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Topical steroid induced chronic demodicidosis
A Sakuntabhai1, P Timpatanapong
1Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Summary
A 39-year-old woman with a 4-year history of skin lesions was diagnosed with Demodex folliculorum. Treatment with gamma benzene hexachloride effectively cleared the infestation and prevented recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Demodex folliculorum is a microscopic mite that commonly inhabits hair follicles.
- Persistent skin lesions can significantly impact quality of life.
Observation:
- A 39-year-old female presented with a 4-year history of pruritic, erythematous, telangiectatic patches and scaly follicular papules on the neck and upper chest.
- Microscopic examination of skin scrapings and subsequent histology confirmed the presence of Demodex folliculorum mites within hair follicles.
Findings:
- Topical steroid treatment provided no relief for the patient's skin condition.
- A single application of 1% gamma benzene hexachloride resulted in the disappearance of skin lesions and Demodex mites.
- Twice-daily application of 1% gamma benzene hexachloride for two weeks was necessary to prevent lesion recurrence.
Implications:
- Gamma benzene hexachloride is an effective treatment for Demodex folliculorum infestations presenting as persistent dermatological conditions.
- This case highlights the importance of considering Demodex mite infestation in the differential diagnosis of chronic skin lesions unresponsive to conventional therapies.
- Further research may explore optimal treatment durations and formulations for Demodex-related dermatoses.