Demodicidosis in an immunodeficient child

A 15-month-old girl developed acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Chemotherapy had induced a complete remission and she was continued on maintenance therapy. At 3 years of age, she developed an eruption consisting of excoriated papules and pustules on the face. Demodex folliculorum seemed to be the cause. Topical treatment with metronidazole applied twice a day over a period of 2 weeks resulted in partial improvement. The dermatosis finally cleared gradually with oral erythromycin therapy and one overnight application of 1% lindane cream per week for 2 successive weeks.