- Ophthalmic Epidemiol. 2012 Apr;19(2):95-102. doi: 10.3109/09286586.2011.642052. Epub 2012 Feb 24.
Association of blepharitis with Demodex: a meta-analysis.
Zhao YE1, Wu LP, Hu L, Xu JR.
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Abstract
PURPOSE:
To conduct a meta-analysis to confirm the association between Demodex infestation and blepharitis.
METHODS:
We conducted a comprehensive and quantitative analysis of relevant published case-control studies which were found from the ISI Web of Knowledge, MEDLINE and CNKI from January 1950 to December 2010. Meta-analysis was applied for 13 of these and included matched data sets, using odds ratio (OR) as the effect indicator. Sensitivity was assessed.
RESULTS:
Eleven articles (13 matched data sets) covering four different countries and reporting 4741 participants (2098 blepharitis and 2643 controls) were eligible. The pooled OR in random effect models was 4.89 (95% confidence interval, 3.00-7.97). Sensitivity analysis showed that results of pooled ORs in different effect models, language, sample size, and control groups were completely consistent, which demonstrated a stable association between Demodex infestation and blepharitis by meta-analysis.
CONCLUSIONS:
The association between Demodex infestation and blepharitis was statistically significant. The conclusion implies that when conventional treatments for blepharitis fail, examination of Demodex mites and acaricidal therapy should be considered.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22364595
- 2. Clinical treatment of ocular demodecosis by lid scrub with tea tree oil.
Gao YY1, Di Pascuale MA, Elizondo A, Tseng SC.
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Abstract
Cornea. 2007 Feb;26(2):136-43.
PURPOSE:
To report clinical outcome of treating ocular demodecosis by lid scrub with tea tree oil (TTO).
METHODS:
Retrospective review of clinical results in 11 patients with ocular Demodex who received weekly lid scrub with 50% TTO combined with daily lid hygiene with tea tree shampoo.
RESULTS:
These 11 patients also had meibomian gland dysfunction (n = 7) manifesting abnormal lipid film with slow lipid film spread, intermittent trichiasis (n = 5), and subjective lash loss (n = 4), suggesting damage to the meibomian glands and lash follicles. In addition, conjunctival inflammation (n = 8) was associated with conjunctivitis (n = 5), conjunctivochalasis (n = 3), findings suspicious for pemphigoid (n = 2), and recurrent pterygium (n = 2). After TTO lid scrub, the Demodex count dropped to 0 for 2 consecutive visits in less than 4 weeks in 8 of 11 patients. Ten of the 11 patients showed different degrees of symptomatic relief and notable reduction of inflammatory signs. Significant visual improvement in 6 of 22 eyes was associated with a stable lipid tear film caused by significant reduction of lipid spread time. Lid scrub with 50% TTO caused notable irritation in 3 patients.
CONCLUSION:
Demodex potentially causes ocular surface inflammation, meibomian gland dysfunction, and lash abnormalities. Lid scrub with TTO can effectively eradicate ocular Demodex and result in subjective and objective improvements. This preliminary positive result warrants future prospective investigation of Demodex pathogenicity.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17251800
- Br J Ophthalmol. 2005 Nov;89(11):1468-73.
In vitro and in vivo killing of ocular Demodex by tea tree oil.
Gao YY1, Di Pascuale MA, Li W, Baradaran-Rafii A, Elizondo A, Kuo CL, Raju VK, Tseng SC.
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Abstract
AIMS:
To compare the in vitro killing effect of different agents on Demodex and to report the in vivo killing effect of tea tree oil (TTO) on ocular Demodex.
METHODS:
Survival time of Demodex was measured under the microscope. Sampling and counting of Demodex was performed by a modified method.
RESULTS:
Demodex folliculorum survived for more than 150 minutes in 10% povidone-iodine, 75% alcohol, 50% baby shampoo, and 4% pilocarpine. However, the survival time was significantly shortened to within 15 minutes in 100% alcohol, 100% TTO, 100% caraway oil, or 100% dill weed oil. TTO's in vitro killing effect was dose dependent. Lid scrub with 50% TTO, but not with 50% baby shampoo, can further stimulate Demodex to move out to the skin. The Demodex count did not reach zero in any of the seven patients receiving daily lid scrub with baby shampoo for 40-350 days. In contrast, the Demodex count dropped to zero in seven of nine patients receiving TTO scrub in 4 weeks without recurrence.
