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Demodex folliculorum: its association with oily skin surface rather than rosacea lesions
1Department of Dermatology, School of Medical Sciences, National University of Rosario, Rosario, Argentina.
Background:
Despite the predilection of Demodex folliculorum (DF) for human sebum, observational studies addressing a relationship between this agent and rosacea paid no attention to the effect of a potentially acting confounder, the oily nature of the skin.
Objectives:
To analyze whether a relationship exists between the presence of the mite in rosacea and oily cutis.
Materials And Methods:
An observational study on 63 rosacea cases and 61 healthy controls, both discriminated according to their predominance of oily or dry cutis, was carried out to investigate demodectic density by the skin surface biopsy.
Results:
While comparisons on the density of DF revealed no differences between patients and controls (Mann-Whitney U-test, P = 0.35), persons with an oily cutis had increased amounts of this mite on the skin surface (Mann-Whitney U-test, P < 0.05), irrespective of whether they had rosacea or not.
Conclusions:
The association between DF and oily skin rather than rosacea lesions gives no support for this agent being implied in disease pathogenesis.
Insights
Oily skin, not rosacea, is linked to increased Demodex folliculorum (DF) mites. This study suggests DF
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Microbiology
- Cutaneous Science
Background:
- Demodex folliculorum (DF) mites favor human sebum.
- Previous studies on DF and rosacea overlooked skin oiliness as a factor.
- The role of oily skin in DF presence requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if Demodex mites are more prevalent in rosacea patients.
- To investigate the association between Demodex mites and oily skin.
Main Methods:
- Observational study comparing 63 rosacea patients and 61 healthy controls.
- Skin surface biopsies were used to quantify Demodex folliculorum density.
- Participants were categorized by oily or dry skin type.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in Demodex density between rosacea patients and controls.
- Individuals with oily skin had higher Demodex mite counts, regardless of rosacea.
- Oily skin is a significant factor in Demodex mite colonization.
Conclusions:
- The link between Demodex folliculorum and oily skin suggests colonization preference.
- Findings do not support Demodex folliculorum's role in rosacea pathogenesis.
- Oily skin, not rosacea, is associated with increased Demodex mite presence.
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