The Association Between Acne Vulgaris, Acne Vulgaris with Nonspecific Facial Dermatitis, and Demodex Mite Presence

Abstract

Background

Demodex mites can lead to various skin disorders, from non-specific dermatitis to conditions that mimic other diseases, making it challenging to diagnose accurately. Additionally, it has been reported that Demodex mites can cause skin conditions such as perioral dermatitis, pustular folliculitis, pityriasis folliculorum, blepharitis, and rosacea. Due to conflicting studies, there is a debate regarding the link between Demodex mites and acne vulgaris. This study aims to determine the prevalence of Demodex mites on the faces of individuals with acne vulgaris, acne with nonspecific facial dermatitis, and healthy facial skin to clarify the association.

Materials and Methods

This observational case-control study involved 120 participants aged 18–37: 40 individuals with acne vulgaris only, 40 with acne and nonspecific facial dermatitis, and 40 healthy controls. The same dermatologist examined and diagnosed all participants to ensure accuracy before being grouped. The Standardized Skin Surface Biopsy (SSSB) method was used to detect Demodex mites in all three study groups. Furthermore, additional samples were collected randomly from acne lesions using the Superficial Needle Scraping (SNS) method in the two acne groups.

Results

The study found no significant difference in Demodex prevalence and high Demodex density rate between patients with only acne vulgaris and the control group (p>0.05). However, acne patients with nonspecific facial dermatitis had a higher rate of Demodex prevalence and high Demodex density rate than the only acne vulgaris and control group (p<0.05). The clinical symptoms of nonspecific facial dermatitis in acne patients strongly associated with Demodex mites are patchy red, dry, scaly skin, roughness, insect bite-like papules, and flushing.

Conclusion

Demodex prevalence and high Demodex density rate are not associated with acne vulgaris. Still, it is associated with acne and nonspecific facial dermatitis, particularly in patients with patchy redness, dry, scaly skin, roughness, insect bite-like papules, and flushing.

Keywords:

• acne vulgaris
• demodicosis
• Demodex mite
• Demodex folliculorum
• Demodex brevis

Data Sharing Statement

Unavailable data, but the reader can personally request to access the data via the personal email of the authors.

Statement of Ethics

The present study was conducted in accordance with the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki. All subjects had given their written informed consent, and the study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Ethical Research Committee of Mae Fah Luang University, approval number COA 140/2023.

Acknowledgments

The authors express their gratitude to Mae Fah Luang University for providing financial support for the publication charges of this work. The research team would like to extend their appreciation to all the patients involved in the study and to the School of Antiaging and Regenerative Medicine at Mae Fah Luang University for providing the necessary research facilities.

Disclosure

All authors had no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This study did not receive any funding.