CONCLUSIONS:
Demodex is resistant to a wide range of antiseptic solutions. Weekly lid scrub with 50% TTO and daily lid scrub with tea tree shampoo is effective in eradicating ocular Demodex.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16234455
- Eur J Ophthalmol. 2014 Mar-Apr;24(2):159-63. doi: 10.5301/ejo.5000341. Epub 2013 Jul 16.
Ocular demodicidosis as a risk factor of adult recurrent chalazion.
Yam JC1, Tang BS, Chan TM, Cheng AC.
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Abstract
PURPOSE:
To report Demodex infestation in adult recurrent chalazion and its clinical response to weekly lid scrub with 50% tea tree oil (TTO) and daily lid scrub with tea tree shampoo.
METHODS:
This is a retrospective review of 30 adult patients (48 eyes) who presented with recurrent chalazion within 6 months after conventional treatment. Demodex was detected by random lash sampling and microscopic examination. Patients with confirmed ocularDemodex infestation were treated with weekly lid scrub with 50% TTO and daily lid scrub with tea tree shampoo. The study is limited by the lack of a control group.
RESULTS:
The mean age of patients was 39.1 ± 10.2 years (range 18-69). The mean follow-up of patients is 10.0 ± 3.0 months (range 6-24 months). Among 48 eyes with recurrent chalazion, Demodex mites were found in 35 (72.9%). Recurrent chalazion was found to be associated with ocular demodicidosis (Fisher exact test, p = 0.017). Tea tree oil treatment was given to 31 eyes with recurrent chalazionassociated with Demodex infestation. Among the treatment group, all cases except one had no recurrence after the TTO treatment. The success rate of preventing recurrence is 96.8%. Treatment of TTO was found to be associated with preventing recurrence of chalazionassociated with Demodex infestation (Fisher exact test, p = 0.002).
CONCLUSIONS:
The possibility of demodicidosis should be considered in adults presenting with recurrent chalazia. Tea tree oil eyelid scrubs is an effective treatment in preventing recurrence.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Ocular+demodicidosis+as+a+risk+factor+of+adult+recurrent+chalazion.
- J Korean Med Sci. 2012 Dec;27(12):1574-9. doi: 10.3346/jkms.2012.27.12.1574. Epub 2012 Dec
Ocular surface discomfort and Demodex: effect of tea tree oil eyelid scrub in Demodex blepharitis.
Koo H1, Kim TH, Kim KW, Wee SW, Chun YS, Kim JC.
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relation between ocular discomfort and ocular Demodex infestation, and therapeutic effects of tea tree oil (TTO) in Demodex blepharitis patients. Three hundred and thirty-five patients with ocular discomfort were evaluated for ocularDemodex infestation and subjective symptoms with ocular surface discomfort index (OSDI) score. Among them, Demodex-infested patients were randomized to receive either eyelid scrubbing with TTO (TTO group,106 patients) or without TTO (Control group, 54 patients) for 1 month. Demodex were found in 84% of patients with ocular discomfort. The number of Demodex was significantly correlated with age (P = 0.04) and OSDI score (P = 0.024). After eyelid scrub treatment, Demodex count was reduced from 4.0 ± 2.5 to 3.2 ± 2.3 in the TTO group (P = 0.004) and from 4.3 ± 2.7 to 4.2 ± 2.5 in the control group (P = 0.27). Also, OSDI score was reduced from 34.5 ± 10.7 to 24.1 ± 11.9 in the TTO group (P = 0.001) and from 35.3 ± 11.6 to 27.5 ± 12.8 in the control group (P = 0.04). In conclusion, Demodex number showed a significant positive correlation with age and subjective ocular discomfort. The tea tree oil eyelid scrub treatment is effective for eliminating ocular Demodex and improving subjective ocular symptoms.
KEYWORDS:
Blepharitis; Demodex; Ocular Surface; Tea Tree Oil
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Ocular+Surface+Discomfort+and+Demodex%3A+Effect+of+Tea+Tree+Oil+Eyelid+Scrub+in+Demodex+Blepharitis
- Clin Nutr. 2004 Oct;23(5):1159-66.
