{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Evidence for the Clinical Association between Demodex and Rosacea: A Review.
{Author}: Wei F;Li L;Kong Y;Yan X;Varghese KJ;Zhang S;Jiang J;Chai B;Chen H;
{Journal}: Dermatology
{Volume}: 240
{Issue}: 1
{Year}: 2024 Oct 17
{Factor}: 5.197
{DOI}: 10.1159/000534245
{Abstract}: BACKGROUND: Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory dermatological condition in humans, and its pathogenesis remains unclear. However, the development of rosacea is suspected to be related to Demodex, a microscopic commensal organism that resides in or near hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Although Demodex is known to be a host-specific, obligate commensal organism, it is currently difficult to be cultured in vitro to parasitize and infect other animal hosts. Therefore, direct evidence for a pathogenic role of Demodex in rosacea is currently lacking.
CONCLUSIONS: As circumstantial evidence, non-invasive skin-detecting techniques have shown abnormally elevated numbers of Demodex in rosacea patients. Increased cytokine levels such as IL-10, IL-8, and IL-12p70 have been observed in human sebocytes following the Demodex challenge, and acaricides have been found to be effective in rosacea therapy, all point to a close relationship between Demodex and rosacea. Based on these findings, we conducted a comprehensive literature review to summarize the current state of knowledge, research insights, and clinical treatment recommendations for Demodex-associated rosacea, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes.