Examination for the presence of demodex

Dear Patient,

For your convenience and safety, please book an appointment for this test by phone at the Synevo Intake Point of your choice at 22 120 24 00

Borrelia test what is it

Nematodes (mainly of the species Demodex folliculorum) are microscopic parasites often found on facial skin, residing mainly in areas with abundant sebum secretion: in the sebaceous glands of the nose, nasolabial furrows, forehead, cheeks, hair follicles of eyelashes and eyebrows.

Physiologically, they are transmitted by contact and can be found in small numbers in these locations, and if infection occurs, it is usually asymptomatic and resolves spontaneously. However, in some situations, for example, in immunocompromised, elderly people or those with comorbid skin diseases (e.g., exfoliative dermatitis, acne), a massive infection can develop - nematoderma (demodectosis). The risk of developing complications also increases with age.

Nematodes migrate from one hair follicle to another during invasion and can cause localized symptoms in the form of diffuse facial erythema, scaly rashes or papulopustular eruptions, similar to those found in rosacea. In addition, the edges of the eyelids are a mature common site in which nematosis manifests itself - the symptoms of infection are associated with the presence of the parasite in the eyelash sacs and resemble conjunctivitis.

Diseases associated with nematode infections usually have a chronic course, with periods of improvement and deterioration. Scratching caused by nuisance can also lead to secondary bacterial superinfections of the facial and eye area (e.g., staphylococcus, streptococcus), which increases the risk of developing recurrent lesions in the form of barrows and chalazions.

The risk of developing recurrent lesions in the form of barrows and chalazions is also high

Detecting and effectively treating a nuisance infection can help not only get rid of symptoms associated with the eye area, but also improve skin condition and alleviate the course of other skin problems.

When to perform a test for the presence of nuisance skin disease?

The test is ordered by an ophthalmologist or dermatologist and is performed to diagnose recurrent eye or skin conditions. With it, you can rule out or confirm nematodes as the etiological agent of infection and help differentiate nematodes from allergies or infections caused by other pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi). The test can also be supplemented by dermatoscopy (viewing the skin with a special magnifying device), which can visualize the characteristic white structures that clog the follicular openings (pores) of the skin.

Material for the examination can be eyelash samples from both eyes or scrapings (biopsies) from skin lesions. The collected specimens are then viewed for the presence of nematodes under a microscope.

The specimens are then examined for the presence of nematodes under a microscope

Who should get tested for the presence of nematodes?

Persons with symptoms of conjunctivitis and/or eyelid margin inflammation, especially not amenable to treatment:

• thickened, swollen eyelid margins
• pain, tenderness of the eye area
• burning, itching
• feeling of dry eyes, foreign body in the eye
• redness of the eyes
• tearing, photophobia
• stained eyelashes, crusting in the medial corner of the eye
• Eyelashes growing in different directions, thinning
• blurred vision

Persons with symptoms of dermatological diseases refractory to treatment:

• coarse, itchy, flaky skin
• persistent burning, redness
• egzema (vesicles, scabs, erosions)
• rosacea (papules, pustules)