Does Demodex cause skin disease?

The role of Demodex in facial eruptions, particularly rosacea, has been a topic of debate for decades. Many convincing reports describe a recalcitrant folliculitis, often seen in immunosuppressed patients, which responds to mite-killing topical therapy. The contribution of Demodex to garden-variety rosacea is less certain, although patients with refractory rosacea pattern erythema and nodules have responded to miticidal therapy.

Forton F, Germaux MA, Brasseur T, et al: Demodicosis and rosacea: epidemiology and significance in daily dermatologic practice, J Am Acad Dermatol 52:74–87, 2005.