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Demodex mites in acne rosacea
1Department of Dermatology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
Journal of Cutaneous Pathology
|December 31, 1998
Summary
Demodex mites, common in facial skin, were found more often in rosacea patients than in eczema or lupus patients. This suggests Demodex mites may contribute to rosacea inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- The role of Demodex mites (Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis) in rosacea pathogenesis is debated.
- Previous studies have yielded conflicting results regarding mite prevalence in rosacea.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Demodex mites in patients with rosacea compared to other facial dermatoses.
- To explore the association between Demodex mite infestation and inflammatory responses in rosacea.
Main Methods:
- Facial skin biopsies were analyzed from 80 rosacea patients, 40 with facial eczema, and 40 with discoid lupus erythematosus.
- Mite prevalence was assessed across different facial sites and demographic groups (sex).
- Histopathological examination identified lympho-histiocytic infiltration around infested follicles.
Main Results:
- Demodex mite prevalence was significantly higher in rosacea patients (51%) compared to eczema (28%) and discoid lupus (31%) groups.
- Mites were found on all facial sites, with the forehead and cheeks being most affected.
- No significant difference in mite counts per follicle was observed between rosacea and control groups, but inflammation was noted around infested follicles.
Conclusions:
- Demodex mite infestation is more prevalent in rosacea patients.
- The presence of Demodex mites, coupled with inflammatory cell infiltration around infested follicles, supports their potential role in rosacea pathogenesis.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms of Demodex-associated inflammation in rosacea.