
Reading all these reviews does not give me hope for none of you really said that some product help to get rid of demotex(mites).
My demodex really spread on my legs and arms and it itch badly.
I also scratch it until it bleeds and then I have scars, awful.
I just order sea buckthorn oil to try and praying it will help.
It fills like something is crawling under my skin and then skin peels off.
I had it since I was a little girl and only had it on my face. Now it is everywhere.
I’m 25 now and devastated, confused hopeless.
If anyone got rid of this demodex completely, Please let me know.
thank you.
Hi! Julie, Are you sure your skin problems are caused by dermodex mite? A Skin Specialist could soon advise you . Just a skin scraping and a 400% magnification examination would detect them. Then you would know for sure. DavidC.
Hi All,
I have been diagnosed to have Demodex. I am 38 years old. Please suggest what to do… I am so depressed… Is her any way to get rid of this mites for ever???
Please help.
Thank you.
Khato,
I was diagnosed a month ago and prescribed Rosac Cream 2 x a day. It is quite harsh on the skin though, so I have been alternating with ZZ Cream (from China, but you can find it online). My skin has already improved quite a bit in only one month. Today I am going to the derm for a follow up appt.
As far as getting rid of them permanently, I have my doubts. From everything I’ve read, it takes a few months to get rid of most and then with continued maintenance (some cream every few days), you can keep them away.
Good luck to you!
Gabriella
Yes, it is demodex mite for when I was sixteen I had skin test.
But as usual they would prescribe some useless creams that do not help.
You know I was thinking to quit eating chocolate and I’m talking junk all these processed cookies and fake candy bars.
I want to start eating good and real staff like organic dark chocolate more organic fruits and veggie; I heard dark chocolate is good for the body.
I read somewhere that processed sugar really messes your metabolism.
Ever since I was a child I ate that junk and I’m not over weight at all I’m 5′3 and 119 pounds.
I was thinking, If my body can’t fight those mites I got to help it.
I was diagnosed years ago with rosacea at a sick visit to my primary dr. I was there for another problem and wasn’t at all bothered when he labeled my red face as rosacea. At that time I never had any pustules or papules, and the flushing was minimal. I actually thought it gave me a healthy glow. About 4 months ago, I noticed 2 bumps on my cheeks and thought it was from too much sun exposure while on vaca in Puerto Rico. I started touching, and aggravating them with creams and lotions. Every day I would wake up to more bumps. Then I noticed the pustules. Soon I realized I had full blown rosacea. My skin became disfigured and I was headed toward a major depression. I decided to buckle down and do some research. At about the same time theses symptoms became worse I noticed significant hair loss and my eyelids were twitching all the time. After researching demodex, I called my derm dr. I told him my theory but he was reluctant, so I told him I would end up purchasing elimite online, so he buckled down and handed over a few prescriptions to deal with the demodex. I applied the elimite to one side of my face and not the other. When I woke up the next morning all the bumps on that side moved to the other side of my face. I was convinced that those nanoinsects found a better breeding ground on the med free side. So now I concluded that I had demodex, but felt more comfortable treating with tea tree oil than the drug. After one total face application I noticed a big difference. It has been one week of daily facial application of tea tree oil and I am rosacea free….. YES ROSACEA FREE! iT IS THAT EASY! I praise tea tree oil for saving my face!
Borax kills them as well. These things can live in your nose, ears, sinus’s, hair, pillows, towels, rugs, etc…
Kill the stuff on the outside of your skin on a weekend…
Tea-tree oil shampoo or add some borax to your existing shampoo, or take a bath with a cup of borax.
then get some niacinamide to kill them on the inside…
then get some sodium ascorbate and take like 6000mg a day for a month to heal your pores.
“I’m still not a believer in the involvement of these critters in rosacea.”
– These things attack dogs as well. Demodectic Mange causes boils and squamous cells. Nasty critters. Talk to a vet.
A little update — I used Rosac daily for a month and then Permethrin (also sold as Elimite) once a week for a month. Today my derm took another skin scraping (actually several) and took a look. She didn’t see any mites.
I have been attacked by Demodex mites. They have totally taken over my scalp. So much so that I feel my hair moving constantly. My hair falls onto my clothes and I can watch it crawl through my clothes. It bites my skin My neck is constantly breaking out, and I can pick litlle dark specs off my skin and even have tiny blue fiber hairs that will come out of my scalp. They have gotten into my eyelashes, eyebrows etc. My face does have that butterfly red look over the forehead, nose, cheeks. Been to a Dermotologist who would not even give me the time of day. They are more active in the late afternoon and of course throughout the evening. I have an overabundance of mucus constantly in my nose as well as choking it up. I wake up to feeling them crawling around my face and of course through my head. I have been using Tee Tree Oil Shampoo for about 2 years now and have not had any improvement. I am totally fed up and feel like I’m doomed with a curse. Would like to know if there is anywhere in Canada that I can buy some relief.
The mayo clinic says Chronic Sinus problems are usually caused by a fungus. These mites dry out your skin, and leave it vulnerable for bad stuff like these sinus infections. You probably have tinea as well.
I guess different concentrations of tea tree oil can be more effective than others. Some of these 2% or 5% shampoos just don’t cut it.
