My Dermatologist Doesn’t Believe That Mites Can Cause Hair Loss

Dr. Rassman,
I know you have written about demodex mites on this site in the past. A quick search of the blog revealed two times you discussed it with readers and the possibility that it could lead to hair loss when mites multiplied in great numbers. I for one agree with you… my derm not so much. She like many doctors in the field, believes that it s just a myth and that they do not lead to hair loss, rosacea and acne (in some cases of course, not all).

I have strange hair loss and papules that have appeared in my brows for over 12 years now and steroid creams have only exacerbated the condition. I believe I might have a mite infestation (as I have researched the topic extensively through various medical journals) and although my symptoms are rare, there have been documented cases much like mine. My problem is my derm doesn’t believe it’s even a factor. She says even if we do a skin scrape test to look for mites (by my insistence of course) and she finds them in increase numbers it doesn’t mean anything and furthermore that there is no known drugs to treat it. What are your thoughts? I wanted to know if you could recommend any derms that might be open to recognizing/treating demodex? I reside in the near the LA area.I mean after all is demodicidosis just a made up condition? Doesn’t add up!

It seems you are insistent on proving your dermatologist wrong. Maybe you are right. I haven’t personally treated any one with demodex mites. I did write in past that it may cause localized hair loss if there’s an abundance of mites around the follicle, but that is more of my educated guess. In general, demodex mites are considered benign and it do not cause hair loss.

If you really believe you have the mites on your eyebrow and you are not satisfied with your doctor, find a doctor who will listen. If you really want to know, find someone who can diagnose your condition with skin scrapes, etc (as you state). At least you will know. I don’t know if there is a definitive treatment, but I am sure you are savvy enough to search out on the Internet for resources.