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Poll
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| Do you experience any inflammation (scalp itch) of the scalp in the day and/or night? | ||
Day |
9 |
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Night |
6 |
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Day and Night |
9 |
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| Total Votes: 24 | You must be a logged-in member to vote |
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Dissecting the “MPB Itch” (Demodex Mites!)
  Editor Total Posts: 505 Member Since: |
January 12, 2010, 01:02 AM While the types of male-patterned baldness vary from person-to-person, one common characteristic that I’ve noticed many MPB’ers sharing is that of an itchy scalp. Personally, the itch is most noticeable for me at night, and I tend to notice it not only on my scalp, but in other places where I have hair follicles (eyebrows, nose, eye lashes, beard, etc.). It would seem pretty odd for it to be a natural function of our bodies to start itching when our surroundings darken, so perhaps it would be wise for us to consider external factors when attempting to determine the cause of the “MPB Itch”. Demodex mites are incredibly tiny, parasitic insects that inhabit both our hair follicles (Demodex folliculorum), and sebaceous glands (Demodex Brevis). You can get a more accurate reading of what exactly Demodex are on our wiki section dedicated to exposing these disgusting little critters: http://www.worldhairloss.org/index.php/wiki/Demodex Upon looking into Demodex, I wasn’t too surprised to find that they despise the light, and come out to “play” in the dark. Thus, that itchy sensation that we feel at night isn’t just a coincidence… it’s actually parasites creeping around our skin, searching for new sources of food, and new areas to breed! Interestingly enough, it’s been found that those afflicted by MPB have significantly larger populations of Demodex than non-MPB’ers. Check out the following quotes:
Source: http://www.jashbotanicals.com/articles/demodex_folliculorum.html Truly, these statistics show that Demodex are definitely something to consider as not only a potential culprit for MPB, but perhaps THE culprit. Some of the common arguments employed against the “Demodex Theory” are as follows, along with my attempts to dispel the misunderstanding… “Demodex are harmless unless you have massive overpopulation, which results in MANGE. Just like dogs that lose patches of fur from mite infestations…” While not inaccurate, this blanket statement ignores the fact that varying levels of infestation can yield varying effects on one’s hair. Sure, most folks don’t have mange, but that does not discount the “Demodex Theory” at all. If you drink 1 beer, you may not feel it, if you drank 10 beers, you might get tanked, but what if you only had 4? You may be somewhere between sober and drunk. What I’m implying is that a smaller population of Demodex can still wreak plenty of damage, but at a much slower rate than an infestation the size of mange. “If this were true, then everybody would have MPB!” An ignorant statement, as this is where genetics comes in. Many folks that haven’t taken the time to learn about the process that leads to hair loss usually figure that MPB is all about genetics, and that there is simply an MPB gene that determines when your hair is going to fall out. This is wrong on so many levels, and is the result of people wishing to believe in an easy answer, rather than doing their due diligence is understanding the complexity of the hair loss process. However, if there ever was a gene that caused MPB, then there is strong evidence from Demodex research to indicate that some have a gene that results in inflammation due to Demodex overpopulation, while some do not. This inflammation, in turn, would kill the mite while also resulting in damage to the follicle leading to eventual thinning of the hair, and hair loss. So, if you haven’t lost your lunch yet, then let’s discuss a few ways to rid ourselves of these lowly parasites… SOLUTIONS There are a number of topical preparations and oils that seem to work very effectively against Demodex, though personally, I’ve only used Aubrey Organic’s Seabuckthorn Soap (the effective anti-Demodex active being Seabuckthorn Oil). Not exactly the cheapest bar of soap that you will come across, however, I’ve had a LOT of luck in reducing and in many cases completely eradicating the “MPB Itch” with frequent usage of this soap as both a shampoo, and body wash. Another interesting product that I’ve come across that may be worth trying out on the scalp is a product called Zhongzhou Ointment. If you didn’t guess already, it has its origins in China—a creation of Dr. Zhao Zhongzhou. You can glean some more information and even purchase it from the following URL from Demodex Solutions, a site that seems to have the equivalent of a “military industrial complex” created entirely for dealing with these parasites: http://www.demodexsolutions.com/vpasp6.5/shopexd.asp?id=25 Aside from whatever topical solutions that you should decide upon, I’d also consider making the following a habit to loosen up Demodex from your scalp: - Thoroughly scratching your scalp with your nails in the shower - Utilizing a Boar bristle brush on your scalp, daily - Using a good Luffa (or some other form of exfoliation) on your body and face This is a topic that I can discuss ad nauseum in this post, but I’ve written enough as it is!
