Cytologic detection of Demodex folliculorum in cases with persisting skin disorders.

OBJECTIVE

To examine sebum from the face ofpatients with persisting skin disorders to investigate the cause of pathologic changes.

STUDY DESIGN

This study included 39 skin scrapings containing sebum obtained from the face of patients who presented with persisting skin disorders. Samples were taken from forehead, chin, cheeks, nose and lesions of facial skin. They were mixed with a drop of oil to dissolve the sebum and were covered with a cover glass. The specimens were labeled according to the part of the face from which were taken. Then the glass slides were placed immediately under the microscope and the obtained material was carefully examined using 20-40x magnification.

RESULTS

Demodex mites were detected in 23 patients. Their skin scrapings revealed degenerated and dead cells, fat and slowly moving, tiny demodex mites. The chin, nose and the forehead were the preferred facial areas. A large number of mites were seen in skin scrapings from 5 patients aged 65-82 years.

CONCLUSION

Infestation of demodex mites on the skin, combined with a weakened immune system, can cause various therapy-resistant skin disorders. Demodecosis should be taken into consideration, and its investigation is quite simple, although it remains a therapeutic challenge.