[Rosacea-like demodicidosis and chronic blepharitis]

Demodicidosis is a parasitic skin disease caused by the follicle mites Demodex sp. In this article, we present a case of rosacea-like demodicidosis, discuss the clinical features of Demodex infestation in man and review their diagnosis and therapeutic modalities. A 37-year-old woman presented in our department with chronic blepharitis present for one year. On physical examination, the patient presented blepharitis and papulovesicles with fine scaling limited to the face. There was no telangectasia. The patient did not report flushing episodes or any kind of photosensitivity. A diagnosis of rosacea-like demodicidosis and Demodex blepharitis was based on the presence of numerous Demodex folliculorum in the eyelashes and scrapings of skin lesions. The patient was put on topic and oral metronidazole for 2 months and on yellow mercury ointment for 15 days. The course involved disappearance of the facial mites and complete remission without recurrence. Screening for Demodex sp is essential to establish the correct diagnosis and ensure suitable treatment.