Demodex Mites Detected in 80% of Patients With Rosacea

A dermoscopic evaluation detected Demodex mites in 80% of patients with rosacea compared with just 20% of patients in a control group, researchers reported in a study published in the journal Northern Clinics of Istanbul.

“In our study, we saw an increase in the severity of plaque and dry appearance findings with the rise in Demodex density, but we did not detect a relationship with the severity of erythema, telangiectasia, and papulopustules,” wrote corresponding author Husna Guder, MD, of the Maltepe University Faculty of Medicine in Istanbul, and coauthor Semih Guder, MD, of the Bezmialem Vakif University Faculty of Medicine in Istanbul, Turkey.

The prospective case-control study investigated skincare habits and possible rosacea triggers. Researchers questioned 100 patients with rosacea and 100 control patients about daily facial cleansing, exposure to sun and heat, makeup habits, and other factors. Dermoscopic examinations also evaluated participants for the presence and severity of Demodex.

While Demodex mites were detected in 80% of the patient group, the study found that Demodex mites were less common in patients with rosacea who used daily soap and facial cleansers. Patients without Demodex mites also reported wearing more daily makeup.

“It is conceivable that few and intermittent facial cleansings may trigger rosacea through an increase in the number of Demodex mites,” researchers wrote.

The study also identified a significant association between plaque severity and the appearance of dry skin with Demodex density. Researchers recommended patients with rosacea, especially those with dry skin, be evaluated for Demodex mites.

“We observed that the density of Demodex mites clearly increased in 80% of patients with rosacea,” they wrote. “We think it is essential to evaluate the density of Demodex mites in rosacea and to determine the treatment with acaricides accordingly.”

Reference

Guder H, Guder S. Investigation of skincare habits and possible rosacea triggers of patients with rosacea: a prospective case-control study. North Clin Istanb. 2024;11(1):27-37. doi:10.14744/nci.2023.33410