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Blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, and associated dry eye syndrome affect 30 million Americans...and demodex mites are a HUGE contributor to these issues!
Demodex mites are parasites that live in and around the eyelids in humans. There are two types of demodex that live on humans: Demodex brevis and demodex folliculorum. Demodex brevis lives in the sebaceous glands, while demodex folliculorum lives in the hair follicles. Since we have both hair follicles and glands in our eyelids, this is the perfect place for these little buggers to hide out.
Demodex feed on dead skin, oil, and bacteria that our bodies produce, and they lay eggs and replicate rather quickly. They are usually not an issue, as everyone does have some level of demodex, but they can quickly become problematic if they become overpopulated.
Those at risk for ocular and skin problems due to demodex include the elderly, those who are immunocompromised, and those who have other inflammatory conditions.
Although demodex is usually not problematic, signs and symptoms can arise if they have enough bacteria and other things to feed on. Some symptoms you may notice include:
Due to this staggering amount of people that need help with eyelid disease, and specifically demodex, quite a few new products have entered the market in recent years.
Here, I put together the top five demodex treatment products to help kill those eyelash mites and soothe your blepharitis, MGD, and dry eye symptoms. One key thing to note about demodex treatment is the use of tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is great at killing demodex mites and their eggs, and it is the only known remedy to do so.
Released in June 2017, the Heyedrate Tea Tree Oil Soap Bar is a very effective, all-natural, vegan solution. Tea tree oil is a known demodex killer, and this handmade soap bar contains only 5 ingredients: organic green tea, organic olive oil, organic coconut oil, raw shea butter, and tea tree essential oil.
It is alcohol free, vegan, contains no parabens or sulfates, and is preservative free. Tea tree oil is a proven treatment for not only demodex, but acne, rosacea, and other skin conditions without the use of harsh chemicals.
This is my "go-to" product for patients in my clinic currently. It is very gentle and I have had great success with this product.
Click Here for Real Heyedrate Tea Tree Oil Soap Reviews
Cliradex towelettes are a natural way to keep the eyelids and skin clean, comfortable and healthy. Cliradex wipes are formulated with a higher concentration of tea tree oil (4-Terpineol) ideal for moderate-to-severe ocular irritation and eliminating demodex mites.
This product is preservative free and has been scientifically shown to be safe and effective to control lid margin diseases.
We have used this product successfully in our clinics and patients are generally happy with the outcome.
Safe for all skin types. Avoid direct eye contact, as tea tree oil can irritate the eyes.
Click Here for Real Cliradex Reviews
Formulated in Australia, Ungex is now available in the US and provides a complete facial, hair, and body system for treating demodex.
This natural, herbal based product effectively kills demodex and is recommended to be used for at least three months to ensure total elimination of the mites.
Although this is not just an eyelid cleanser, it is intriguing and a product we recommend to patients who have severe demodex.
We Love Eyes Foaming Cleanser uses 100% all natural ingredients, including tea tree oil, to attack bacteria and demodex mites to combat red, itchy, irritated eyelid symptoms. We Love Eyes products use 100% vegan and gluten-free ingredients which are safe and gentle on your delicate eyelids and the skin around your eyes.
Safe for all skin types. Avoid direct eye contact, as tea tree oil can irritate the eyes.
From OCuSOFT's website:
An extra strength cleanser with tea tree oil that effectively relieves irritation by removing oil, debris, pollen and other contaminants from eyelashes, eyelids and the face and aids in the removal of adult Demodex mites and their offspring when used daily.
It also contains a moisturizer and preservative blend that offers anti-bacterial properties.
Click Here for Real OCuSoft Oust Demodex Cleanser Reviews
Heyedrate Eye Cream and Face Moisturizer helps relieve inflammation by controlling demodex symptoms, giving you relief from persistent itching of the face, burning, stinging and itchy dryness caused by these pesky eyelash mites.
