Home » Skin Blog » Skin Knowledge and Problems » The Difficulty of Eradicating Acne and Pimples: The Secret of Demodex Mites

In Hong Kong, many people have experienced the troubles of acne and pimples. Whether they are teenagers or adults, everyone hopes to have smooth and flawless skin. However, why are these acne problems often difficult to cure? This may be related to a common culprit that we seldom discuss—Demodex mites.

First, let’s understand what Demodex mites are. These tiny white creatures, as their name implies, usually inhabit our hair follicles. It is noteworthy that Demodex mites are present on normal skin, and when their numbers are within a reasonable range, they do not have any negative impact on the skin. However, when our skin’s immunity decreases or when cleanliness is inadequate, their numbers can suddenly increase, leading to skin issues such as redness, enlarged pores, or even symptoms of rosacea.

This condition is known as “Demodicosis,” and patients often experience skin redness, small red spots, and discomfort. Many people often attribute these issues to excessive oil secretion, but they may actually be directly related to these tiny organisms. We shouldn’t solely rely on clinical symptoms for self-diagnosis, as sometimes, the reasons behind these symptoms are more complex.

To determine whether there is indeed a problem with Demodex mites, professional diagnosis is necessary. Although general practitioners may not proactively check for Demodex mites, related tests are quite simple; it only requires expressing the secretions from the hair follicles and then observing the quantity under a microscope. Therefore, if related symptoms arise, it’s advisable to proactively discuss this issue with your doctor.

In addition to Demodex mites, the problem of pimples also troubles many people.

To treat pimples, it’s essential to understand their causes. The primary reason for pimples is that pores become clogged with excessive oil secretion and dead skin cells. To prevent the formation of pimples, maintaining skin cleanliness is crucial. Using a gentle cleansing product daily helps remove excess oil and impurities, which can effectively reduce the occurrence of pimples.

However, some individuals may choose not to wash their faces often due to allergies or suspected skin conditions, relying heavily on moisturizing lotions, which exacerbates problems in otherwise healthy skin. If you notice enlarged pores, redness, or acne issues persisting for a long time, it is advisable to seek professional medical attention to find an appropriate treatment plan.

Finally, I want to remind everyone that Demodex mites themselves are not frightening; they are part of skin health. The focus should be on maintaining clean skin and a healthy lifestyle to prevent the uncontrolled proliferation of Demodex mites. Additionally, understanding your skin condition and seeking timely medical advice is essential for truly addressing the troubles of acne and pimples.