TLDR Demodex mites can cause skin issues, especially in people with weak immune systems.
Demodex mites, first described in 1841, are normal skin fauna residing in human hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Their numbers increase with age, peaking in individuals over 71 years old. These mites have been implicated in various skin conditions, including rosacea, perioral dermatitis, and chronic blepharitis, with symptoms correlating to mite density. They elicit a strong immune response, with increased inflammatory cytokines in affected individuals. In immunocompromised hosts, Demodex mites can cause significant skin eruptions, responding to treatments aimed at reducing mite infestation. Additionally, they can act as vectors for other pathogens, contributing to inflammatory responses.
172 citations,
December 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Demodicosis is common and often missed, needing more recognition and treatment in skin care.
466 citations,
August 2004 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Rosacea is a skin condition with unclear causes, classified into four subtypes.
35 citations,
March 1976 in “British Journal of Dermatology” No clear link was found between hair follicle mites and skin conditions in Australian Aborigines.
June 2019 in “International journal of dermatology and venereology” A man developed skin issues from cancer medication, which improved with specific treatments.
2 citations,
January 2014 in “Springer eBooks” The book details skin conditions in older adults, their link to mental health, cancer treatment importance, hair loss remedies, and managing autoimmune and itchy skin.
64 citations,
January 2004 in “American journal of clinical dermatology” Folliculitis is an inflammation of hair follicles that requires proper diagnosis and treatment based on the specific cause.
466 citations,
August 2004 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Rosacea is a skin condition with unclear causes, classified into four subtypes.
41 citations,
December 2015 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” The conclusion is that a new biopsy technique and humidity chamber help study skin mites better and suggest mite overpopulation may cause skin diseases.