The cream is completely safe for use on your cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, face, neck and ears.
This is a great adjunct to the tea tree soap and hypochlorous acid (more below). If you feel like your demodex is out of control, then I would add this cream to the tea tree soap cleansing, followed by a hypochlorous acid spray, then apply the cream to affected areas.
Released in 2017, Heyedrate Lid and Lash Cleanser is one of the first over-the-counter hypochlorous acid sprays. This natural, non-detergent based spray is perfect for deep cleaning the skin, which makes it great for soothing any skin irritation you have such as cuts, scrapes, redness, swelling, burning, itching, or crustiness of the eyelid margin.
It has been shown to eliminate contaminants on the skin and is a great maintenance option for demodex, since it eliminates the substances they feed on.
We recommend this in adjunct to one of the above tea tree oil products. Since this product doesn't contain tea tree oil, it doesn't directly kill demodex mites, but it does help keep your eyelids clean.
Cleaner eyelids means less oil and skin debris for demodex to snack on.
Heyedrate Lid and Lash Cleanser Reviews
We should not have to say this, but you MUST remove your makeup at night, even if you don't believe you're suffering from demodex. Makeup is full of bacteria and can become a breeding ground for demodex, especially while we sleep. We recommend using this eye makeup remover oil because it contains tea tree essential oil for killing demodex. It's also oil-based, which makes it incredibly effective at removing even waterproof makeup.
To use this makeup remover, simply place 3-5 drops onto a cotton ball or round and massage it into your eyelids, concentrating on the base of the eyelashes.
Once the makeup is smudged and then ultimately removed, rinse and follow up with the a tea tree oil soap.
Sometimes cleaning your sheets is the last thing on your mind, but you need to put it to the top of the list if you have demodex. Make sure to wash your sheets and towels at least once per week, and change your towels out more often if you can.
Washing and drying at a hot temperature will help kill bacteria and demodex. Also, you want to make sure you're using products that don't contain chemicals that could be further irritating to the eyes. We love using Eco Nuts to wash (instead of your normal laundry detergent) and organic wool dryer balls in place of dryer sheets.
We love getting sweaty just like the next person. Working up a sweat during exercise is one of the best ways to feel great about your body and get your mind right. However, all that extra sweat can quickly lead to bacteria build up.
Right after your workout, head to the shower and wash all over with Heyedrate Tea Tree Oil Soap or any other tea tree soap. The soap can be used all over the hair, face, and body for an ultimate fight against demodex. Not only will you remove bacteria and dead skin (their food) but you'll also begin to kill them directly.
We discussed the fact that demodex love feeding on dead skin cells, so this last tip is important. Make sure you're exfoliating your face regularly to remove the dead skin that could be hanging around. You don't have to do this every single day, but it's a good idea to try it a few times per week while you're suffering from demodex.
You can use a simple salt or sugar scrub on your face and body in the shower. Also, we recommend trying out the NuLids device for your eyelids. This device allows you to exfoliate your eyelid margins at home, without a visit to your eye doctor!
The NuLids device is simple to use. Once in hand and charged, turn it on and place a brand new, sterile tip into the device. Cover the tip with an eye gel, such as Celluvisc, and now you're ready to begin. Hit the on button again and the device will begin to spin, so you'll simply run the tip along the bottom eyelid margin of one eye for 15 seconds until the device stops and then move to another lid until you've exfoliated all four (top and bottom on both eyes). Click here to learn more about the benefits of NuLids.
Cliradex can be used daily and indefinitely. You may find that, as time goes on, you will not need it every single day, but it is safe and effective when used on a daily basis.
Yes, Cliradex can be purchased over the counter, online, and in some eye doctor's offices. This makes it simple for you to purchase wherever and however you wish.
Symptoms of eyelash mites may include itchiness of the eyelids or eyes, redness around the eyes, scaling of the eyelids, a burning sensation around the eyes, dry eyes, and even a flare up of skin conditions such as rosacea or dermatitis.