In an extreme case like this, I would definitely order some Kleen Free Enzymic Cleaner over the internet. This stuff eats the mites and turns them to dirt. It’s safe for lice and children and pets.
Note: Don’t get any on your eyes or lips though, or you’ll get a chemical burn.
In the mean time:
a. A pool with a lot of Chlorine can kill them. Or
b. go to your supermarket and get a box of 20 mule borax in the laundry section($4), put 1/2 cup borax 1/2 cup baking soda in a bathtub. Take a bath… anything that turns red has mites (probably a good idea to do over a weekend)… you’re inducing a rosacea reaction in the hopes that you can kill the colony.
Note: Borax is a common ingredient in many acne medications.
c. use a fresh towel and a clean pillowcase after this.
Theresa,
Do a google search on skin fibers. I think you will see what you wrote about. Good luck.
Ive been using metrogel for about a year, in the beggining it was very effective so i kept using it.But now it seems too have lost some of its effectriveness and i need to find something else. Also, I have had some anxiety since using metrogel and I am wondering if metrogel actually can cause anxiety as a side effect,I dont like the idea of using lots of oral atibiotics and I would like to try borax, internally. Is it really very effective?
Metrogel is an anti-fungal, metronid-azole.
There are different reasons for skin problems.
One kind is acne vulgaris, or large staph scabs. I don’t think you have this if the antifungal was working. For this bacterial kind, extra vitamin c would probably help.
Unfortunately, vitamin c doesn’t kill fungus. It may boost your immune system, which isn’t a bad thing.
****
It would appear I have a fungal problem, with Tinea, dandruff, ringworm, etc…
Anti-fungal drugs would seem to be: Niacinamide(vitamin b-3), Acetic Acid(Vinegar), Boric Acid(Borax), the azole drugs, various other jock-itch/toenail fungus medications, fluconazole(diflux), itraconazole, ketoconazole(nizoral shampoo).
I myself am experimenting with some of these now… I’m not cured so I can’t recommend internal use.
****
This study shows a 2% borax, 2% vinnegar shampoo to be more effective than some of the azoles. http://www.dermapet.com/articles/pilot.html
I think itraconazole is one of the stronger azoles, I haven’t tried it yet though. Apparently sometimes for tinea, they’ll give you this stuff to take 2x day for 2 months. I’m no doctor though, and I haven’t tried it.
*****
What I am personally trying is:
external:
2 tsp borax added to my head & shoulders shampoo
clotrimazole(1%) on tinea
internal (2x day):
500 mg Niacinamide
Drink:
2 tbps Vinnegar neutralized with baking soda
1/8 tsp borax
2000 mg C (sodium ascorbate)
Orange Juice (it has potassium)
****
I only started this a week ago, so I don’t know how it will turn out.
Boric acid is found in some fruits… it cured a twitchy eye in my case. There is a european recommendation on safe dosage, if you are considering taking this internally, you should probably research a bit.
****
Note: If you have a fungus problem, sometimes this stuff can transfer to your hands and fingernails, and then to other places (it can be mildly contagious).
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or dermatologist, and am not qualified to give medical advice.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lactoferrin
It would seem that Lactoferrin, found in dairy and meat, also acts as a fungicide as well.
To Kate and Rich:
I wonder what kind of Borax you are talking about. Is it 20 mule borax from supermarket? Is it safe to ingest 20 mule borax?
Garlic also has anti-fungal properties. It may be worth a shot.
From the 20 mule borax, I’ve had no ill effects (although I used small doses)… as I said, a twitchy eye has disappeared. I haven’t seen any good long term studies though on this… maybe try the other stuff before experimenting with this one, or research it more.
That being said, perhaps I will go back to the derm and try the itraconazole solution. Here is a website from a doctor that talks about some fungal problems:
http://doctorfungus.org/
Note: the borax i tried was small doses, 1/8th teaspoon, and heavily diluted as well.
Study on Garlic:
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/garlic-000245.htm
Too much borax can turn blood vessels red, and potentially cause damage… so perhaps be careful with this one… and not everyday if you want to try it.
Garlic has Selenium and Sulfur, just like the dandruff shampoo. Sulfur kills fungus. So perhaps try some garlic pills every few hours. If you get garlicy breath, then you’ve had enough or too much.
i think that the papules and pustules and inflamacion of the skin in rosacea are caused by the demodex mites, and the redness and the broken capilaries are caused by an nanoinsect not yet identifided that is causing the redness and the broken capilaries not to heal, so when you use borax an peroxide hidrogen in your skin you are killing these two agents organisms, so maybe thats why they say that rosacea is caused by an weakened inmuned system, beacuse you body is not able to kill this agents, so maybe if you give strength and optimized your inmuned system, you body will be able to kill these organisms, and the way to do that its taking a suplement called ¨cats claw¨ (uncaria tomentosa) that is known for its antiinflamatory properties and to strength your inmuned system, you can search by yourselfs to see all the benefits that it has, and maybe that could be a good alternative of treating rosacea or it could be the cure. The other one that im thinking is the blood of the cocodrile aplied topicaly to the face since its a new discovery that the blood of the cocodrile are much better and extremely potencial that any antibiotic that exists and you can search in the internet the news of the potencial of the benefits killing these agents, so because of the potencial that it has killing all these agents it could be another alternative to rosacea.
