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. 2014 Jan;59(1):60-6.
doi: 10.4103/0019-5154.123498.

Human demodex mite: the versatile mite of dermatological importance

Parvaiz Anwar Rather  1 , Iffat Hassan  1
Affiliations

Human demodex mite: the versatile mite of dermatological importance

Parvaiz Anwar Rather et al. Indian J Dermatol. 2014 Jan.

Abstract

Demodex mite is an obligate human ecto-parasite found in or near the pilo-sebaceous units. Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis are two species typically found on humans. Demodex infestation usually remains asymptomatic and may have a pathogenic role only when present in high densities and also because of immune imbalance. All cutaneous diseases caused by Demodex mites are clubbed under the term demodicosis or demodicidosis, which can be an etiological factor of or resemble a variety of dermatoses. Therefore, a high index of clinical suspicion about the etiological role of Demodex in various dermatoses can help in early diagnosis and appropriate, timely, and cost effective management.

Keywords: Demodex; demodicidosis; demodicosis; ecto-parasite.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: Nil.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Demodex mite, an obligatory human ecto-parasite resides in or near the pilo-sebaceous units
Figure 2
Figure 2
Morphology and life cycle of the Demodex mite
Figure 3
Figure 3
Factors involved in pathogenesis
Figure 4
Figure 4
Clinical photograph showing rosacea (a) and steroid induced rosacea (b)
Figure 5
Figure 5
Clinical photograph of Demodex induced non specific facial dermatitis
Figure 6
Figure 6
A case of clinically and histopathologically proven LMDF
Figure 7
Figure 7
Clinical photograph of dissecting folliculitis leading to cicatricial alopecia
Figure 8
Figure 8
Clinical photograph of peri-oral dermatitis (a) and blepheritis (b)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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