Beyond the Surface: Understanding Demodex and Its Link to Blepharitis and Facial Dermatoses

Abstract

Flavia Giorgiana Chioveanu,1,2 Elena Niculet,3,4 Cristina Torlac,2,5 Camelia Busila,6,7 Alin Laurentiu Tatu4,8,9 1Hexamed” Ophthalmology Clinic, Braila, Romania; 2Biomedical Doctoral School, “Dunarea de Jos” University, Galati, Romania; 3Department of Morphological and Functional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunarea de Jos” University, Galaţi, Romania; 4Multidisciplinary Integrated Center of Dermatological Interface Research MIC-DIR, “Dunarea de Jos” University, Galaţi, Romania; 5Individual Medical Office - Dentistry, Galati, Romania; 6Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Galati, Romania; 7Sf. Ioan Emergency Clinical Paediatric Hospital, Galati, Romania; 8Clinical Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunarea de Jos” University, Galaţi, Romania; 9Dermatology Department, “Sf. Cuvioasa Parascheva” Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases, Galaţi, RomaniaCorrespondence: Elena Niculet, Email [email protected]: Demodex represents the most frequent ectoparasite found in humans. Although Demodex mites are considered commensals of human pilosebaceous units, an abnormally high mite density can cause several ocular and cutaneous symptoms and signs, sometimes to a severe degree. Both Demodex spp. (folliculorum and brevis) play a significant part in eye pathology and facial dermatoses. These mites have been related to blepharitis, ocular rosacea, meibomian gland dysfunction and various skin diseases, including rosacea, demodicosis and seborrheic dermatitis. Understanding the importance of Demodex in both eye and skin conditions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management strategies, which may involve targeted treatments to control the mite population and reduce associated symptoms.Keywords: eyelid inflammation, mite infestation, rosacea, demodicosis

Keywords

• eyelid inflammation
• mite infestation
• rosacea
• demodicosis