The interaction between fungus and macrophages has been documented in the past. This rosacea stuff kind of looks ringworm like.
Besides killing insects, borax is anti-fungal. I suspect iodine deficiency to play a role in rosacea (iodine is anti-fungal).
Iodine deficiency can sometimes be the cause of fibrocystic breast disease, PCOS, various skin conditions, etc…
If someone wants to try borax/peroxide in the morning, and betadine(providone) at night, I bet they would find some success.
“broken capilaries” are a bad sign… that can sometimes be a warning sign for heart disease. There is a treatment for that as well: http://www.hearttech.com/
Many people have had some success with Vitamin C and Lysine (the linus pauling protocol). Theoretically, both are necessary for collagen production.
i recently went to the dermatologist for winter skin , i needed something soothing. (i spend a lot of time in hockey rinks with the kids, and out shoveling snow.) She informed me, by doing a skin oil test i have a lot of demodex. this actually was my 1st time ever seeing a dr. for my skin,( i’m 40.andhave always been very careful with my face since a bad sunburn at age 12.) she said permetherin would do the trick. i used it that night and awoke with a red, burning face, pores so enlarged and shriveled skin like an old orange peel. it has been one week, and still the same symptoms. they said use hydrocortizone cream. it still hurts and looks same,but greasy now. there are no dermatologists who have appointments for new patients until at least 3 wks. or longer. is there anyone who can advise me in what to do? will this damage last forever. i am very scared.
Kleen-free is a safe enzymic mite killer, eats the bugs and their eggs and turns them to dirt… so long as you don’t get any in your eyes or lips/mouth.
Borax kills them as well, and is safe.
50%(5 mins) or 100%(15 mins) tea-trea-oil scrubs kills them, too.
hlmo8,
I’d call the derm you saw and tell him/her what happened! I was Rx’d permethrin and did not have this problem, but have heard of others who have.
I would treat my skin very gently and carefully until I could see a derm — do you have a super gentle cleanser and good moisturizer? Hypo-allergenic would probably be best. Maybe Vanicream or Aquaphor?
Good luck!
Gabriella (PS If you used the permethrin overnight, that should have been enough to kill most demodex, except the eggs. This would require another treatment in about a week. Maybe look into Ivermectin (oral rather than topical)?
Hi David Copley,
I am just wondering how on earth it is that taking an antidepressant can possibly eliminate rosacea syptoms??? Please explain.. I am very interested in hearing the theory or science behind this. Also, just wanted to add that I have had rosacea symptoms appear about 2 years ago, and hate it, with a passion.. Have spent so much money trying to fight it. Have been on doxycycline 100 mg for that whole time, niacinamide, and finacea. Worked great in the beginning, but recently had been getting much worse. More concentrated on my nose. And, gotta admit, when it’s real bad, I do not leave my apartment. It seems to have stolen a lot of my self confidence. Though I’m perfectly fine and confident when it is in a calm state, and my skin is bright and clear. It fluctuates constantly. Recently, the last 2 weeks maybe, I read an article about Lysine and am currently taking Lysine with BioFlavanoids and I take a whole lot of other supplements.. I’ve been trying over the years to fight this by increasing my immunity.Which probably does make a difference, but has not eradicated it. However, the Lysine, as of right now, has started to clear my skin up, I think this is a good sign. I started on a rather high dose, too high really than I should have. I wanted to rush it to work. So, I started at 3,000 mg, and experienced constipation and digestive discomfort. I am now down to 2 pills of 635 mg, 1 in morning, 1 at night. Digestive discomfort had gone away, so we’ll see if my face continues to clear. I should also add, that at the same time, I started up with taking my probiotic pills again. Have also started up with Hylauronic Acid in capsule form for dryness. And, have read about the anti-inflammatory properties of Nettle leaf, so have started taking one a day. More notably, I also believe that the fact that I have once again started taking at least 2 tsp of Active Manuka Honey, to boost immune system, and to kill any helicopter pylori that may be inside my stomach or intestines. It kills those buggers easily, also, even kills the deadly evil superbug MRSA, antibiotic resistant staph infection. I’ve had that too unfortunately a couple years ago, and believe me that is hell to endure. It was on the side of my face, and spread, this is the ONLY thing that actually kills the MRSA dead, and encourages healing in the new skin. Better than any prescriptions known to man. A natural healer. It heals ulcers, cuts, infection, etc.. it’s amazing!! You can also use it as a mask for like 15 min to kill any bugs on your face. However, do not leave as a mask on your face overnight, unless you have MRSA, then use bandage, and leave on for 12 hrs straight before cleaning and reapplying. If you just leave on normal skin overnight, it will irritate skin and clog pores cause it’s so thick. Check out the manuka honey, IT WORKS!!! It comes from honey made from the tea tree bush in New Zealand.. much more powerful than tea tree oil!! Here is the link http://www.manukahoneyusa.com/ManukaHoney.htm
