#113: How to Avoid Re-Infestation with Demodex Mites

Have you ever suspected that you had Demodex mites in your eyelashes?

If you suspect that you have them you may feel an itchiness at the base of your lashes.  Your eyes may also be red, especially around the rim of your lids.  Sometimes, the lids can be irritated and crusty.

How Do You Treat Demodex Blepharitis?

If you suspect that you have a Demodex infection, see your eye doctor. Now's the time and don't put it off another day.  The best way to resolve this type of infection is with an in-office treatment for Demodex blepharitis.

In my office, I offer two different treatments. The first is Zocukit.  I use this as an initial treatment and for more advanced cases.  Zocukit involves using a very high strength version of Zocular gel on the lids and lashes.  I scrub the gel on the lashes and allow it to sit for a few minutes to kill the mites at the base of the lashes.

For milder cases, I'll use a device called a BlephEx with Zocushield gel.  This gel is just a little bit less strong than the gel in the Zocukit.   The BlephEx device spins as it scrubs the base of the lashes and gets the debris out from between the lashes.  This is great for patients who have blepharitis. 

You must continue a care regimen at home to eliminate the mites from your lids.  After an in office procedure, you may need it to be repeated again in 3 weeks, due to the life cycle of the mite.  After the second treatment, your next treatment will depend on how well you maintain the cleaning procedure at home.  Following a few steps will decrease your changes of re-infestation and help to eliminate chronic problems. 

What Should You Do After an In Office Demodex Treatment?

I like to treat my patients and send them home with an instruction sheet. The instruction sheet tells them how to prevent re-infestation with Demodex.  There are a few instructions to follow for best practices:

• Wash your sheets, towels, and pillow cases in hot water and dry them all the way.  The heat will kill the mites hiding on your sheets, towels, and pillowcases.
• Get a dust mite or allergen-free pillow case cover. This is a zippered cover for your pillow.  You can buy it your local bed and bath store.   
• Replace your eye makeup.  Any makeup that has touched your lashes especially, could also be infected with Demodex mites.  This is another perfect reason to switch your mascara to Eyes Are The Story.  This mascara comes in a three pack.  Each individual mascara should be thrown away after one month. When you throw them out regularly, you prevent the Demodex mites from reoccurring.   You will also need to replace your eye liner and eye shadows.
• Get in the habit of removing your eye makeup every day. No exceptions.  My favorite makeup remover is Eyes Are The Story Eye Proof Refreshing Towelettes.  This wipe gently removes all traces of your eye makeup.  If you don't already have a favorite eye makeup remover, please choose one from the makeup remover list here.
• Wash your hair with a shampoo containing tea tree oil.  Remember not to put tea tree oil on your eyelids or face.  You can read the full blog about the dangers of tea tree oil near your eyes here.   Tea tree oil still remains as the best way to remove Demodex mites that may be living in the fair follicles on your scalp.
• Start a simple dry eye dry eye treatment plan.  I always recommend four steps to a dry eye treatment plan.

What's the Best Dry Eye Treatment Plan for People Prone to Demodex?

I always recommend that all of my dry eye patients use 4-simple steps to treat their dry eyes daily.  I have reviewed this dry eye treatment plan in a previous blog.  You can check it out here.

When they also have Demodex mites, I recommend that the second step incorporates a cleanser that will kill the demodex.  So, the treatment plan would include:

1. Hydrate: Optase Dry Eye Intense Drops - use a great artificial tear to moisturize the surface of the eyes
2. Harmonize: Zocular Foaming Cleanser - scrub your lids with this foaming cleanser and allow it to stay on your lashes for 20-30 seconds before rinsing
3. Heat: UnClog Mask - heat your meibomian glands with a warm compress mask
4. Heal: HydroEye - use a dry eye supplement supplement to give your body the building blocks to make healthy tears

CONCLUSION

In most cases, a Demodex mite infestation in your eye lashes is easy to eradicate.  If you suspect you have an over population of these mites, first, see your eye doctor. 

After having an in office treatment, you will need to follow up with a couple of steps (listed above) to assure you are not re-infecting your eyes with the mites.  Finally, start a 4 step treatment plan that incorporates a cleanser that prevents demodex growth.  Achieving healthy, clear eyes is easy when you follow a daily regimen.