Can the tea tree oil (Australian native plant:Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel) be an alternative treatment for human demodicosis on skin?

AbstractAustralian tea tree oil (TTO) and its extract terpinen-4-ol (T4O) are found to be effective in moderating demodex-related diseases. Their possible effects are lowering the mite counts, relieving the demodex-related symptoms and modulating the immune system especially the inflammatory response. This review summarizes the topical treatments of TTO and T4O in human demodicosis, their possible mechanism of actions, side-effects and potential resistance in treating this condition. Although current treatments other than TTO and T4O are relatively effective in controlling the demodex mite population and the related symptoms, more research on the efficacy and drug delivery technology is needed in order to assess its potential as an alternative treatment with minimal side-effect profile, low toxicity and low risk of demodex resistance.

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Comparison of the efficacy of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil with other current pharmacological management in human demodicosis: A Systematic Review

Parasitology ◽

10.1017/s003118202000150x ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 147 (14) ◽

pp. 1587-1613

Author(s):

Nelson Siu Kei Lam ◽

Xin Xin Long ◽

Xuegang Li ◽

Li Yang ◽

Robert C Griffin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Research Needs ◽

Tea Tree Oil ◽

Melaleuca Alternifolia ◽

Pharmacological Management ◽

Tea Tree ◽

Anti Inflammatory ◽

Anti Fungal ◽

Delivery Technology

AbstractVarious treatments are found to be moderately effective in managing Demodex-related diseases except tea tree oil (TTO) and terpinen-4-ol (T4O), which showed superior miticidal and anti-inflammatory effects in numerous clinical studies. Their possible effects include lowering mite counts, relieving Demodex-related symptoms, and modulating the immune system. This review summarizes the current clinical topical and oral treatments in human demodicosis, their possible mechanisms of action, side-effects and resistance in treating this condition. TTO (especially T4O) is found to be the most effective followed by metronidazole, ivermectin and permethrin in managing the disease. This is because TTO has anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects. Furthermore, nanoTTO can even release its contents into fungus and Pseudomonas biofilms. Combinations of different treatments are occasionally needed for refractory cases, especially for individuals with underlying genetic predisposal or are immuno-compromised. Although the current treatments show efficacy in controlling the Demodex mite population and the related symptoms, further research needs to be focused on the efficacy and drug delivery technology in order to develop alternative treatments with better side-effects profiles, less toxicity, lower risk of resistance and are more cost-effective.

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Case of Angular Blepharitis Caused by Demodex folliculorum

The American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery ◽

10.1177/0748806820985762 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 074880682098576

Author(s):

Susan Luo ◽

Cat Burkat ◽

Suzanne W. van Landingham

Keyword(s):

Relevant Literature ◽

Hair Follicles ◽

Topical Steroids ◽

Tea Tree Oil ◽

Tea Tree ◽

Demodex Mite ◽

Demodex Folliculorum ◽

Lateral Canthus ◽

Eyelid Skin ◽

Demodex Infestation

Angular blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid skin at the lateral canthus, most commonly caused by Staphylococcus and Moraxella species. The Demodex mite is an external parasite that often infests the human eyelid margin and has been implicated in both anterior and posterior blepharitis. The authors describe the case of a 43-year-old female who presented for evaluation of a 3-month history of bilateral canthal eyelid irritation, consistent with angular blepharitis. This is a case report and review of relevant literature. Skin biopsy showed evidence of Demodex folliculorum infestation. Multiple D. folliculorum organisms were visualized within the hair follicles and on the surface, along with pockets of acute and chronic nongranulomatous inflammation surrounding hair follicles. The patient was treated with tea tree oil applied to her eyelids and eyelashes twice daily with complete resolution of symptoms. To our knowledge, this is the first report of angular blepharitis with histopathologic confirmation of Demodex infestation. In this discussion, we cover manifestations of the Demodex mite, angular blepharitis, and treatment options. Due to the lack of literature regarding this entity, we feel that it may be an underrecognized periocular and dermatologic condition that can lead to misdiagnosis, visits to multiple practitioners, and significant functional and cosmetic sequelae to the patient. Demodex infestation should be considered on the differential diagnosis for cases of refractory angular blepharitis, particularly when unresponsive to topical steroids. Based on results from treating Demodex anterior and posterior blepharitis and this case, treatment with tea tree oil should be considered.

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First case of Phthirus pubis and Demodex co-infestation of the eyelids: a case report

BMC Ophthalmology ◽

10.1186/s12886-021-01875-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yanan Huo ◽

Yanping Mo ◽

Xiuming Jin ◽

Xiaodan Huang ◽

Wei Chen

Keyword(s):

Eye Drops ◽

Human Beings ◽

Slit Lamp ◽

Tea Tree Oil ◽

Case Presentation ◽

Tea Tree ◽

Demodex Mite ◽

First Case ◽

Common Parasite ◽

Microscopy Examination

Abstract Background Phthirus pubis is an obligate parasite of human beings. Demodex spp. is a much more common parasite of human beings. However, P. pubis infestation accompanied by Demodex mite infestation in eye has not been reported. Case presentation We report the first case of Phthirus pubis and Demodex co-infestation on a 48-years-old woman. She presented to the hospital with itching and burning at her right eye for 2 weeks. Slit lamp examination revealed multiple nits and adults of P. pubis anchored to both upper and lower eyelashes. Eyelashes were trimmed, moxifloxacin eye ointment and fluorometholone eye drops were initiated daily. However, itching didn’t improve after 2 weeks of treatment. Light microscopy examination of eyelashes revealed infestation with Demodex. The patient was treated with lid scrubs with 25% tea tree oil daily for 4 weeks and was completely cured. Conclusion Our report shows the importance of an early and comprehensive diagnosis, because both phthiriasis palpebrarum and demodicosis can be confused with blepharitis.

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