I also notably have bought pure burdock root tea, and have started drinking that every night, along with green tea. I’m sure it does make a difference too. Also, carrot juice every morning, my hair and nails even grow faster after I started that routine. I spend a lot of time researching this disease and how to build my immunity, and achieve health and wellness. So hopefully some of this helps you. I also use pure jojoba oil after I get out of shower, I drop some oil on fingers and apply to face when still damp. I wipe off excess. It controls sebum production. Oh also, one more thing, so sorry, but this is a heavenly all natural product that is superb for my skin, and I believe makes a huge difference in controlling my rosacea, as well as treating aging, cysts, sunburn, dry skin, oily skin.. amazing.. It’s called buddha butter, and it comes in a small tin, and it’s an ointment, you rub it on your face and make sure you massage it into your face thoroughly to enhance all the effects of the product, the herbs, etc. The link is http://www.buddha-butter.com/. Last thing is Aloe Vera juice, great for digestion and maintaining healthy skin; also increases the efficacy of supplements. Take it once a day. I have not found that the rumored essential enzymes are necessary for everybody with rosacea, as some sites might suggest. Some people may have this problem as individuals, but I found that it just made me feel terrible, and gave me digestion problems. Haven’t yet properly experimented with the HCL that is supposed to increase acid production in stomach to help digest foods.. don’t know if that’s necessary, read about speculation to be tied to rosacea. But not so sure about that. And, haven’t tried Borax, don’t know if I really want to. And, haven’t experimented much with the Apple Cider Vinegar theory either. Might try that soon, don’t know yet.. Still testing to see the results of the combo of Lysine(with BioFlavanoids, Zinc, and Vit c), Manuka Honey and Burdock Tea. Oh, I also am taking again Royal Jelly and Propolis. You can read about them on the Manuka Honey site. Bees create fabulous things.. The Royal Jelly is the jelly made by bees, specifically for the Queen Bee, the healthiest, longest living, most plump bee of the hive. Propolis is a sticky substance they create to sanitize the hive. And, Bee Pollen too, gives energy, etc.. These are just some suggestions. I have found them useful, personally. One more thing, Flax Seed Oil, Omega 3s, natural anti inflammatory, I believe does help rosacea too. Anyways, take care, and good luck in your fight against this terrible condition. I believe that it can be held at bay, with the right supplements. Oh, Clinique Redness Clinique cream is very comforting and moisturizing, Murad Cleansing Gel is great, it has hydrogen pyroxide, and is gentle. Murad treatment gel, these products are from his rosacea line. The moisturizer is no good though, don’t bother. Shiseido eye cream is expensive but heavenly moisturizing and soothing. Perricone moisturizer is super great but ridiculously expensive. The Perricone ceramic skin smoother is best buy, really smoothes skin, fights aging, smooths fine lines, and really diminishes pores. Lastly, Perlabella Q10 capsules for face is super great for repairing skin. I’ve only seen this in some Walgreens, might be online. Prosacea in Walgreens, isn’t bad as a cheap rosacea treatment, but only works up to an extent. And, one definite warning for those with rosacea, my advice is DO NOT USE anything from Kinerase, it made me break out extremely bad, took weeks to recover, no product has ever been so detrimental to my skin. Even had deep cysts as a result of just a few days use. Awful product. Though some with completely normal skin may not have problems with it, it’s not for those with sensitive skin, and rosacea, or I would imagine, acne. Just wanted to warn you about that. Hope this helps you. I have tested out a lot of products, and this is what I would recommend. The Finacea cream, by prescription works well though too, to keep rosacea under control, though, it can be pretty harsh on your skin sometimesI am still on the doxycycline until I have found a proven alternative that actually consistently works. Hopepefully, I will be able to get off it soon, if this new regimen works. Good Luck to you all!!
Paroxetine is a fluoro-phenyl, or antifungal. I’m not too fond of fluoride, when it seems like iodine is the halide that we need instead(Thyroid Hormone, etc…). Iodine can kill off candida, ringworm, onychomychosis, and many fungus’s. Seems to work faster than probiotics.
As for the Manuka Honey, I like honey. It is sugar with vitamins and hydrogen peroxide. Plus a little sweeter than sugar.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paroxetine
“The efficacy of paroxetine for depression is comparable to that of older tricyclic antidepressants with fewer side effects.[1][2] Differences with newer antidepressants are subtler and mostly confined to side effects. It shares the common side effects and contraindications of other SSRIs, with high rates of nausea, somnolence, and sexual side effects. Unlike two other popular SSRI antidepressants fluoxetine and sertraline, paroxetine is associated with a clinically significant weight gain[3] and statistically significant increase in the risk of suicidal tendencies in both adults[4] and children.[5] Stopping paroxetine may result in a discontinuation syndrome.”
For some people, I imagine iodine deficiency may be the cause, and may cure rosacea.
Scientists Discover Clues To Rosacea Skin Ailment
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/78839.php
http://www.amazon.com/Iodine-Without-Brownstein-Bottle-Fashioned/dp/B000I2MMSI
“I’m positive it was the iodine that helped me get over rosacea”
hey i had a question, i was taking a bath and shaved my body while i had scabie and i used the jet to clean the inside of my vagina. is it possible the scabies entered my body and are inthe inside of my stomach? it really hurts and i feel a tingly feeling inside.
