The Possible Relation of and Facial Erythema in Connective Tissue Diseases.

BACKGROUND

We aimed to investigate the frequency of infestation and clinical implications in connective tissue disease patients with facial erythema.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with a connective tissue disease and had facial erythema were consecutively enrolled in the study from 2019-2020. An age and gender matched control group was formed from healthy volunteers. Presence of was investigated by standardized skin surface biopsy. Number of mites over 5 per centimeter square was considered meaningful for infestation. Topical or systemic metronidazole treatment was given to the connective tissue disease patients with infestation. Facial erythema visual analog scale was questioned in patients at treatment onset and one month after.

RESULTS

A total of 31 connective tissue disease patients with facial erythema were enrolled. Control group included 31 healthy volunteers. Demographics and comorbidities were similar between groups. infestation was present in 58.1% of the disease group and in 25.8% of the control group (=0.01). Pruritus was the most common symptom in patients with infestation. Median (IQR) facial erythema visual analog scale score was 6 (3) at treatment onset and was 2 (2.5) one month later (<0.001).

CONCLUSION

When evaluating facial cutaneous lesions, infestation should not be overlooked in a patient group like connective tissue diseases with dysfunctional immune system.