Help Me Reclaim My Life — Healing From Demodex (Demodicosis).

Some of you may know that for the past two years, I’ve been battling a debilitating and poorly understood health condition — Demodex overgrowth, a parasitic infestation affecting my skin, eyes, and gut. It causes blepharitis, severe skin irritation and flare-ups, internal inflammation, and releases toxins impacting my liver, and kidneys. These microscopic parasites live in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands, and when they overpopulate, they wreak havoc on the body, laying eggs every night.

Demodex overgrowth can be triggered by weakened immunity, excess oil production, hormonal imbalances, stress or depression, and underlying skin or health conditions.

What many don’t know is the emotional isolation and mental toll this has taken on me.

I’ve become a prisoner in my own skin.

Every day and night, I can feel them crawling across my face, eyes, and body. The itching, biting, and discomfort never stop. It keeps me awake most nights. But the physical pain pales in comparison to the emotional weight I carry.

Out of fear of passing this to my loved ones, especially my 2-year-old son, I’ve had to isolate myself. I can’t hug him without fear. I can’t kiss his little face without guilt. And yet, I’ve seen bite marks on his skin after we cuddle. It absolutely breaks my heart. No mother should feel like a threat to her own child. I can’t tell you how hard it is dealing with this whilst going through postnatal depression, knowing I have no-one that knows, understands or can help me with what I’m going through.

I live in constant fear of infecting others, especially my son, so I keep my skin completely covered at all times, even in the comfort of my own home. I've become obsessively cautious — disinfecting every surface, washing clothes and bedding daily, and doing everything I can to prevent infesting my home again, as they can burrow in materials. In desperation, I’ve had to throw away thousands of pounds worth of belongings — including my bed, sofa, clothes and shoes — just to try and break the cycle. I even made the painful decision to cut my very long hair as short as possible, hoping it would reduce the parasites’ ability to survive in my hair. It’s been an exhausting, heartbreaking process — physically, financially, and emotionally.

The worst part? No one seems to understand.

I’ve seen four clinicians and four dermatologists through the NHS and not one has been able to offer a real solution, other than a few topical creams that made the situation worse. Upon explaining what medication I needed from my extensive research, even suggesting an examination (skin scraping) to be sent to the labs for analysis, no one would listen to me.

The only medical support and advice I received from explaining my situation were doctors online, based in the US and Australia where demodex is common, unlike the UK. The doctors over here have told me I may just have to live with this — because Demodex is naturally present on all humans, but they don’t know how to treat an overgrowth. They’ve written it off. I’ve been left to fight this battle alone.

The medical system doesn’t have answers. Even mentioning Demodex to clinicians often results in blank stares. It’s an invisible illness with very visible consequences — from facial sores and hair loss to constant inflammation, fatigue, and depression.

Over the past two years, I’ve tried it all:

All while navigating single motherhood, losing my job whilst on maternity leave, and trying to stay afloat during a recession.

The mental and emotional burden has been unbearable. I’ve lost my confidence. I barely recognise myself anymore, both inside and out. I’m exhausted. I’m grieving the life I once had before all of this began. Honestly, sharing such personal details is the last thing I ever wanted to do, as I’ve kept this to myself for soo long, but I feel I have no choice. I desperately need help navigating through this overwhelming situation, because I refuse to accept this, no one should have to go through this.

Finally…there is a glimmer of hope.

I’ve found a private specialist on Harley Street who may understand this condition. He’s treated others with similar cases. For the first time, someone listened to my case and didn’t dismiss me. He believes I can be cured — not just managed, but actually healed.

This could be the breakthrough I’ve been praying for.

But as many of you know, private healthcare comes at a cost. And after everything — emotionally, physically, and financially — I simply cannot afford this alone.

Here’s what the treatment entails:

Initial consultation: £350

Full-body examination + biopsy: £996

Additional doctors' fees: £200

Tailored treatment plan: TBC after diagnosis

I’m humbly asking for your support. Whether it’s a donation, a share, or simply keeping us in your prayers — anything you can do will bring me one step closer to healing. Not just for myself, but for my son, who deserves a healthy, present, and fully embracing mother.

My greatest wish is to be able to hold my son without fear. To kiss his face. To fall asleep without itching. To step outside without shame. To have my life — our life back.

Thank you for reading, for caring, for standing with me through this chapter.

With love, hope, and deep gratitude.