A case of Unilateral Demodectic Rosacea

Chang, Hang Wook; Lee, Dong Won; Lee, Jun Young; Cho, Baik Kee

Abstract

Rosacea is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory eruption of the flush areas of the face, particularly the nose, which is characterized by erythema, papules, pustules, and telangiectasia. Although the precise etiology remains as a mystery, various factors including genetic disposition, vascular dysfunction, solar elastotic degeneration, gastrointestinal disturbance, hormonal influences, increased humoral vasoactive mediators, and Demodex folliculorum infestation have been suspected of contributing to this condition. In recent study, it has been reported that a high density of Demodex folliculorum may have a pathogenic role in rosacea, especially in the development of inflammatory lesions. We report an unilateral rosacea-like chronic dermatitis of the left side of the face which was shown to harbor many Demodex folliculorum mites.