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Editor Total Posts: 505 Member Since: |
[ # 1 ] January 12, 2010, 01:10 AM As an addendum, I have noticed that consistent Laser Helmet usage has also proven to be a very reliable way of keeping the “MPB Itch” in check. This makes sense considering that the lasers penetrate through the strata cornea, right into where our little mite friends live. Given that they despise the light, and given that 650nm lasers are INCREDIBLY bright, it should come as no surprise that this may very well be an effective way to fry the little bastards! |
 New Member Total Posts: 11 Member Since: |
[ # 2 ] January 17, 2010, 08:34 PM This is good to know, about these pesky mites. Thanks. The itch does seem to show up when I retire since I temporarily lost use of my LMII and I look forward to this added benefit you mentioned in using this quintessential tool in hair ‘maintain’enance, the Laser Messiah. |
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Smash Smashism |
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Editor Total Posts: 505 Member Since: |
[ # 3 ] January 17, 2010, 10:02 PM Hey Dennis! I always think “Hormone Replacement Therapy” when I see HRT, lol…but, how is the Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Relief working out for you? Usually, such sprays are good to reduce the actual inflammation, but often the Demodex population will be unaffected (unless one of the actives happens to be good against parasites). I don’t see any problem with using it though. I definitely would recommend using that soap though, as a shampoo that you leave on your scalp for a few minutes, and as a facial soap/bodywash. I’d also recommend combining the soap with one of those exfoliating luffas. |
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New Member Total Posts: 11 Member Since: |
[ # 4 ] January 17, 2010, 10:15 PM Rookie I be; hair loss nomenclature know not I; I took the HRT lead from Maddy. I still crack up (inside) when I think and/or say the acronym “FUTs.” Cracks me up. I do try to keep the bed linen clean, I’m currently using a cleanser soap Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Anti-Blemish followed by a light coat of EMU Oil. Then, IF I CAN BUT KEEP MY GD HANDS OFF MY DAMN FUTS things would be a lot better; I’m getting zits from touching, putting my hands on the FUTted (snicker) area. |
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Smash Smashism |
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Editor Total Posts: 505 Member Since: |
[ # 5 ] January 17, 2010, 11:21 PM Haha, well, acne can mean a few things…a bunch of dead Demodex, or new hairs coming in. In your case, I’d lean towards the new hairs given the HT!! Emu Oil is good stuff, and helps other actives to absorb, while also improving your skin quality. |
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Editor Total Posts: 163 Member Since: |
[ # 6 ] January 22, 2010, 04:00 AM Here is an interesting quote “Low potassium levels seem to occur more at night and in the hotter months of the year.” http://www.ithyroid.com/potassium.htm .... aldosteronism
http://www.ithyroid.com/arthritis_and_potassium.htm .... back to aldosteronism.
In other words, I believe the “source” of the 95% of the itch to be caused by aldosteronism & malassezia yeast ... 5% demodex. How do you correct aldosteronism & malassezia yeast? With a low oxalate & gluten free diet based on research. If still having a problem and are already supplementing with magnesium chloride, then it may further be caused by eating too much salt/sodium = higher need for potassium such as from apple cider vinegar.
Here is a link to the oxalate content of food http://www.branwen.com/rowan/oxalate.htm |
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New Member Total Posts: 11 Member Since: |
[ # 7 ] January 22, 2010, 11:03 PM Maddy found this interesting link concerning those pesky demodex mites. |
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Smash Smashism |
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Editor Total Posts: 163 Member Since: |
[ # 8 ] January 23, 2010, 04:34 PM Around 1 1/2 years ago I bought one of those products that that site was selling and also looked over their forum and there are about 4 or 5 or so people claiming hair loss benefits with that site’s products. |
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Editor Total Posts: 505 Member Since: |
[ # 9 ] January 23, 2010, 05:20 PM Dennis, That is a great site, I’ve visited them a few times and eventually would like to try out some of their products. I think that it’s one of the most well-researched Demodex sites out there! JDP, That’s great to hear, but how long did you use their product(s)? |
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Editor Total Posts: 163 Member Since: |
[ # 10 ] January 24, 2010, 05:11 AM Hey Nidhoge, I used this product for a couple months on my face http://www.demodexsolutions.com/vpasp6.5/shopexd.asp?id=25 I could definitely see how it could help someone with rosacea or possibly acne ... I use to have very mild rosacea (a little red tone on my face) and it appeared to work. It did start burning my skin so I discontinued use and my LED light worked just as well. Now, my diet has 100% corrected it. |
