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In Vivo Confocal Microscopy: A Standard Operating Procedure for the Detection of Demodex Mites at the Eyelid Margin
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Published on: July 3, 2025

Risk factors and prevalence of Demodex mites in young adults

Andrea Horváth1, Dóra Maja Neubrandt, Á Ghidán

  • 1Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary. horand@net.sote.hu

Acta Microbiologica Et Immunologica Hungarica
|July 1, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Demodex mites, common in facial skin follicles, were found in 17.7% of healthy adults. This study explored risk factors and skin types associated with Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis presence.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Parasitology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Demodex mites are facial ectoparasites.
  • Their role in skin conditions like rosacea is under investigation.
  • Studies suggest Demodex contributes to chronic inflammatory skin diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of Demodex mites in healthy adults.
  • To identify risk factors associated with Demodex presence.
  • To evaluate the relationship between Demodex and skin types.

Main Methods:

  • Tested 96 healthy adults for Demodex mites (Demodex folliculorum, Demodex brevis).
  • Assessed risk factors including demographics, cosmetic use, pet ownership, and living conditions.
  • Evaluated skin types and self-reported skin conditions.

Main Results:

  • Demodex mites detected in 17.7% of participants.
  • Higher prevalence in males (21.9%) and older adults (20%).
  • Makeup use correlated with lower Demodex carriage; other factors showed no significant influence.

Conclusions:

  • Demodex mites are prevalent in healthy adults, particularly males and older individuals.
  • Skin characteristics in Demodex-positive individuals include dryness and erythema proneness.
  • Further research is needed to clarify Demodex's role in specific skin conditions.

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