Cliradex towelettes are a natural way to keep the eyelids and skin clean, comfortable and healthy. Cliradex wipes are formulated with a higher concentration of tea tree oil (4-Terpineol), ideal for moderate-to-severe ocular irritation and eliminating demodex mites. This product is preservative free and has been scientifically shown to be safe and effective to control lid margin diseases.
This is up to you and your doctor. Cliradex is safe to use daily and indefinitely, although once you have any demodex mites under control you may be able to reduce the amount that you're using. As always, make sure to speak with your doctor regarding your eyelid hygiene regimen.
Eyelid hygiene is the most important treatment for demodex eyelash mites. First, make sure you're completely removing your makeup before bed. Wash your face with a tea tree oil soap, and cleanse your eyelids with either a tea tree oil cleanser or a hypochlorous acid cleanser. This process should be followed twice per day.
Yes, Cliradex has been tested to be safe and effective for eyelid cleansing. If you're concerned about daily use, you can try Cliradex Light foam.
The form of Cliradex you choose will dictate how it's used, but here are general directions:
One Love,
SeeEO of Eye Love
Director of the Dry Eye Syndrome Support Community
After more than a year of chalazia, usually one or two per eyelid and one or two at a time, I found an ophthalmologist who specializes in dry eye diagnosis and treatment, although I rarely have dry eye symptoms—only the chalazia. He examined & photographed my meibomian glands, put me on antibiotics, hydrochloroius acid, eyelid heat and massage. When I asked him if this could be Demodex, he looked at my eyes and said he doesn’t see any signs of Demodex. Of course he wouldn’t have seen anything, so that was a very puzzling response. Eventually, I began treating my eyelids with Cliradex wipes 2x/day, and the chalazia cleared up almost completely after 60 days, except for one, stubbornly remaining on my lower lid. Next, I saw a plastic surgeon ophthalmologist, who does predominately cosmetic eye surgery, but was recommended by my former dry eye specialist ophthalmologist to seek a biopsy. He took a tangential shave biopsy for a dermatopathology report. It came back “negative”, meaning not cancer, but did not even request a look for Demodex, even though I had specifically requested it! The diagnosis was “granulomatous dermatitis rosacea”. I called the lab myself to ask why no mention of Demodex was in the report and was told that the examiner dermatologist “did not see any mites”. I assume they were not looking for them. This ordeal has been insane, and I have not even mentioned the previous optomologists, ophthalmologists, and naturopath I had seen in previous months. I should add that I am a very healthy, active 65-year-old woman with NO medical conditions whatsoever! I live in Boulder, and am willing to travel to see a doctor who knows more about this than I do! I would appreciate a referral to someone in my area.
I had a face lift & upper & lower lid lift this past spring. Is it possible that the trauma to my face: stitches, healing scabs, etc. might have caused a demoted infestation? My dermatologist insists my problem is rosecea & will only treat with low dose antibiotic & skin ointment. Meanwhile I have been experiencing the described symptomatology of demoted i.e. crust on eyelashes, itchy eyes, enlarged pores, itchy skin, redness etc. Are demoted ever visible to the naked eye? I am currently using tea tree oil shampoo, face wash, eye lid cleanser & am noticing some improvement. Please describe a concerted 30 day treatment regime. I’d like to start the New Year with this. Thank you & Regards, B.W.