I have had rosacea (pustular) and reddening for several years. I baulked at the thought of the chemicals the doctor wanted to put me on and researched for myself. It has been mentioned above already, but I got releif after only 10 days using Zhong Zhou (ZZ) cream from China. It is Zindc and Sulfur based with haerbal inclusions. I source it from Jamu Shop online (a Singapore based shop, pay with paypal and I have had no issues bringing this into Australia – I am not affiliated in any way with this shop other than as a very happy customer). The high sublkimated sulfur content seesm effective in killing the critters, but the reduction of the redness to an almost pale pink, and 95% reduction in papules in itself is a huge releif. I’ve thrown away the makeup – as a male I never liked it but was too emabrrassed to go out without it. Thankyou Zhong Zhou.
On the Mend.
I think you are beyond sane advice.
My previous comment was directed to #52.
“It is Zinc and Sulfur based”
I suspect a Selsun Blue or Head and Shoulders Selenium Sulfide may help with Rosacea. However, if you leave it on too long (over night), you may get some peeling(so wash off after a little while).
Supposedly, you can buy Selenium Sulfide lotion. This stuff should theoretically kill the demodex(Sulfur), and perhaps an underlying fungus or yeast.
Selenium Sulfide should cure age spots (if they are tinea, caused by either tricophyton or Malasezia Furfur).
Niacinamide gel supposedly cures wrinkles.
I am an RN. One of the derm fellows here at the hospital clued me in on the demodex mites. He took skin scrapings and looked at them under the microscope–yep, my skin was full of the buggers! I used topical premethrin as well as ivermectin by mouth–this cleared up the pustules and redness. Now, I have to use them approximately every three months. My skin sometimes looks so good that I forget! When this happens, I break out again and sometimes it takes a couple of weeks for my skin to clear. This is my regimen:
1. Premethrin 5% topically on my face and other affected areas (I get occasional pustules on my back.)for 24 hours.
2. Ivermectin PO. I take 12mg/day for a couple of days. Dose must be adjusted to your weight.
This has been quite effetive for me.
Do you wanna kill demodex? my theory? buy a parasite zapper. It kills all pathogens, fungus, bacteria, viruses, worms. I’m sure I have demodex mites in me, my arms and legs already show. I’m gonna get one of those zappers next month, and try it. google this..Hulda Clark parasite zapper..or just “parasite zapper”. They said, it clears your skin from pimples and other allergies/disorders. It only uses a small radiowave current to boost your immune system and kill all parasites. Only 9v, so it won’t harm you. I’ll try it, and will update you once it’s done.
#52 anonomus: Ignore what On the mend said. That is not helpful when you have medical worries, no matter how weird what you did sounds.
What you did is called a ‘douche’ and is not a smart thing for any woman to do as it washes away the helpful bacteria that keeps thrush at bay. So what you feel now may be the onset of thrush, and if you feel itchy and sore externally as well, go to your pharmacist and get some Canesten in cream, pessary or tablet form. Or anything else with clotrimazole in. That will sort your problem.
Secondly there is no route via the vagina to the stomach or intestinal area. The female reproductive area is ’self contained’.
Don’t douche and don’t fear having carried scabies inside. You didn’t!
Now let’s get back to rosacea, demodex mites etc
I started using the face doctor soaps with sea buckthorn oil, no more Rosacea breakouts!!! It is finally under control! I had it bad, my nose was huge and red, red puffy cheeks, my eyes, it almost seemed like it would migrate from one side to the other. Sunlight hurt and stung it. I guess those creepy little mites don’t like the light. I suspect I picked it up in a hotel when I was force moved to San Jose for my work. It was that or all the horrible stress of the job killed my immune system. I fought this Rosacea for several years, I tried metrogel and several other topicals, loads of antibiotics, these helped to hold it at bay but did not get rid of it. Now I use the soaps as maintenance, I use the face surgeion soap whenever my nose looks a bit puffy, it seems to be a warning sign. Try the face doctor soap if you have rosacea, it worked for me, a doctor told me about it, I could never be more grateful!
Robin (#11): I hope you see this!
I’m totally with you on the dust problem — I thought I was the only one. I live in an extremely dusty environment: Near the beach, on a busy street, under a flight path and with a dog. My apartment has horrible air flow and ranges from very warm in the winter to unbearably hot in the summer, which means my windows are open 24/7.
It’s impossible to keep the dust completely under control. That can’t be good, but it is possible to go for weeks and weeks with (relatively) clear skin. However, it’s when I actually try to clean that I get my worst flare-ups. Once the dust starts moving around I’m sunk for days — if I’m lucky.
I’ve just discovered this mite/rosacea connection so I don’t know much about it, but before now I’d never heard any mention of a dust/rosacea connection. I was disappointed that no one else responded to your post but had to let you (and everyone else!) know that I can corroborate your story.
