Prevalence of Demodex Species on the face of people who attending King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital for routine check up

Veeruthai Sabhanond; Wiwat Korkij; Kanyarat Kraivichian

Authors

Veeruthai Sabhanond DIVISION OF DERMATOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE, FACULTY OF MEDICINE, CHULALONGKORN UNIVERSITY, BANGKOK, THAILAND
Wiwat Korkij DIVISION OF DERMATOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE, FACULTY OF MEDICINE, CHULALONGKORN UNIVERSITY, BANGKOK, THAILAND
Kanyarat Kraivichian DIVISION OF DERMATOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE, FACULTY OF MEDICINE, CHULALONGKORN UNIVERSITY, BANGKOK, THAILAND

Keywords:

Demodex, Prevalence, Face

Abstract

Background : Demodex are follicular mites found in human. Their roles in causing diseases are still inconclusive. Generally, it is part of human normal flora but in some situations it can cause unspecified dermatological concerns. To date, the diagnostic criteria for Demodicosis is equivocal and probably leading to inappropriately use of antiparasite medication against Demodex. Moreover, the data in our population are lacking.

Objective : To determine the prevalence of Demodex species in our population and compare the predictive value of various symptoms and signs.

Materials and Methods : People were randomly selected from patients who came for general check up at Preventive medicine department, Chulalongkorn memorial hospital from July 2009 to January 2010. First, the participants were asked to complete the questionnaires concerning about possibly related factors. Then the skin scrapings for scales from forehead, cheeks, nose and chin were done. Subsequently the scales were prepared and look for Demodex. In the settings that at least one Demodex was found it was reported positive. On the other hand, negative was reported when there was no evidence of Demodex.

Results : From 200 participants, the ratio of female : male was 137: 63 and the age range was 18 to 73 years old. Demodex mites were found in 41 participants (20.5%). The most common area was the nose and D.folliculorum was the most predominate species. The average density was one Demodex per person. Combination and oily skin complexion was statistically significantly associated with the presence of Demodex (P-value = 0.000). Non itching face was found to be statistically significantly associated with the nonpresence of Demodex (p-value = 0.022). These two factors were found to be independence.

Conclusions : The prevalence of Demodex species in our normal population is 20.5%. Therefore in dermatological practices, it is crucial to be aware of the demodex mite as a part of normal facial flora especially in combination and oily skin complexion.

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