How should a hair mite be treated? - briefly
Effective management involves applying an acaricidal shampoo (e.g., 1 % permethrin or topical ivermectin) and washing hair, clothing, and bedding in hot water. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eradicate any newly emerged mites.
How should a hair mite be treated? - in detail
Hair mites, primarily Demodex species, inhabit hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Infestation may cause itching, erythema, scaling, or secondary bacterial infection. Accurate identification requires microscopic examination of skin scrapings, plucked hairs, or tape impressions, confirming the presence of live organisms.
Pharmacologic intervention includes:
- Topical agents: 1 % permethrin cream, 5 % sulfur ointment, or 0.1 % metronidazole gel applied once or twice daily for 2–4 weeks.
- Oral medication: ivermectin 200 µg/kg administered as a single dose, repeated after one week if necessary; alternatively, doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 4–6 weeks can reduce mite load and inflammation.
Adjunctive measures focus on reducing the habitat that supports mite proliferation:
- Daily cleansing of affected areas with a mild antiseptic cleanser.
- Removal of excess oil using non‑comedogenic shampoos or soaps.
- Regular laundering of bedding, towels, and clothing at ≥60 °C.
- Environmental decontamination with vacuuming and humidity control to deter mite survival.
Follow‑up evaluation after 2–3 weeks should assess symptom resolution and repeat microscopic sampling if lesions persist. Maintenance hygiene and periodic skin assessments help prevent recurrence.