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Suggest Treatment For Demodex Infestation

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Posted on Sat, 22 Oct 2016
Question: Where can I find discussion on mites: D. folliculorum and D. brevis? My dermatologist has given me oral stromectal (ivermectin) followed by permethrin 5% cream left on the entire body for 8 hours. Her instructions said to repeat this treatment for 12 weeks as we must assume the pest is brevis and harder to fight. But she didn't say what intervals are necessary to make sure eggs and nymphs are killed. She also prescribed sulfamethaprim for 30 days. Then she took off to have a baby. The other two doctors in the practice say I should report to the nearest psychiatrist.

The first treatment, ended yesterday, seemed succesful: no more itching. So I don't want to lose momentum.

If you are also going to suggest a mental institution, please don't bother.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Demodex infestation

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.

Treatment of D. folliculorum and D. brevis as a general rule lasts a few months.
Usually it affects eye-lashes but you have not mentioned the part/s affected.

The infestation responds well to oral Ivermectin along with local application of cream permethrin. Your Dermatologist have already prescribed those drugs.

The time from mating until a new generation hatches is 15-20 days.

The six-legged larvae of Demodex mite hatch from eggs after three to four days, and the larvae develop into adults in about seven days.The total lifespan of a Demodex mite is several weeks.The typical Demodex life cycle is usually 2 to 3 weeks.

Hence the requirement of treatment for several weeks (12 weeks advised by your dermatologist).Treatment needs to repeated once a week to cover a couple of cycles to catch the adults and prevent them from mating again.

You don't need any mental institution




Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
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Answered by
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Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1975

Answered : 1920 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Demodex Infestation

Brief Answer: Demodex infestation Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns. Treatment of D. folliculorum and D. brevis as a general rule lasts a few months. Usually it affects eye-lashes but you have not mentioned the part/s affected. The infestation responds well to oral Ivermectin along with local application of cream permethrin. Your Dermatologist have already prescribed those drugs. The time from mating until a new generation hatches is 15-20 days. The six-legged larvae of Demodex mite hatch from eggs after three to four days, and the larvae develop into adults in about seven days.The total lifespan of a Demodex mite is several weeks.The typical Demodex life cycle is usually 2 to 3 weeks. Hence the requirement of treatment for several weeks (12 weeks advised by your dermatologist).Treatment needs to repeated once a week to cover a couple of cycles to catch the adults and prevent them from mating again. You don't need any mental institution Regards Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX