Researchers discover demodicidosis as under-recognized cause of facial hyperpigmentation

The results stated as follows:

1. The cohort included 19 patients (13 men) ranging in age from 42 to 76 years, all of whom had Fitzpatrick skin types 3-4.

2. All had generally asymptomatic dark, brown-gray facial pigmentation, either localized or diffuse, with background erythema in 36.8% of cases and skin roughness in 26.3% of cases.

3. Dermoscopy revealed white gelatinous or opaque protrusions from hair follicles, as well as amorphous material infiltrating follicular apertures.

4. Perifollicular and reticulated pigmentation of the afflicted regions was a particular observation.

5. Microscopic (n = 7) and histopathologic (n = 5) examinations validated the findings. Within two years, anti-demodectic medication resulted in total (73.6%) or partial (23.4%) clearance of pigmentation.

In conclusion, with the findings described in the above study this unique condition "pigmented demodicidosis" should be considered as a possible cause of face hyperpigmentation and added to the list of possible causative agents for facial hyperpigmentation.

Reference:

Feuerman H, Atzmony L, Glick M, Sherman S, Snast I, Hodak E, Segal R. Pigmented demodicidosis - an under-recognized cause of facial hyperpigmentation. Int J Dermatol. 2021 Dec 13. doi:10.1111/ijd.15992. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34897670.