The role of skin biophysical properties in Demodex mites proliferation: A clinical study on acne, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and blepharitis

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine how and to what extent differences in skin moisture and pH affect Demodex load in patients with acne, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and blepharitis. A total of 318 patients clinically diagnosed with acne (81), rosacea (45), seborrheic dermatitis (22), and blepharitis (170), and found to be Demodex-positive (≥ 5), were included in the study. Sample materials were collected from the cheek region of participants using the standard superficial skin biopsy method and examined under a light microscope. Skin moisture and pH measurements were taken from the sampled facial areas and compared with Demodex load. It was found that Demodex load was significantly higher in patients with dry skin, and that Demodex load decreased substantially the higher the skin moisture was. Every 5% increase in skin moisture reduced the Demodex load by approximately 35% to 47%. Similarly, Demodex load was found to be lower in patients with lower skin pH levels (pH 4.5–5.0) and the Demodex load increased significantly when the skin pH was higher. Each 0.5-unit increase in skin pH resulted in an approximately 78% to 115% increase in Demodex load. As a result, it was determined that in Demodex-positive patients, particularly those diagnosed with rosacea and blepharitis, a lower skin moisture and a higher skin pH were significantly correlated with a higher Demodex load. Therefore, considering these biophysical properties of the skin in dermatology and ophthalmology clinics may significantly contribute to the diagnostic and treatment processes.

Keywords

• Demodex
• demodicosis
• dermocosmetics
• skin moisture
• skin pH
• skin barrier function

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