Identification of demodex ectoparasite and its association with facial skin lesions among in women

Background and Aim: Demodex is a common mite and ectoparasite in humans and animals. The existence of Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis in human skin can have a role in some inflammatory skin diseases such as acne, rosacea, and dermatitis. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of Demodex ectoparasite in women and its possible association with skin lesions. Methods: Fifty women with skin lesions (case group) and 50 women without skin lesions (control group) were selected and evaluated by clinical and laboratory tests. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee and the volunteers provided written informed consent. The skin scrapings were investigated by placing in a 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) and lactophenol solutions and were analyzed under microscope to detect the Demodex. Results: Twenty-two out of 50 patients (with acne, rosacea, dermatitis, and eczema) had Demodex folliculorum infestation (44%). The highest levels of infestation were observed in women aged 20-30 years (22%) and the infestation of Demodex was only confirmed in 10 cases (20%) out of the 50 subjects in the control group. Conclusion: The rate of Demodex in patients with skin lesions was much higher than healthy subjects. There was a significant association between Demodex and skin lesions (sig.=0.023, P<0.05). The authors suggest that Demodox treatment should be considered in the therapeutic strategy of some inflammatory skin diseases.