Demodex spp. as a possible aetiopathogenic factor of acne and relation with acne severity and type

Abstract

IntroductionAcne is a very common skin disease in adolescents and young adults, but it also affects adults. However, its aetiology is not yet fully understood. Demodex appears to be associated with multiple skin disorders, but controversy persists. Some reports indicate a connection between acne vulgaris and demodicosis.AimTo confirm the association between Demodex infestation and acne vulgaris.Material and methodsA total of 108 patients were enrolled in the acne group. Acne severity was calculated as GASS and acne type (adolescent and post adolescent) was recorded. An age-sex matched healthy control group comprising 65 individuals were included in the study. Dermatological examinations were performed and an SSSB was used to determine the presence of Demodex.ResultsIn our study, Demodex positivity was seen in 46 (42.6%) patients in the acne group and 8 (12.3%) in the control group; this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). A multivariate Backward Step-By-Step Logistic Regression analysis identified the most effective factors for acne development such as Demodex positivity (OR = 5.565, 95% CI: 2.384–12.99 and p < 0.001) and age under 25 years (OR = 2.3 and 95% CI: 1.183–4.473 and p = 0.014). Alcohol consumption was related to Demodex positivity (p = 0.019) in post adolescent acne.ConclusionsOur study is the first one to evaluate acne severity, acne type and the relationship to Demodex prevalence. We suggest that Demodex infestation should be considered when the classical therapies are ineffective especially in cases of post adolescent acne.

Characterization and Analysis of the Skin Microbiota in Acne: Impact of Systemic Antibiotics

“…S. alvi, a species known as a gut symbiont of bees, has been identified as a core microbiota of Demodex mites from rosacea patients [20] and was also prevalent (8%) in our untreated skin samples. Interestingly, an association between Demodex infestation and acne has been reported in prior studies [21][22][23]. Although our findings suggest a subtle link between acne and Demodex infestation, there is some doubt on the origin of S. alvi.…”

Facial dermatoses in patients with blepharitis: a cross-sectional prospective analysis.

“…The sample was covered with a coverslip and examined by light microscopy at x10, x40, and x100 magnification in immersion oil. The total number of viable parasites in a sample was used to assess Facial Demodex severity and density (FDS): 0-5 per cm 2 , 1+ density, 5-10 per cm 2 , 2+, 10-15 per cm 2 , 3+, 15-20 per cm 2 , 4+ and >20.5 per cm 2 was classified as 5+ [30].…”

Comparison of the efficacy of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil with other current pharmacological management in human demodicosis: A Systematic Review

“…The Demodex rate of infestation in healthy individuals is about 80–90% (Enginyurt et al ., 2015) and the number of Demodex is positively correlated with age. Human Demodex mites are present in all age groups except in newborn infants (Akcinar et al ., 2018; Zhong et al ., 2019) and the prevalence is as high as 100% in elderly people (Basta-Juzbasic et al ., 2002; Vargas-Arzola et al ., 2012). Since Demodex passes to newborns through close physical contact from their parents after birth, it is postulated that due to low sebum production in their skins, infants and children have a much lower incidence of Demodex colonization compared to adults (Basta-Juzbasic et al ., 2002).…”