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2023 Author: Alfred Shackley | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 13:14
Demodectic mange of the scalp in the scalp is a parasitic infection that affects many people, regardless of gender and age. It is caused by Demodex mites, which live under the skin, in the sebaceous glands and hair follicles.
By settling there, subcutaneous mites bring pronounced discomfort and spoil the appearance and quality of tissues and hair, and in advanced cases lead to the loss of hair shafts. These factors make it necessary to undergo a course of treatment with the help of modern medications.
The essence of the disease
The demodectic mite, also called acne, is a parasite that lives under the skin and feeds on normal secretions and epithelial particles. Parasites are very small in size - an adult often reaches less than 0.5 mm in length, so it is almost impossible to detect them on your own. One of the favorite habitats of this insect is the scalp and hair follicles.
This area is favorable for the reproduction and life of parasites, as it is rather loose, prone to intense production of sebum.
It is this substance that is the staple food of the acne gland.
Ticks are especially active at night, as exposure to light is detrimental to them. In the dark, harmful microorganisms lay eggs, move along the surface of the skin, and secrete their waste products.
It is they that provoke itching and swelling of the skin, which are a frequent complaint of patients with this pathology. In addition, demodicosis of the scalp provokes allergic reactions and secondary infections, which are carried in with unwashed hands when combing bites.
Demodectic mange: symptoms
In a laboratory study of skin scraping, demodectic mite is found in most people, this is considered normal and does not require treatment. However, not all of them suffer from the manifestations of infection. The fact is that the symptoms of demodicosis of the scalp depend on many factors: the number of parasitic individuals, the quality of the skin, but most importantly, the state of the immune system.
Under unfavorable conditions, the patient has the following symptoms:
- Intrusive itching of the scalp, which worsens at night and in the evening;
- Swelling of the skin, the appearance of a rash, which is felt on palpation of tissues;
- Redness of tissues;
- The appearance of a large number of acne on the scalp and along the hairline;
- Deterioration of hair quality, profuse hair loss, in severe cases - baldness;
- With a prolonged course - the appearance of seborrheic crusts, tissue thickening and loss of their elasticity.
The manifestations of infection may not occur simultaneously, but may be combined in different ways, while in the absence of treatment, the number of symptoms increases. Exacerbations of demodicosis usually occur in spring and autumn.
Demodectic mange: causes of
The iron mite can live for years on the skin and in the hair follicles, without showing itself in any way. However, since adolescence, this parasite is periodically activated.
This situation is caused by a number of provoking factors:
- Weakening of the protective functions of the body due to constant stress, lack of sleep and addictions;
- Taking hormonal drugs or antibiotics;
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- Metabolic disorders due to unbalanced nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle;
- Hormonal disruptions associated with puberty, pregnancy, or diseases of the reproductive system;
- Diseases of the endocrine system;
- Wrong choice of cosmetics;
- Tanning abuse.
As a rule, these prerequisites lead to an increase in the greasiness of the skin and a weakening of local immunity, which provokes the activation of the demodectic mite. Such a list of provoking factors complicates treatment, since getting rid of the symptoms of demodicosis is possible only with an integrated approach to the problem.
Treatment
With scalp problems, they turn to a dermatologist, trichologist or cosmetologist. In order for the correct diagnosis to be made, the doctor will need to examine the affected area of the head and conduct a study of scraping from the surface of the epidermis, the sebaceous gland discharge, or a biopsy of the surface of the skin.
However, in the case of the manifestation of the disease on the scalp, the best results are shown by the study of the extracted hairline. This method is the least traumatic, while it allows you to determine the number of active ticks.
Based on the results of the diagnosis, complex therapeutic treatment is prescribed. It is worth considering that the treatment of this parasitic infection can be lengthy and requires compliance with all the doctor's recommendations. Treatment includes changing your diet to a healthier and more balanced one, using skin-type skin care products, and taking medication.
Treatment for demodicosis on the head with drug therapy
To alleviate the symptoms of the disease, external agents are used that destroy its pathogens. For this, Yam, Permethrin, benzyl benzoate and sulfuric ointments are used. They can dry the skin, however, they are often prescribed for the treatment of affected areas due to their proven efficacy. In addition, specialized shampoos are actively used: STOP Demodex, Demodex Complex, Tar or Manting.
To enhance the effect of local drugs, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial drugs are also prescribed: Dalacin, Metronidazole, Hydrocortisone ointment. The duration and intensity of therapy depends on how pronounced the signs of demodicosis are, as well as on the general state of health of the wearer.
Symptomatic treatment removes the signs of a parasitic infection. However, to cure it, it is necessary to deal with the causes of exacerbation. For this, immunomodulatory drugs and vitamin complexes are used: tincture of echinacea, Vitrum, Komlivit and others. If there is a violation of the hormonal background, then it is necessary to contact an endoctinologist, gynecologist or urologist-andrologist to prescribe specialized treatment.
The first results of therapy appear within 5-10 days, however, it takes at least a month to reduce the population of the demodectic mite and eliminate symptoms. When the treatment is underway, do not use gels, varnishes and other styling products.
Preventive actions
Prevention of exacerbation of demodicosis of the scalp is necessary both for those who have already experienced this ailment, and for those who still know about it only in theory or do not know at all. The basis of preventive measures is the strengthening of the immune system. To do this, you need to eat right, play sports and take vitamins in the form of tablets and dietary supplements.
In addition, any acute illness, whether respiratory, sexual or otherwise, cannot be ignored.
Untreated diseases significantly weaken the immune system, and this leads to demodicosis and secondary infections. Chronic diseases also need to be constantly monitored, therefore, a preventive visit to doctors should be mandatory at least once every six months.
Personal hygiene is important. Regular shampooing of the scalp with the correct type of shampoo and washing of bedding also protect against infection.
If, despite all the preventive measures, they did not bring the desired result and there were signs of infection, then it is necessary to consult a doctor, since it is very difficult to independently determine the demodicosis of the scalp on the head.