Demodex Mites
November 2014
in “
Clinics in dermatology
”
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.