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Editor Total Posts: 505 Member Since: |
[ # 11 ] January 25, 2010, 03:36 PM Amazing man, would you be interested in sharing your diet in a blog? I’ve seen you speaking of it here and there, but seems it would be very beneficial to have it laid out in full for all of us to refer to. |
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Editor Total Posts: 163 Member Since: |
[ # 12 ] January 26, 2010, 03:39 PM Hey nidhogge, I’d love to write a blog regarding oxalates, lectins, free glutamic acid and sulfites I just wish I had more time to do it. Here are some good links with oxalates and wheat/gluten being the worst culprits for me ... although gluten also becomes an oxalate so go figure, lol. http://demosecure.vrp.com/articles.aspx?page=LIST&ProdID=2009&zType=2 http://www.thepowerhour.com/news2/msg_information.htm |
 Editor Total Posts: 117 Member Since: |
[ # 13 ] January 26, 2010, 05:59 PM jdp710 - I was going to suggest the same thing as Nidhogge, that you write something about diet. To save time you could copy/paste some of your great work from my forum. With some exceptions, or for the most part, avoid most grains on a regular basis, with the exception of rice, which I believe is okay. I know that if I eat some of the refined grains on a regular basis, I’m not as certain my hair would be the way it is today, which is great. Besides diet, heavy metal burden I believe is huge. This is something I will have to write about soon. Ultimately, thyroid is as the “heart” of hair loss, it’s just a matter of why. Myself and jdp710 have really explored this in depth and am pretty confident that the hair loss puzzle has been solved. The hard part is for an individual not familiar with health and all of the factors concerning thyroid to know where to start. |
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Editor Total Posts: 163 Member Since: |
[ # 14 ] January 27, 2010, 03:27 AM Hey Immortal Hair, You’re definitely right about the average person not knowing where to start with all this information, lol. But yeah, that’s a good idea about copying and pasting the information. I also believe that all the pieces of the MPB puzzle have been put together ... WooHoo!!! |
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Member Total Posts: 38 Member Since: |
[ # 15 ] January 27, 2010, 01:32 PM I agree with everything IH and JDP say. I follow what they tell me and I have stopped my hairloss. For all you young people out there with pre-mature hairloss, know that there is an answer besides harmful DHT blockers. It took me and couple years to get over the DHT blockers but I am finally there and in the best health I have ever been. I would be interested myself to see if there is anyone who is taking iodine and selenium and have not stopped or slowed down their hairloss. |
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Member Total Posts: 38 Member Since: |
[ # 16 ] January 29, 2010, 08:03 PM And I would also enjoy a write up by JDP about food! You have the ultimate diet to prevent anything harmful to your body IMO. Maybe example recipes for your meats and or veggies that you might have that give the food alittle more flavor. |
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Member Total Posts: 87 Member Since: |
[ # 17 ] March 10, 2010, 11:12 AM Interesting topic, I would add, we use Peach tree leave infusion to kill parasites in miasis infections and also Neem oil is VERY VERY effective in killing parasites. Also, Metronidazol cream/gel/ointment (used for Trichomonas vaginalis vulvovaginitis) comes to mind. Also there are some doctors in Cornell university that have treated demodex facial cutaneous infections (to treat rosacea as they speculate it can trigger breakouts) with IPL (intense pulsed light) and has been proven to kill the bastards. Maybe Laser does the same, though IPL used in this setting was in a wave lengtht of “500 nm to 1,100 nm”, (didn’t clearly elaborate on the exact scheme used) with monthly treatments, 5 times total, and instead of 4 Joules/cm2 they used 25 to 45 J/cm2. |
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Editor Total Posts: 505 Member Since: |
[ # 18 ] March 17, 2010, 06:53 PM Dr. Marcelo— You know, I’ve heard of Neem Oil being used as well and actually bought some, but never gave it an honest try. Lately, I’ve been using Organic Seabuckthorn Oil, and I noticed that when I put this on my face at night and went to bed that I would get some INTENSE itches…it was to the point that I had trouble sleeping. That’s very interesting regarding the study, as the “itch” is definitely down when I’m regularly using my laser helmet, and I’ve seen forumers on other sites say the same. Just another thing to add to this topic—since being on vacation in daytona beach, I’ve had some massive shock hair loss. Excess alcohol, crap food, bad sleep patterns, and no laser helmet or supplements has been pretty bad. Insulin spikes and poor sleep are definitely correlated to hair loss in my book! The itchiness has also been back with a vengeance as well. |
 New Member Total Posts: 11 Member Since: |
[ # 19 ] May 01, 2010, 07:53 PM marcelo / Nidhogge , Would you suggest to make a neem shampoo? |
 Editor Total Posts: 811 Member Since: |
[ # 20 ] May 01, 2010, 08:38 PM HA! That avatar is freaking HILARIOUS!
