DEMODEX FOLLICULORUM
Demodex folliculorum, a microscopic mite, has also been associated with hair thinning or loss. It was originally discovered by Richard Owens in the 1840’s and has long been known to inhabit the scalp, eyebrows and forehead area. However,NIOXIN Research Laboratories first discovered a link between the presence of thinning hair and Demodex in 1997. It has since been corroborated in a study done by Tulane University in 1999.
An Educated Look into the Causes of Thinning Hair
Demodex is not present on every person’s scalp. This tiny, almost microscopic organism, produces a digestive enzyme called lipase. Lipase is needed in order for the Demodex to break down and feed on the sebum produced by the sebaceous gland. Scalp skin with excessive amounts of sebum appears to be the most likely to have Demodex colonies.This ecto-parasite has a hard outer shell which the oily sebum sticks to tenaciously. Demodex robs the developing hair of essential nutrients by feeding on the sebum. It is believed that Demodex is born, lives, reproduces and dies within 15 days in the hair follicle.
Demodex Folliculorum is an alien to the follicle and the lipase it produces is believed to adversely affect the quality, condition and appearance of your hair. The presence of Demodex has also been associated with inflammation, which is believed to also shorten hair’s life cycle.
Studies at Tulane University have confirmed a link between Demodex and thinning hair. Although Demodex is not present on every scalp, the study found that Demodex was present on 88% of men and women studied with thinning hair. Demodex was not found on 91% of men and women studied with normal hair density.
