Demodex infestation as a cause of sensitive skin in a dermatology outpatient clinic. (6th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yasak Guner, Rukiye; Tosun, Mustafa; Akyol, Melih; Hayta, Sibel Berksoy
• Is Part Of: Journal of cosmetic dermatology. Volume 21:Number 4(2022)
• Page Start: 1610
• Page End: 1615
• Publication Date: 2021-06-06
• Subjects: cosmetic use -- demodex -- sensitive skin; Skin -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Lasers in surgery -- Periodicals; Skin -- Pathophysiology -- Periodicals; Surgery, Plastic -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.1111/jocd.14246
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-2130

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Sensitive skin is subjective cutaneous hyperreactivity to environmental factors. Demodicosis is a skin disorder caused by Demodex mites . There may be a link between demodicosis and sensitive skin. Aim: This study aimed to examine facial Demodex mites density and other factors associated with sensitive skin in patients. Methods and methods: A total of 349 randomly selected patients presented to the dermatology department. The research data were collected using a questionnaire form that included the participants' sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics, a sensitive skin questionnaire, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and European Health Interview Survey (EHIS). Patients underwent standardized superficial skin surface biopsy of 4 areas of the face. D . folliculorum count greater than 5 mites/cm 2 was considered positive. Results: In relation to Demodex, there was an increase in skin sensitivity with higher Demodex density ( p = 0.04). There was a statistically significant, weak positive correlation between skin sensitivity and DLQI score (r = 0.33, p = 0.00), and there was also a significant but very weak negative correlation between skin sensitivity and EUROHIS (r = −0.164, p = 0.002). Skin sensitivity was more common in patients with a concomitant dermatological disease ( p = 0.01) and increased with more frequent cosmetic use ( p = 0.00). Conclusion: Alongside other risk factors, for the patients presenting with complaints of sensitive skin, investigating Demodex population density may help alleviate sensitive skin symptoms with appropriate therapies and preventive measures.