Liliana Martinez, let me tell you that you are not delusional. My husband and myself have the problem of infestation with demodex foliculorum. We were lucky that I am microbiologist and I took a sample with scotch tape from my face and got a lot of demodex on a cm square. If you have more than 5/cm square that is an infestation and need treatment. We have been treated with permethrin, ivermectin and sulfite shampoo and still we are dealing with that. Every doctor in USA believe this is normal in the skin of every human but once you loose your sleep time because of the Demorex you are out of the normal zone. If you have someone who can take samples from your skin, turn off the lights and wait until you feel it, and paste the tape on that place and look it at the microscope and take pictures and videos with your cell phone to the ocular of the microscope and take those pictures to the doctors office. They will realize that you need treatment for those. To be able to sleep take a shower before going to sleep but in the darkness in that way you will reduce the population of demorex and purchase any shampoo with tea tree oil or bar soap with tea tree oil. To sleep leave the lamp on and cover your eyes with an eye cover. In the darkness the demorex come out of the follicle to mate and put eggs and when is day light or you have light on (simulating the day) they will go back to the follicle to feed themselves, that is the reason why you have to sleep with lights on and look for treatment with a dermatologist. I hope this works for you.
Thank you for your question Meg.
These products should all be safe for pregnancy. However, I can only speak to our product with absolute certainty.
Our Heyedrate lid and lash spray, tea tree oil soap, eye makeup remover, and face and eye cream are safe for pregnant women! No harsh chemicals.
Are any of these tea tree oil products safe during pregnancy?
Hey Sharon – I would say it should last you about one month, give or take. Give it a try! You will love it!
One Love, Dr. Jenna Zigler
soap link – https://eyelovethesun.com/products/tea-tree-oil-soap
How long does the Heyedrate tea tree oil
soap last if you are using it twice a day for showering? (approximately)
One of the best way to help people is if we suggest some tips and share our personal experience through this platform. Your all blogs always talk & really helpful for us. Thanks for providing such an amazing information for all those eye patients who are suffering from any kind of eye disease. Keep up the good work
I have something crawling in my head also nothing seem to work, can’t sleep what ever I put on my head makes me inch really bad
Hey Lillian – I would recommend you trying out our Tea Tree Oil Soap! You can use this all over you body in the shower.Tea tree oil, which is in the soap, is known to kill demodex mites.
I have been suffering with democracies for one year, was accused of being delusional because my doctor couldn’t see anything, meanwhile I kept going to see her saying I felt bugs going in my ryes, nose, mouth and esrs. In March of ghis year I finally went to the dkin institute where I was diagnosed with rosacea due to Demodex mites. She has since retired or resigned not sure which one and how I had to do an amendment on my medical record because when I went to Stamford to the skin the Dermatology Department and the emergency room they thought I was crazy that I was delusional because of what my primary care physician had written in my medical record. However since then I’ve been treated with Ivermectin tablets soolantra cream and Permethrin nothing is working. It is starting to affect me and I am wondering if and when it will ever go away I don’t know what to do at this point but I am getting very aggravated agitated I am exhausted don’t sleep at night can’t sleep at night because they’re crawling all over my face and going in my eyes and my ears mouth and nose. It worries me because I am having thoughts of how much longer can I take this can you help please
Thank you for listing the ingredients of the products. UNGEX DEMODEX TREATMENT contains a preservative that some people like myself are highly allergic to: Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone.
It causes inflammation, swelling, dermatitis.
Hey Debbie – Seeing bugs on his eyelids is not possible because you have to have a very powerful microscope to see the demodex mites. Maybe he is seeing something floating around when he moves his eyes around? That could be what we call “floaters”. My guess is, he possibly has floaters. That’s great that he has an eye appt soon. Good Luck and I hope you are able to figure it out.
one love, Dr. Jenna Zigler
My 28 yr old son has been “seeing” bugs for almost 12 months now, I honestly was at wits end until Demodex was brought to my attention. The family dr said nothing was wrong and I couldn’t figure out what was going on!! He has an appt with the eye dr on fri April 27, any suggestions?? Bless his heart, these things are literally driving him crazy!
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Heather
January 13, 2020
Hey Alisa, Here is our list of Dr. recommendations by state. This list is a work in progress, but wanted to include it here for you!
https://eyelovethesun.com/pages/dry-eye-specialists
One Love,
Heather
Chief Happiness Officer
Eye Love, LLC