Best Treatment for itchy scalp due to Demodex hair mites

If you feel that your scalp has a scaly texture, itching, or a burning sensation, chances are you may have an infestation of Demodex mites. Also known as eyelash mites, these bugs are ubiquitous and are very common. Learn about your treatment options to ditch the itch in your scalp caused by these very tiny bugs.

What are Demodex hair mites?

These tiny living things (or bugs) are usually found in our hair follicles and can cause our scalp to become itchy. They are microscopic and as a whole, they are referred to as “Demodex”. Scientists have found that there are at least one of two species present in many adults. These species are “Demodex folliculorum” and “Demodex brevis”.

Demodex folliculorum

As the name might suggest, this type of mite is found to be the most common among patients carrying the symptoms of such infestations. It thrives on the dead skin cells on our scalp, and lives in our hair follicles. However, D. folliculorum can also be found mostly on the face, where our lids and lashes are.

When you exhibit other symptoms of Demodex hair mite infestation including an itchy scalp, a scaly skin texture, your doctor can pen it down to D. folliculorum right away due to its significant characteristic of doubling the number of skin cells in hair follicles, hence resulting in a scaly appearance.

Demodex brevis

The large difference between D. folliculorum and D. brevis is in the size of the mites. While the former measures between 0.3 to 0.4mm, the latter is a lot smaller and can measure up to 0.2mm in length.

Experts also found that in most cases, people infected with D. brevis are simply carriers of infestation. This means that while they do not exhibit any symptoms of an itchy scalp, they can infect other people. Symptoms can also include:

• A rough, scaly appearance
• A burning sensation
• Mainly found in the neck or chest areas

Treatment for itchy scalp due to Demodex hair mites

Getting rid of the mites should be a priority before you can treat the underlying causes such as itchy scalp or dandruff. Reducing excessive sebum may help in decreasing the number of mites on your head, and natural remedies or medication (topical or oral) can help.

Visit a doctor to receive the proper treatment to rid your scalp of Demodex mites. Some of these medications can include:

• Benzyl benzoate
• Salicylic acid
• Topical metronidazole

After ridding your head of mites or if the number thereof has decreased significantly, you can then focus on restoring your hair’s health and achieve a healthier scalp with the following treatments.

Best treatment for itchy scalp

Scalp rejuvenation treatments are especially designed to focus on improving the health of your hair down to its roots. Treatments are prescribed based on skin biopsies and skin conditions, and every scalp is different. What works for one person may not necessarily work for you, and vice versa.

A healthier growth environment makes for healthier hair, which is the principle that many scalp treatments go by. Studies have also proven the effectiveness of non-invasive treatments that produce equally or more significant results. Thus, more people are opting for these treatments to address itchy scalp or hair loss problems.

Some popular scalp treatments include:

Cell Nutrition Therapy

Targeting the root of the problem, cell nutrition therapy focuses on stimulating the skin cells in your scalp using low-frequency electric pulses that do not cause any pain to the patient.

This technological method of transdermal drug delivery is called iontophoresis, and it has been around for years, providing an alternative route to deliver active ingredients into the skin to treat certain skin conditions and sports injuries.

Traditional mechanical methods of delivering drugs to the scalp proved to be challenging, hence electric stimulation was introduced to alleviate itchy scalp problems at a cellular level. This method is not only effective in treating itchy scalp due to Demodex hair mites, but it is also safe and promotes scalp rejuvenation for a healthier head of hair.

Lux LLLT Scalp Treatment

Besides cell nutrition therapy, low-level light therapy (LLLT) uses light energy to address the itchy areas on the scalp, reducing inflammation causing the itchy sensation and stabilizes sebum production in the skin, effectively reducing discomfort for the patient.

Backed up by studies proving its efficacy in combating hair loss and scalp problems, the LLLT treatment is found to be comfortable as it causes virtually no pain or side effects, and it produces significant results in as early as 12 weeks.

Learn more about our scalp treatments and how we can help you achieve a healthier scalp by scheduling a consultation with our specialists today.