Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 20, 2026

In Vivo Confocal Microscopy: A Standard Operating Procedure for the Detection of Demodex Mites at the Eyelid Margin
05:21

In Vivo Confocal Microscopy: A Standard Operating Procedure for the Detection of Demodex Mites at the Eyelid Margin

Published on: July 3, 2025

Demodex infestation in a child with leukaemia: treatment with ivermectin and permethrin

Diona Damian1, Maureen Rogers

  • 1Department of Medicine (Dermatology), University of Sydney, and The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney. diona@canc.rpa.cs.nsw.gov.au

International Journal of Dermatology
|September 6, 2003
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Severe facial and eyelid inflammation in an immunocompromised child was caused by Demodex mites. A combination of oral ivermectin and topical permethrin effectively treated this severe demodicosis.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Parasitology
  • Pediatric Oncology

Background:

  • Demodex mites are common in adults but rare in children.
  • Immunocompromised individuals may experience more severe demodicosis requiring systemic treatment.

Observation:

  • A 6-year-old boy with acute lymphoblastic leukemia developed severe facial erythema, scaling, and pustules.
  • Initial treatments including chemotherapy completion and topical corticosteroids were ineffective.
  • Skin biopsy confirmed a heavy Demodex folliculorum infestation.

Findings:

  • A treatment regimen combining topical permethrin and oral ivermectin was administered.
  • Four doses of oral ivermectin were given over six weeks.
  • Complete resolution of facial inflammation occurred within 3 months.

Implications:

  • Demodex infestation can lead to significant facial and eyelid inflammation in immunocompromised patients.
  • Combined oral ivermectin and topical permethrin offer a safe and effective treatment for severe demodicosis.
  • This case highlights the importance of considering Demodex in immunocompromised children with refractory skin conditions.

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