I just bought one of those portable a/c units andf the last few days are the first time in 5 years my windows have stayed closed. The dust is the only trigger I’ve had no control over, so the a/c is my last hope. I’ll be monitoring the top of the coffee table to see if this reduces the speed of the dust build-up
I recently read several articles regarding these pesky little mites… and now Im even more convinced. I have been to several dermatologists, have been on several antibiotics (some much stronger than others ie, Doxycycline, amoxicillian, retina A, accutane, clyndamycin) and have had ZERO success. In fact, I actually think its gotten worse!I have shown the dr many of my lesions that have now migrated from my face to my entire body. I itch everywhere and chlorine defiantely seemed to help things out! But I can’t live my life in a swimming pool and Im exhausted from all the medications and doctors visits…I’ve commented to them that the “crawling” sensation is driving me crazy and effecting my sleep and they still tell me its Keratosis Pilaris. How do I get the dr to LISTEN to me!?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keratosis_pilaris
“In fact, I actually think its gotten worse!”
– If antibiotics are causing this thing to get worse, than let’s assume it’s fungal in nature. Wiki seems to say Coconut Oil (an antifungal), sometimes helps.
Certainly bed bugs are one cause of rashes… you put the doctors cream on, and they move to another location. I don’t think that’s the case here, though.
Vicks Vapor Rub has two nice antifungals (Peppermint Oil and Eucalyptus Oil). Perhaps you are willing to experiment with that, on an inconspicuous place.
Selsun Blue seems to treat some rashes.
Providone Iodine plus Borax plus water helps with others.
Another alternative is Desitin Diaper Rash cream (40% Zinc Oxide)(some people don’t like the smell).
If you get a positive response to any of these or all of these, at least you know what you’re dealing with. Just some friendly advice from a non-doctor.
I ran into a nice folk remedy on this disorder, Keratosis Pilaris. A few people had some success by applying Apple Cider Vinnegar to the rash. This one costs a buck at the supermarket.
Note: ACV is a common treatment for Ringworm Yeast/Fungus.
Not too sure, that will help. In many cases, I can pull out white “worm” looking things from my hair follicules… They’re hard and don’t “smush” and almost look like a maget. GROSS!!!! I’ve also read that that these mites cause staph infections…. and I’ve was recently diagnosed as being a “carrier”.. whatever that means. Thats when they gave me the clindamycin and a soap called TetraCare. Needless to say… it didn’t work. I have tried the “Vicks” remedy tho. Not for the mites BUT I was told that Vicks helps heal bruising and since Im incredibly clumsy, I use Vicks A LOT!
If you suspect demodex then, remedies are:
A. Kleenfree (non-toxic enzymic bed bug spray)(treats lice, too)
B. Borax/Peroxide (a treatment for dog mange)
C. Tea-tree oil (discussed on this website)
D. Premethrin Creme discussed by RoseD above.
E. Lice shampoo (note: this one sometimes has side-effects of turning faces red for a week).
Comment via email from Jayne;
Angela,
Have your doctor test you for Lupus. Before being diagnosed with rosacea, my entire body broke out in a rash. I am a medical professional. I went to the dermatology clinic in the hospital and was diagnosed with “arthropod bites” (insects) because I went on Tuesday and had been working in the garden the previous weekend. This was five or six years ago.
The rash continued to recur in different places, like on my legs and back. It caused unsightly scars. I was given steroid creams but none of them helped.
About 3 years ago, I had recurrent acne breakouts. I was diagnosed with “classic rosacea” by 3 dermatologists. I took all the medications you mentioned; none were effective.
I finally did my own research because all my joints ached and I was tired when I had these breakouts. Initially, I thought it was due to the medication I was taking for rosacea. I finally went to a sympathic doctor who was, actually, a friend. She was a new Yale grad. She drew my blood and I tested positive for Lupus.
Since I have been on meds for the Lupus, I have not had any breakouts or rashes anywhere. This has changed my life. I was calling in sick to work because of all the pustules on my face and rash on my back. I could not wear clothes that revealed my legs or back. I had to “bundle up” rather than wearing a nice dress that showed off my slim figure to my daughter’s wedding.
I no longer break out in rashes or acne. This young doctor, Jennifer, literally saved my life. She was “new” enough to have a fresh point of view and was willing to take a look at all possible causes.
Being an advanced practice RN, I’m going to give you advice that I would give to my patients: Go to a different doctor, go to an APRN, a holistic medicine practioner, etc. Do not stop going to different practioners until you find someone who will LISTEN to you and cure your illness.
In the meantime, I must tell you to stop using facial cleansers. Use soap–Dove or Neutrogena on your face and other affected areas. This really helped me.
Jayne
Demodex Mites seem to be definitely linked to AR. I have been applying ZZ ointment – also known as ZOSSO or Zhong Zhou Ointment – for 3 months now. My symptoms of papular rosacea have subsided completely now. I know that crawly feeling described by Angela and I swear I felt these mirating from the nasal/cheek area as I applied the ointment. As that area cleared up I widened the application and have now lost both the crawly sensations and the ugly roscea acne like eruptions. My reddened skin is now juts a pink – not much different from normal. I continue to apply the iontment sparingly as I believe it is a control not a cure. I have thrown away everything else I had tried over the years.
