HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Itching Around The Back Of The Head?

I have been bothered by itching around the back of the head, eye brows and eye lashes, ears and back of the neck for several years now ... to make a long story short - I have concluded that my condition 'might be' due to a Demodex infestation ...

The mites known as Demodex are known to inhabit a human host, and it is believed that 100% of people over age fifty have some sort of Demodex infestation.

I brought my condition to the attention of a Dermatologist, and he discounted the idea that I could feel them move around on my skin (I felt one traverse my eye lashes - slowly moving from lash to lash - it was easy to discern) - The Dermatologist did not believe that I had such an infestation, but he performed no tests to prove this (I understand that Slit Lamp Magnification is required for a definitive diagnosis - none was used in my case).

My question: Can a person feel a Demodex arachnid crawl on their skin ?

Bonus question: Can I actually have Scabies, but with the cause targeting my head and face, specifically ? The doctor did not search for Scabies

Thanks !
Tue, 6 Sep 2016
Report Abuse
Ayurveda Specialist 's  Response
**
Thanks for contacting HCM with your concern.

1. These demodex mites [hair follicle mites] are microscopic arachnids that live on the skin of humans and could be transmitted from pet like [goat/dog] and are probably causing 'blepharitis' [around eye] and rosacea [near neck/ear] symptoms

2. Since they prefer oily area [sebum] thus could explain involvement of face.

3. You should get a second opinion from a Dermatologist to exclude other causes like [scalp psoriais,seborrheic dermatitis,dandruff], head lice, tinea capitis,allergic reaction [to hair dye,eczema,atopic dermatitis] since certain scalp conditions are treated either with ointments, moisturizer, and medicated shampoo [containing ketoconazole/selenium] to help relieve the itch and in some antibiotics are preferred.

4. As Scabies does not affect scalp and face thus can be excluded.
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Itching Around The Back Of The Head?

** Thanks for contacting HCM with your concern. 1. These demodex mites [hair follicle mites] are microscopic arachnids that live on the skin of humans and could be transmitted from pet like [goat/dog] and are probably causing blepharitis [around eye] and rosacea [near neck/ear] symptoms 2. Since they prefer oily area [sebum] thus could explain involvement of face. 3. You should get a second opinion from a Dermatologist to exclude other causes like [scalp psoriais,seborrheic dermatitis,dandruff], head lice, tinea capitis,allergic reaction [to hair dye,eczema,atopic dermatitis] since certain scalp conditions are treated either with ointments, moisturizer, and medicated shampoo [containing ketoconazole/selenium] to help relieve the itch and in some antibiotics are preferred. 4. As Scabies does not affect scalp and face thus can be excluded.