Evidence of hypolipemiant and antioxidant properties of argan oil derived from the argan tree(Argania spinosa).
Drissi A1, Girona J, Cherki M, Godàs G, Derouiche A, El Messal M, Saile R, Kettani A, Solà R, Masana L, Adlouni A.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Virgin argan oil is of interest in cardiovascular risk prevention due to its fat composition and antioxidant compounds.
AIMS:
We investigated with Moroccan subjects the effect of regular virgin argan oil consumption on lipid profile and antioxidant status and the in vitro effect of argan oil minor compounds (tocopherols, sterols and polyphenols) on LDL peroxidation.
DESIGN:
Healthy subjects (20 men, 76 women) were studied. Sixty-two were regular consumers of argan oil and 34 were non-consumers.
METHODS:
Fasting plasma lipids, antioxidant vitamins and LDL oxidation susceptibility were analyzed. In vitro LDL oxidation by phenolic and apolar compounds of virgin argan oil were performed.
RESULTS:
Diet composition of argan oil consumers has a higher significant content of polyunsaturated fatty acids than that of non-consumers (8.8 +/- 1.0 vs. 6.6 +/- 0.9 g, P < 0.05). Subjects consuming argan oil have lower levels of plasma LDL cholesterol (12.7%, P < 0.05) and Lp(a) (25.3%, P < 0.05) compared with the non-consumers. In argan oil consumers, plasma lipoperoxides were lower (58.3%, P < 0.01) and molar ratio alpha-tocopherol/total cholesterol (21.6%, P < 0.05) and alpha-tocopherol concentration (13.4%, P < 0.05) were higher compared with the non-consumers group. In spite of higher levels of plasma antioxidant and lower levels of lipoperoxides in argan oil consumers, LDL oxidation susceptibility remained fairly similar. A strong positive correlation was observed between increasing phenolic extract, sterol and tocopherol concentrations and the LDL-Lag phase (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS:
Our findings suggest for the first time that regular consumption of virgin argan oil induces a lowering of LDL cholesterol and has antioxidant properties. This oil offers an additional natural food to reducing cardiovascular risk.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15380909
- Transl Vis Sci Technol. 2013 Nov;2(7):2. Epub 2013 Nov 13.
Terpinen-4-ol is the Most Active Ingredient of Tea Tree Oil to Kill Demodex Mites.
Tighe S1, Gao YY2, Tseng SC1.
Author information
Abstract
PURPOSE:
To determine the active ingredient in tea tree oil (TTO) responsible for its reported killing effect on Demodex mites, the most common ectoparasite found in the human skin extending to the eye.
METHODS:
Using a reported in vitro killing assay to measure the survival time of adult Demodex folliculorum up to 150 minutes, we have screened serial concentrations of 13 of the 15 known ingredients of TTO (ISO4730:2004) that were soluble in mineral oil and examined their synergistic relationships in killing mites. The most potent ingredient was then tested for its efficacy in killing Demodex in vivo.
RESULTS:
All ingredients exhibited a dose-dependent killing effect. Besides Terpinen-4-ol, the order of relative potency did not correlate with the order of relative abundance in TTO for the remaining 12 ingredients. Terpinen-4-ol was the most potent ingredient followed by α-Terpineol, 1,8-Cineole and Sabinene. Terpinen-4-ol, the most abundant ingredient in TTO, was more potent than TTO at equivalent concentrations and its killing effect was even observable at a mere concentration of 1%. Terpinen-4-ol exhibited a significant synergistic effect with Terpinolene, but an antagonistic effect with α-Terpineol in killing mites (both P < 0.05). In vivo, Terpinen-4-ol was shown to eradicate mites.
CONCLUSIONS:
The above finding suggests that deployment of Terpinen-4-ol alone should enhance its potency in killing Demodex mites by reducing the adverse and antagonistic effects from other ingredients in TTO.
TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE:
Terpinen-4-ol can be adopted in future formulations of acaricides to treat a number of ocular and cutaneous diseases caused by demodicosis.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Terpinen-4-ol+is+the+Most+Active+Ingredient+of+Tea+Tree+Oil+to+Kill+Demodex+Mites
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- Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2010 Jun;51(6):2906-11. doi: 10.1167/iovs.09-4850. Epub 2010 Feb 3.