Please, have a look at this siye – the one I use – i am not affiliated with them but it worked for me. There is a lot of information here especially about demodex.
http://www.thejamushop.com/Rosacea.htm
Hello. I found what kills demonez roseca mites!!!Metrogel did not work. China Z-cream worked some,but not enough. Also, all sorts of other methods hardly worked at all. Now I know what works!!! “Snowseal,” a product used for leather works to kill demonex mites. It is bee’s wax based with some petroleum products mixed with it. It does work. Also, I found that a product called “Bestyet” works better to kill the bacteria associated with Roseca just under the skin. It is 10% cedar oil and a penetratant to soak into the skin. After the mites are gone try to use a product called “OCuSOFT” to help keep them away. All of these products are very inexpensive. Enjoy!
Thank God for this website! I have been out of my mind for the last five years! Eight doctors, two derms, and an eye doctor! Thay are all in denial!!! I used the Kwellada lotion on my face it is the first bit of relief I have had in five years! I know its demodex, they wont even do a skin scrape or hair follicle test, they all keep saying demodex is not harmful, its benign. My cat is scratching and licking herself all the time and then she gets sores all around her mouth. As soon as I mention this they think i am crazy, it couldn’t possibly be that they only occur on humans. Its just a case of adult acne – take tetrocycleine for 6 months. They are all DINGDONGS!!!
Hi,
I have had extreme pustular(green pus) like boils on the chin, forehead, nose. And the itching was awful. I was on antibiotics, metrocream/ointment. Now I am on accutane, which is helping with the inflammation. It is better, BUT still have itchy spots and spots that want to come back, in the same place. It is bad:( And it totally feels like something is on my skin, and when I scrape it off, it feels better. And it hurts like a needle in in my face. My hair is sticking out, and it seems like I have more hair on my face, because the follicles are inflammed. I have a couple little spots on my arms, but that is it. All the docs have no answer for this and say it is bad acne. It is not acne!!!!!!!!!!! And now my son has tiny little bumps that come and go. They respond well to tea tree oil and zinc cream. So no help from the docs. Will accutane help with this problem?????
thanks to all:)
Hey everyone –
Lots of great info here. I noticed a few posts where people mentioned pets and demodex. There’ s research out there that suggests tea tree oil is quite TOXIC to cats. For anyone tempted to treat a cat with tea tree oil, don’ t do it. Unlike dogs, cats’ liver and kidney function is not adequate to clear tea tree oil (which is easily absorbed through their skin & which they lick off) from their systems.
Stewarts Royle Rascal, 18 year old sheltie, had hair falling out. Consulated Holestic Vetenary. Was advised to cover with Vasline twice each day for two weeks. Then advise of results. Hair was returning.
This type Mange caused by Demodex Cannis.
Had lost my eyebtows, eye lashes. had consulted dermotolighst, advised not mites! Nothing to lose, started Vasline twice each day aroud eyes and eye lids.
Been two years, Lashes and brows slowly returning. DO NOT EXPECT INSTANT GRADIFICATION.
Now would like to determine method to stop head hair lose. Guess they must be migrating.
For an even better treatment try:
1.) Apply “teatreeoil” strait. (E-Bay)
2.) After about an hour apply “Sno-Seal” (They use it
for leather products. It contains beeswax and other
ingredients.) (E-Bay or area stores)
3.) After about an hour apply “OCuSOFT PLUS” foam
(especially at night). (Drug stores)
I have found that by doing this throughout the day Rosecea Demonex Mites will eventually become less and less upon me. I have tried many products and found this to be the ONLY thing that really does work. I recently had a flareup and found this to be the cat’s ass. But it is not a cure, and never will be. Mike
Re #71.
I would avoid Accutane (Isotretinion) if at all possible. That was the option they were offering me and what inspired me to look for other options outside regular GPs. Accutaine and Roaccutain are not without issues. They are quite harsh on the liver and most GPs will insist on regular blood tests (LFTs or Liver Function Tests) to be specific. I have worked in Clinical Pathology for many years now and am well aware of this. As you can see in preceeding posts, I prefer the ZZ cream, but there are many other avenues suggested by others here also. Accutaune? Last resort only in my opinion, and if you are preganat or intending to become, it is not a good option for you.
Most important fact about this drug:
Because Accutane can cause severe birth defects, including mental retardation and physical malformations, a woman must not become pregnant while taking it. If you are a woman of childbearing age, your doctor will ask you to sign a detailed consent form before you start taking Accutane. If you accidentally become pregnant while taking the medication, you should immediately consult your doctor.
More common accutane side effects may include:
Conjunctivitis (“pinkeye”), dry or fragile skin, dry or cracked lips, dry mouth, dry nose, itching, joint pains, nosebleed
Less common accutane side effects may include:
Bowel inflammation and pain, chest pain, decreased night vision, decreased tolerance to contact lenses, delay in wound healing, depression, fatigue, headache, nausea, peeling palms or soles, rash, skin infections, stomach and intestinal discomfort, sunburn-sensitive skin, thinning hair, urinary discomfort, vision problems, vomiting
MY FACE IS CLEAR FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE I WAS A KID!
This is rather long, sorry. I really hope it can help someone though.
I took accutane when I was in my 20’s for bad acne. It did clear it up… no more acne. However, it did nothing to get rid of the Rosacea the dermots say I have. My face was ALWAYS some shade between med-pink to dark red. I had not seen the true color of my face since I was a kid. It has always been the bain of my vanity.
I got sick of trying to cover up my red face with makeup (yuck); but I had tried every cream, ointment, antibiotic etc. on the market (prescription and non)… to no avail. I wish I had back all of that money I spent.
