The MITE on Your Eyelashes Causing Rosacea & Chronic Styes (Demodex Explained) | Episode 31

Send us Fan Mail When we say "mites," you probably think of dust mites. But there’s another microscopic critter living on your skin—specifically, in your eyelash follicles—that could be causing your chronic eye issues, styes, blepharitis, and even rosacea. Meet the Demodex mite. In this eye-opening (and slightly gross!) episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – dive into the world of Demodex. They explain why these mites are a natural part of our flora, but can cause problems when there’s an overgrowth. The good news? It's not a hygiene issue, and the solution is simple and inexpensive. Learn the low-hanging fruit treatments you can use tonight and discover the potential link between dust mite allergy and these face mites. EPISODE IN A GLANCE 00:27 What are Demodex Mites? (The Basics) 01:37 The "Overgrowth" Problem: When Natural Flora Causes Disease 03:58 The Link Between Demodex, Rosacea & Dust Mite Allergy 05:34 The Low-Hanging Fruit Fix: The Vaseline Method 06:49 The Importance of Diligent Lash-Line Cleansing 08:29 Why Dust Mite Immunotherapy Could Help Demodex WRITE A PODCAST REVIEW SEND US A SUGGESTION [email protected] ABOUT HOSTS KARA WADA, MD Dr. Kara Wada is a quadruple board-certified physician in allergy, immunology, and lifestyle medicine, and founder of the Immune Confident Institute. As a Sjogren’s patient and life coach, she combines modern medicine with lifestyle and mindset practices to help patients harness their body's ability to heal. Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Youtube TikTok AMBER PATTERSON, MD Dr. Amber Patterson is a world-renowned allergy and immunology expert pioneering the future of immunotherapy. As the U.S. ambassador for ILIT™ Protocol (a 3-injection allergy shot protocol), she is redefining allergy care through her practice, Auni Allergy®, and the groundbreaking Auni® ILIT™ Learning Network. Website Instagram Instagram Facebook Youtube MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD Dr. Meagan Shepherd is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in advanced immunotherapy. She is known for her practical, evidence-based approach and her unique focus on "allergy-conscious living"—designing homes, habits, and lifestyles that improve her patients' quality of life. Instagram Facebook