Abstract:
Background: Demodex mites present on the skin of healthy individuals. Demodex mites in high densities may play a pathogenic role.
Aims: To evaluate the correlation between Demodex infestation and acne vulgaris.
Setting: Outpatient Clinic of Dermatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University.
Patients and methods: One hundred patients diagnosed with acne and an equal number of healthy volunteers (with age and sex matching) as control groups were enrolled in this study. Skin scrapping was taken in the patient and the control groups. Samples were
examined by the light microscope, and Demodex were counted.
Results: regarding gender and age, no significant difference was present between the patients and controls (p > 0.05). Demodex infestation were higher in patients than in controls (p = 0.001). no statistically significant relationship between age, sex, family history, presence of animal at home, or severity of acne and the positivity of Demodex mites (p-value for all > 0.05).
Conclusion: Acne vulgaris is significantly correlated with Demodex infestation.