Demodexes, popularly known as eyelash bottom parasites, can cause troublesome situations, especially for eye health. So what are these demodexes? How can it damage the eye? Most importantly, what is the place of tea tree oil in its treatment? Let’s see.
Demodex – What is Eyelash Bottom Parasite?
Demodex is a mite with two different species. These mites, which are divided into two types, are called Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis.
Demodex folliculorum, the most common species, is found at the base of the eyelashes and on the face. It feeds and reproduces mostly by eating dead skins. The waste materials they leave from the dead skins at the base of the eyelashes cause clogging of the eyelash bases and cause both disruption of the secretion of the meibomian glands and blepharitis conditions.
Again, Demodex brevis species feeds on sebum secreted in the skin. It can enter the meibomian glands at the base of the eyelashes and cause blockage of these glands.
As you can understand from here, demodexes can multiply by settling in the eyelash roots and hair follicles. When they settle in the eyelash bases and clog them, they increase the risk of developing dry eye. Because when the meibomian glands are blocked, the oil secretions required for tears cannot be made and as a result, the tears evaporate very quickly and the eye surface cannot remain moist.
What is Tea Tree Oil?
Now let’s take a look at tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is obtained from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, one of the small trees native to Australia. The oil obtained by steam distillation of the leaves has been used as one of the traditional medicines by the indigenous people for many years.
The oil contains compounds such as terpinen-4-ol, and these compounds help to eliminate various bacteria or fungi.
Effect of Tea Tree Oil on Inhibiting Demodex Mites
Antiparasitic Properties
- Tea tree oil has antiparasitic properties that have the potential to kill Demodex mites. The oil helps to prevent mites from multiplying on the skin or at the base of the eyelashes and has an auxiliary effect on the reduction of existing ones.
Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial Effects
- Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil can help reduce inflammation caused by Demodex mites. At the same time, with its antibacterial effect, it helps to reduce the risk of infection caused by mites.
Reducing Blepharitis and Eyelid Inflammation
- Tea tree oil is helpful in relieving the symptoms of blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) and dry eyes commonly caused by Demodex.
Important Information
Tea tree oil, which has an auxiliary effect on getting rid of eyelash base parasites, also shows a positive effect against dry eye formation.
But there is an important detail here. A doctor should be consulted before the use of tea tree oil or the use of a drug containing tea tree oil. In order to prevent situations such as irritation that may occur in the eye, it is essential to use in the way and order recommended by the doctor.
Source
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1360273/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9356889/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/demodex-folliculorum
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tea-tree-oil
