Publication:

Study of the density of Demodex mite in patients with topical steroid damage

Background There is a possible association between the usage of topical steroids on the face and the density of Demodex mites. This study was undertaken with the aim to study the density of Demodex mites in patients with topical steroid-damaged faces.

Methods This cohort study included 232 patients with TSDF (group A) and 40 patients with no facial dermatological lesions and conditions and with no history of use of topical steroids (group B). The sample from the skin was collected using the skin surface biopsy (SSB) technique with cyanoacrylic glue and skin tape stripping (STS) method.

Results There was a significantly greater density of Demodex mites amongst group A subjects compared to group B subjects [18.5% vs 5.0%] (p value 0.05). Clinical features were also not found to have a significant association with the potency of TC used.

Conclusions Infestation of facial skin with Demodex mites is significantly associated with the use of topical steroids on the face. There was no statistically significant association between the duration and potency of TC use and the density of Demodex mites.