Recently I started trying the homeopathic approach… A few months ago, I stopped wearing makeup and stopped using ALL commercial facial cleansers and other facial products… period. I won’t even get my face wet in the shower (except overspray from washing my hair).
What I used instead was a tea tree oil mix (I conconcted this after many hours of research):
In a sterilized 4 oz glass bottle, I mixed 20 drops of pure organic tea tree oil, 20 drops of pure organic lavender oil, 1/2 teaspoon of pure organic vegetable glycerin and filled the bottle the rest of the way up with purified water (NO TAP WATER!).
I put this on my face every morning after I get out of the shower (with a saturated cotton ball). It didn’t take long before my face started looking MUCH better.
Then I read about demodex mites (never heard of them before) and how tea tree oil can kill them. So I started using a stronger tea tree oil mix on my face at night before going to bed. And IT WORKED!! My face is almost completely clear. It still has a very slight pink tinge on my cheeks, but that could be because I am Irish! (This nighttime mix is 50% tea tree oil and 50% purified water ONLY). I have to shake it well before applying cause oil and water don’t mix… NOTE: you never want to put full strength tea tree oil on your skin (it will burn it!).
My face looks better than it ever has in my life!! And, for the first time ever, I think putting makeup on would detract from my looks! WOW!!!! I never thought I would be able to say that!
I hope you find the thing is right for you too! Don’t give up, the cure it out there, it might just take time to find the one that is right for you!!
Good Luck!!!
P.S. If you do feel like you need to rinse your face with water, keep a gallon jug of purified water from the grocery store in your bathroom and use it with cotton balls. Unless you have a good filter on your water at home you NEVER want to use tap water. I have found that tap water aggrevates my skin (probably the chlorine, flouride and God knows what else is in there).
I’ve had 2 years of pulse dye laser treatment for the redness which has cleared the worst of the redness but it’s reached a point where the appearance of spots every now and again is exaccerbating skin inflamation and the derm doc has said they won’t do any more laser until the spots are under control. Unfortunately I am allergic to anything with metronizadole in it and having tried every other kind of antibiotic to no avail I am quite relieved as each time I’ve had the laser done it’s been 2 weeks of hiding and 3 – 4 weeks of scars but worth the end result.
I live in the UK and I have found a Tea Tree ointment for skin from Boots the chemist (with the homeopathic and herbal remedies). It’s great! As soon as I get any red spots or ‘pustules’ out comes the ointment and they clear up in no time.
I also have the Chinese ZZ crea but it dries the skin out terribly, so I am experimenting with alternate days of ZZ and tea tree ointment. Works well so far!
Hi UK Anon,
That’s great! One thing to caution you of though, after a few days of putting the 50% TTO and 50% purified water mix on my face, my face started to burn and peel. The mixture was too strong.
I now use the 50% TTO mix only once every couple of weeks and use the diluted mixture (see my email above) every day.
I also found a great moisturizer I can use on my skin and it seems to help even more (yippee). It’s called Peace Lotion. It’s an aromatherapy massage lotion (who’da thunk?) made from all organic and natural oils, pimarily lavendar and chamomile. It has spearmint in it which really cools my skin and makes if feel fresh. It’s made by Earth Therapeutics. After using my TTO diluted mixture every morning, I apply the lotion (sometimes I even use it twice a day). It’s really awesome!
I really am loving the way my skin looks!!
Peace.
Hello again. After my last bout with demonex mites and rosecea I finally found what seems to work the best. I have tried all of the other solutions, and they have failed me somewhat in one way or another. For my face twice a day I first put on what is called “Best Yet” (You will find it on a search engine. It consists of 10% Cedar Oil and a skin penetrant.), and after that I put on OCuSOFT Plus foam (You can find this in most drug stores. Also, you will find on the internet that this company claims that it does kill demonex mites). During the day I carry around a small bottle of Teatree Oil, and use it strait only on the areas that seem to give me trouble. My skin is now without rosecea and mites! Plus, this treatment costs very little! I hope someone will try it. I would like to help someone like me who was really suffering, as well as someone who was not respected by the doctors who should know better.
You can buy “BEST YET” at http://www.cedarcidestore.com or at 1-800-842-1464. A Qt. size bottle costs $29.95, and a 4 oz. spray bottle will cost $9.95. Also, OCuSOFT PLUS FOAM can be found at most drug stores, and Teatree Oil can be found on E-bay in a fairly large size bottle. Remember, first apply the Best Yet to the face, and after a minute or two apply the OCuSOFT Plus Foam (this seems to seal in the Best Yet, and restrict the mite activity). During the day apply Teatree Oil strait only on the troubled areas that give you trouble. You may also need to remove skin crusted areas that the mites make and live. The skin disorders associated with Rosecea should also disappear. The Best Yet seems to kill the bacteria under the skin that is associated with Rosecea. You should be both Rosecea and demonex mite free within a month of treatment. Relief though should come soon after starting this treatment.
seriously,
I never knew, demodex is also attack human, and I still never can imagine, how can a demodex is in a human body?
what I know is, someone who get demodex is someone who is not keeping their hygiene enough. well well…
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