Demodex Mites, Face bumps, and MS?

[tanky]

I noticed my face (especially forehead) breaking out in these uniform raised bumps right after I started taking Avonex and doxycycline in early January.  I had no prior acne problems since my early teen years.  I'm 31.

In trying to figure this out, I found that Demodex Mites (which can live in our hair and skin) can cause this reaction on a person's face and that the mites are more likely to attack a person with a compromised immune system (MS in my case).  

Here's my question.  Has anyone heard of these Demodex Mites before?  Do you know how to kill them?  

Would sunlight kill them?  My MS Specialist said people with sun damaged skin are far less likely to develop MS.  I can't help but wonder if our reabsorption into the body of an overproduction of these mites may have something to do with MS (its cause or its course).  

Any thoughts?  THANKS!!

[jensequitur]

I had an attack of small pimples on my forehead and neck, about a year before I was diagnosed with MS.  I doubt that it was a reaction from a mite - it was probably increased oil production and stress from various factors.

I've had various skin problems, including excessively dry skin, flaking, redness, and pimples since I've been on Copaxone.  I think my body is reacting to the Copaxone with skin irritation, and I suspect your body is having the same reaction to Avonex.

[essdipity]

I'm not at all sure that MSers have a compromised immune system in the way that term is usually used. Doesn't it mean that the body will have trouble fighting off infections? People with MS are no more likely than others to become infected by bacteria or viruses, and not more likely to get sicker if they do. It's just that our immune systems are less able to differentiate between 'friend and foe,' meaning our own bodies vs. invaders, so attacks ourselves as though we are infecting invaders. I believe this is true of all autoimmune disorders.

The elderly and those with AIDS are examples of those with compromised immune systems.

If I have this wrong I hope someone will correct me.

ess

[essdipity]

I should add that allergic reactions and side effects should be differentiated from infections. Medications, of course, can cause both of these.

ess

[tanky]

Thanks so much for the input!!!

I agree completely that this is probably my body reacting to the medication.  I am just trying to figure out what the medication is doing, so I can fix the problem.  

These mites are fairly common (can cause rosacea and other dermatological issues) and live in our hair and on our skin but they apparently can flourish on the face.  If my reaction to the meds is making my body unable to keep these mites under control, then I'm simply trying to figure out how to get them back in balance.  My skin is normal/dry so I don't think its an oil problem and I'm not under any added stress.  

I actually read on the Neurology forum that these mites can be kept under control with Seabuckthorn oil, so I have ordered saop from Face Doctor.  I'll let you know if it works.

Thanks again.

[CtResident]

Hi! I have rosacea. And dry patches on my face, and I really hate it.

Right now I have a nice big ol' whitehead and I feel so self-conscious! I had a hysterectomy back in '99 so it isn't related to that time of the month, I don't think. I'm 46 so I feel like a teenager. Between me and my 3 teens, hmmm.....

Anyway, your note about rosacea caught my eye. What is this about mites? My sister once had a bird that died from mites and so that's all I know about that!

Can you help me understand that I don't have bird bugs on my face, lol!!!

Suzanne
P.S. Un-dx'ed, not on any meds at all!

[tanky]

Suzanne,

I do not pretend to be an expert, but in my research I have found that there is evidence linking demodex mites to some forms of skin disease like rosacea, possibly due to the bacterium Bacillus oleronius found in the mites.  

Two species of the mites living on humans have been identified:  Demodex folliculorum (live in our hair) and Demodex brevis (live on the face). Infestation with Demodex mites is somewhat common and does not necessarily cause any symptoms in some people.  

In the vast majority of cases, the mites go unobserved, without any adverse symptoms, but in certain cases (usually related to a suppressed immune system, caused by stress or illness) mite populations can dramatically increase, resulting in a condition known as demodicosis, characterised by itching, inflammation and other skin disorders. Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) can also be caused by Demodex mites.

Demodex is not contagious among species, so I didn't catch this from my dog as I first questioned.  :-)   And no bird bugs on your face!  HaHa

I hope that helps.  Best wishes, Niki

[Heather3418]

You have it right on with your answer.  

Heather

[hammerknocker]

bird mites how to kill them