Have you noticed the rise in skin prescription commercials lately? Have you ever wondered what’s driving this surge in demand for treatments? The answer might be more concerning than you realize.
At the same time, commercials for Apoquel and Cytopoint, medications for itchy dogs, are running heavily during prime time, especially during election coverage. What’s going on behind the scenes?
The Growing Problem with Flea and Tick Medications
Many pet owners, including my family and friends, are discovering that many traditional flea and tick treatments are no longer as effective, leading to an alarming increase in diseases affecting both humans and animals. Consider this: 15 million dogs in the U.S. have been treated with Apoquel, with an estimated 89 million dogs in the country. That doesn’t even account for the number of animals treated with Cytopoint, another popular anti-itch medication for pets.
So, what isn’t being treated? From DNA tests that I have done - MITES. These microscopic pests are not being treated by many conventional flea and tick treatments, and they may be at the root of a host of serious health issues.
The Hidden Dangers of Mites
Mites can cause more than just skin irritation—they have been linked to a wide range of health problems, including:
- Hair loss
- Asthma
- Increased Alzheimer’s pathology
- Sinus issues
- Hearing problems
- Skin conditions
- Eye problems
- Systemic illness
- Mange in animals
And there’s more. Did you know that over 50% of individuals with Parkinson’s disease suffer from seborrheic dermatitis, a chronic skin condition? What many don’t realize is that mites are a contributor to this skin disorder.
A Personal Connection: The Impact on My Family
We have witnessed firsthand how the combination of skin conditions and mite infestations have affected our health. My father’s struggle with Lewy body dementia (Parkinson’s with dementia distinguished by onset of symptoms) was directly linked to chronic exposure to mites, which ultimately triggered systemic health issues in our family.
While traditional treatments may address symptoms, they often overlook the root cause: mites. This could explain the rise in skin-related prescriptions and the growing number of chronic illnesses that are now affecting both humans and pets.
What Can We Do?
We need to dig deeper into the role mites play in these health crises. It’s clear that more attention and research are needed to understand how these tiny organisms are linked to the rise in both neurological diseases like Parkinson’s and everyday skin conditions. Our families, our pets, and our communities deserve better solutions.
Take Action: If you’re noticing unexplained skin conditions, allergies, or neurological symptoms—whether in yourself, your loved ones, or your pets—take a closer look at the potential role mites may be playing. Together, we can push for greater awareness and better treatments.
If you’ve seen these trends in your own family or community, we’d love to hear your story. Let’s start the conversation and make a real change in how we approach these widespread health issues.