The relationship between demodex and ocular discomfort.
Lee SH1, Chun YS, Kim JH, Kim ES, Kim JC.
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Abstract
PURPOSE:
To determine the correlative relationship between the prevalence of Demodex in eyelashes and the severity of ocular discomfort, by investigating the demographic epidemiology associated with Demodex.
METHODS:
One hundred seventy patients underwent epilation of four eyelashes of each eye, and the number of Demodex was counted. The patients answered questionnaires about ocular surface discomfort and underwent ophthalmic examinations, including slit lamp, tear film breakup time (BUT), Schirmer test, and microbial culturing. The correlative relationship between the number of Demodex and these variable data was analyzed.
RESULTS:
Demodex was found in 120 (70%) of the 170 tested patients. Of 1360 eyelashes, 740 (54%) had Demodex. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of Demodex between males and females (P = 0.35). The number of Demodex showed significant positive correlations with increased age, ocular discomfort, and 1/BUT (P < 0.001), but not with the Schirmer scores. The number of Demodex was significantly higher in patients with conjunctival papillary hypertrophy than in those without (P = 0.003). The presence or distribution of bacteria on eyelashes was similar between eyelids with and without Demodex. However, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was detected more often on eyelids with Demodex, but this difference was not statistically significant.
CONCLUSIONS:
There is a strong correlation between the number of Demodex and the severity of ocular discomfort, suggesting that Demodex plays a pathogenic role in the ocular discomfort linked with aging.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20130278
- Indian J Dermatol. 2013 Mar;58(2):157. doi: 10.4103/0019-5154.108069.
Evaluation of Demodex folliculorum as a Risk Factor for the Diagnosis of Rosacea In SkinBiopsies. Mexico's General Hospital (1975-2010).
Ríos-Yuil JM1, Mercadillo-Perez P.
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Abstract
CONTEXT:
Rosacea significantly affects the quality of life and its pathophysiology is not well understood. It has been suggested that the presence of Demodex folliculorum in the affected skin could be related to the development of rosacea.
AIMS:
To study the risk for association between the presence of D. folliculorum in skin biopsies and the diagnosis of rosacea.
SETTINGS AND DESIGN:
Analytical, observational, retrospective, case-control study.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Skin biopsies of patients diagnosed clinically as rosacea and the same number of controls were studied. The controls were selected among the facial skin biopsies that were not diagnosed as rosacea. All the slides were analyzed for the presence of D. folliculorum and the density of the infestation was assessed.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED:
Absolute/relative frequencies, mean, standard deviation, odds ratio (OR), Chi square and Independent Student t-test with Epi Info v. 3.4.3(®).
RESULTS:
D. folliculorum was present in 80% of the skin biopsies of rosacea patients and in 30% of the controls. The risk of suffering rosacea was increased among persons infested with the mite (OR = 9.33 [95% confidence interval: 2.85-30.60]; P = 0.0001). The mean infestation density among the cases was 1.908 for every 10 high-power fields while it was 0.718 among the controls (P < 0.005). There were no statistically significant differences among the groups with regard to sex and age.
CONCLUSIONS:
The presence of D. folliculorum in skin biopsies is associated with the diagnosis of rosacea. The infestation density was increased among the patients with rosacea.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Evaluation+of+Demodex+folliculorum+as+a+Risk+Factor+for+the+Diagnosis+of+Rosacea+In+Skin+Biopsies.+Mexico%27s+General+Hospital+(1975-2010)
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- Clin Microbiol Rev. 2006 Jan;19(1):50-62.
Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties.
Carson CF1, Hammer KA, Riley TV.
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Abstract
Complementary and alternative medicines such as tea tree (melaleuca) oil have become increasingly popular in recent decades. This essential oil has been used for almost 100 years in Australia but is now available worldwide both as neat oil and as an active component in an array of products. The primary uses of tea tree oil have historically capitalized on the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory actions of the oil. This review summarizes recent developments in our understanding of the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of the oil and its components, as well as clinical efficacy. Specific mechanisms of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action are reviewed, and the toxicity of the oil is briefly discussed.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16418522
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