Demodicosis
Overview
- Causative agent: Demodex folliculorum/brevis — belong to the normal skin flora, pathological with overpopulation > 5/cm².
- Clinical presentation: rosacea-like papulopustules, pruritus, follicular pustules, chronic blepharitis — the Demodex overgrowth is also the reason why topical ivermectin works in papulopustular rosacea.
- Triggers: Main trigger is Immunosuppression (HIV, topical GCS, CNI, chemotherapy).
- Diagnosis: microscopic detection from skin scraping or adhesive tape method (> 5 mites/cm² pathological).
Differential diagnoses
Practise Demodicosis in the app
Flashcards with spaced repetition, exam questions and spot-the-diagnosis on this topic – in DermaFuchs, free of charge.
In the DermaFuchs app: 3 flashcards · 6 clinical images
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Note: This page is intended for medical education and does not replace diagnosis or treatment decisions in individual cases. Treatment and follow-up content is available in the app.