Demodex mites are tiny mites that live in the hair follicles and oil glands of human skin. Although they are a normal part of skin flora, an overgrowth of Demodex mites can cause skin conditions like rosacea, blepharitis (eyelid inflammation), and demodicosis (skin irritation and inflammation). Thankfully, there are some natural home remedies that can help kill off excess mites and provide relief from symptoms.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a popular natural remedy known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show it can be effective at killing Demodex mites. One study found that a 25% solution of tea tree oil killed 100% of Demodex mites after 4 hours of exposure.
To use tea tree oil for Demodex mites at home:
- Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil. Avoid using it undiluted as this can cause skin irritation.
- Use a cotton ball to apply the diluted oil directly to affected areas like the eyelids, face, forehead and cheeks.
- Leave it on for at least 4 hours before washing off.
- Repeat 2-3 times per week as needed until symptoms resolve.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another common household product that has anti-parasitic effects. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar is thought to help kill Demodex mites while also restoring the skin’s pH levels.
Ways to use apple cider vinegar:
- Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water.
- Dip a cotton ball into the solution and dab it onto affected areas.
- Leave it on for about 10 minutes before rinsing.
- Repeat 1-2 times per day as needed.
If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to dilute the apple cider vinegar with a bit more water before applying it to avoid irritation.
Honey
Honey is a humectant that helps retain moisture in the skin. It also has antimicrobial properties. Using raw honey can help control Demodex mite infestations by killing mites and keeping the skin hydrated and healthy.
Ways to use honey:
- Apply a thin layer of raw honey to affected areas of the face or eyelids.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes then rinse with warm water.
- Repeat once or twice daily.
- Can also be mixed with other ingredients like tea tree oil or aloe vera.
Aloe Vera Gel
The aloe vera plant has soothing properties that can help treat inflammatory skin conditions. Its antibacterial and antiseptic properties may also help kill excess Demodex mites.
To use aloe vera:
- Extract the gel from an aloe vera leaf.
- Apply a thin layer to the skin and let it absorb for about 30 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
- Repeat 2-3 times a week.
You can also find prepared aloe vera gels, just make sure they are pure and organic. Some store-bought gels contain added ingredients that may irritate sensitive skin.
Neem Oil
Neem oil comes from the seeds of the neem tree. It has been used medicinally for centuries in home remedies. Neem oil contains nimbidin, a compound with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-parasitic properties. This makes neem oil helpful for managing Demodex mite infestations.
How to use neem oil:
- Buy pure, organic, cold-pressed neem oil.
- Dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil.
- Use a ratio of 1 part neem oil to at least 10 parts carrier oil.
- Apply to skin using a cotton pad.
- Leave on for up to 1 hour before rinsing.
- Repeat daily or every other day as needed.
Boric Acid
Boric acid is an antifungal and antibacterial powder that can also have an exfoliating effect to slough off dead skin cells. This helps remove excess oil, skin debris, and Demodex mites from the skin’s surface.
How to use boric acid:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of boric acid powder with enough water to form a paste.
- Apply it to affected areas and let dry.
- Rinse after 5-10 minutes.
- Repeat once daily or every other day.
Take care not to get boric acid in the eyes as it can be irritating. Also, do not use boric acid if you have any cuts or open wounds on the skin.
Wash Face with Baby Shampoo
Gently washing the face with a mild baby shampoo can help reduce oil buildup, exfoliate dead skin cells, and wash away Demodex mites from the skin’s surface. The irritation-free formulas are less likely to cause dryness or irritation.
How to use baby shampoo:
- Wet face with warm water.
- Lather a mild baby shampoo in your hands.
- Gently massage it onto the face, avoiding the eye area.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Pat dry and apply a light moisturizer.
- Can be done daily or a few times per week as needed.
Castor Oil
Castor oil has natural antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying it can help kill off Demodex mites while also reducing inflammation, redness, and irritation of the skin.
How to use castor oil:
- Apply a thin layer of pure, cold-pressed castor oil to the affected areas at night.
- Gently massage it in and leave it on overnight.
- The next morning, wash face with a gentle cleanser to remove the oil.
- Apply moisturizer. Use castor oil every night until skin improves.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains the active compound curcumin which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. This yellow spice can help calm inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea and blepharitis while also killing Demodex mites.
Ways to use turmeric:
- Make a paste by mixing 1 tsp turmeric powder with water or honey. Apply to affected areas for 10-20 minutes then rinse.
- Mix turmeric with milk or yogurt and apply as a face mask. Leave on for 20 minutes and wash off.
- Mix turmeric powder into castor oil and apply as an overnight face oil.
- Drink turmeric tea or take turmeric supplements to reduce inflammation from inside.
Sulfur
Sulfur is an ingredient with keratolytic properties, meaning it can help shed the outer layer of dead skin cells. This helps unclog hair follicles and oil glands to flush out excess oil, debris, and Demodex mites.
How to use sulfur:
- Look for soaps, face masks, spot treatments containing sulfur.
- Apply as directed to affected areas where mites may be overpopulated.
- Can use up to once a day or as directed on the product.
- Sulfur can be drying, so moisturize after use.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide has natural antiseptic and antimicrobial abilities. Diluted hydrogen peroxide may help kill Demodex mites living in hair follicles and oil glands, especially around the eyelashes.
How to use hydrogen peroxide:
- Dilute regular 3% hydrogen peroxide solution with equal parts water.
- Dip a cotton swab in the diluted solution.
- Dab it onto eyelashes and eyelids, being careful to avoid the eyes.
- Leave on for 5 minutes then rinse area with water.
- Can repeat once daily or every other day.
Use the diluted 1.5% solution of hydrogen peroxide and avoid overuse as it can irritate and dry out the skin.
Natural Oils with Lauric Acid
Some plant oils like coconut oil and palm kernel oil contain medium-chain fatty acids like lauric acid. This compound has been shown to have antimicrobial effects against mites and other microbes.
Oils to try:
- Virgin coconut oil
- Palm kernel oil
- Babassu oil
- Apply a thin layer to affected areas and gently massage in.
- Leave on overnight, then wash face in the morning.
- Can repeat daily or every other day.
Essential Oils
Many essential oils have anti-parasitic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Some essential oils to try using to kill Demodex mites include:
- Tea tree oil
- Oregano oil
- Thyme oil
- Clove oil
- Lavender oil
- Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before applying to skin.
- Mix 2-3 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil.
- Apply to face and wash off after 20-30 minutes.
Conclusion
In most cases, Demodex mites naturally occur in small numbers without causing issues. But when populations spike, it can lead to irritated skin, rashes, and other problems. Using natural remedies like oils, cleansers, and antimicrobial ingredients can help decrease excess mite populations and provide relief from symptoms. Many of these treatments can safely be done right from home with things you may already have in your pantry.
For lasting results, be diligent with following a treatment regimen until skin improves. Maintaining good skin hygiene by regularly washing the face, exfoliating gently, and using non-comedogenic moisturizers can also help prevent recurrent issues with Demodex mites.
If Demodex infestations or related symptoms persist despite home treatments, consult a dermatologist to help diagnose the underlying cause and devise an effective treatment plan.