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Build your own Laser Helmet | Laser Brush | Laser Device at OverMachoGrande.com! The internet’s first, best, and biggest consumer advocate site on laser therapy for hair loss! It’s time to educate yourself about one of the greatest treatments in FORUM HISTORY… |
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Member Total Posts: 87 Member Since: |
[ # 21 ] May 01, 2010, 11:31 PM
Not unless you have a real itchy scalp that is unrelated to dryness only, look on youtube for itchy scalp videos and you’ll find neem topical preparations. |
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Editor Total Posts: 505 Member Since: |
[ # 22 ] May 02, 2010, 01:38 AM I second Marcelo. One other thing to consider is that Demodex come out at night, so it may be more effective to use such a preparation when it’s dark out and post-exfoliation (boar bristle brush). Neem topical overnight (just simply neem oil) would work far better. |
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Member Total Posts: 87 Member Since: |
[ # 24 ] May 02, 2010, 12:25 PM
No! do not take iodine on your own, as this will most probably revv up your thyroid function, anmd you don’t know where that function is at currently! Of course there are ways to suspect if you have hyper/hypo functioning thyroid gland without using labs, but thyroid problems are more complex than that because of the needed management and clinical problems. There are no isolated hypo or hyper functions, the problem can be in many levels. You will need to know T3, T4 and also free levels of T3 and T4 (FT3, FT4) and lastly, TSH (very importart!). I advice you to go to your family physician to have these lab tests done and interpreted, as this is a serious matter. |
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Editor Total Posts: 505 Member Since: |
[ # 25 ] May 02, 2010, 03:10 PM The Iodine scare is something that doctors are taught in school, but it’s actually unfounded. I take and have been taking anywhere from 12.5mg to 50mg a day and it’s fixed my sluggishness that I was experiencing for years. Iodine is simply a mineral that your body needs like any other, and that our diet in the West is incredibly lacking in (just like Magnesium). Every cell in your body needs it, and before you cells can even get a smidge of Iodine, your thyroid takes in 100x or so the amount that it actually needs to run optimally. You’ll find that Iodine resolved roughly 90% of thyroid problems, and that in societies such as Japan where they eat copious amounts of water vegetation (seaweed) that is rich in Iodine, thyroid problems are unheard of. I personally use Iosol from iHerb.com, take 7 drops in the morn and 7 drops towards the end of the day (though not too late as it gives me an energy burst that makes sleep difficult). Iodine will rev up your thyroid function for a few weeks, but then it’ll come down. Believe this is called Herxheimer’s Reaction. All about it on the Immortal’s page here: http://www.immortalhair.org/physiology.htm Do a “ctrl+f” for “thyroid factors” to get to the appropriate section. |
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Member Total Posts: 30 Member Since: |
[ # 26 ] May 04, 2010, 09:41 AM Jdp701- I see in the one of post above you mentioned free glutamic acid, is it bad for your hair? Is this the same glutamic acid in whey protein? |
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Member Total Posts: 65 Member Since: |
[ # 29 ] May 04, 2010, 04:55 PM
“Horopito is generally well tolerated, yet some mild nausea can be expected during the first few days of use. This is called a “die-off” or Herxheimer reaction, which is the body’s response to the toxins released by dead Candida cells. “ I don’t think Herxheimer was the term you were looking for, but I didn’t find anything else about iodine initially reving up the system for a few weeks. I have experience this, though. When I first started taking iodine I had a ton of energy for a week or two, then it diminished so I stopped taking iodine. Then a couple months later I started again, same thing. Do you think maybe it would be beneficial to take a week break from iodine every month or so to keep your body from getting used to it? |
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Editor Total Posts: 505 Member Since: |
[ # 31 ] May 30, 2010, 11:48 PM Gonzalo— Usually just a little. Iodine isn’t horrible tasting, but it’s nothing great neither. You can throw it in a larger amount if you want (and I do sometimes). Generally some sticks on the bottom of the cup too, so I’ll blast it with some more water to finish it up. J87— Honestly? I’d recommend an Iodine test monthly. Try taking a couple weeks on and a couple of weeks off, see how it affects your levels. Everyone’s different, so we have to take our own initiative (and unfortunately, money) to figure out deficiencies. Or, do it the poor man’s way and keep on taking it “just to be safe” and hope for the best. |
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Editor Total Posts: 163 Member Since: |
[ # 33 ] September 21, 2010, 11:06 PM Thanks. Still holds true to this day as well. Only difference being is that in some, magnesium in any form may not work out due to lyme infections and therefore need magnesium malate. Bu,t yeah, diet is key in many health conditions as well as MPB. If people kept a journal of the foods they ate, others would see this pattern as well. |
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