Demodicosis among university medical students in Malaysia and the effects of facial cleanser and moisturizer usage.
Demodicosis is an infestation of the skin with Demodex, an ectoparasite commonly found on the face. A cross-sectional study was conducted to detect the presence of the ectoparasite and the outcome of facial cleanser and moisturizer usage on its infestation. Universal sampling was performed among 390 medical students, age 20-25 years old in the Klang Valley of Malaysia. The biodata of the participants and information on the use of facial cleanser and moisturizer were obtained through questionnaire. Skin samples were obtained using both skin scraping and cellophane tape method and were subsequently examined directly by microscopy. The results show an overall prevalence of 17.2%. Males (21.5%) were affected more often than females (12.8%) (p = 0.022). There were no significant differences in the prevalence of the ectoparasite among different ethnic groups, age-groups and the presence of existing facial problems among the subjects. A lower infestation rate (11.45%) was found to be associated with the use of a moisturizer (p = 0.033). Both species of ectoparasites that infest man, Demodexfolliculorum and D. brevis, were detected in this study either as single or mixed infestations.
Department of Medical Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. dr.miyati@gmail.com
Noor Hayati Mohd
NH
Isa
Loh Wai
LW
Loong
Gee Hui
GH
Fang
Abdul Malek
AM
Mohamad
Nurasilah
N
Razali
Nur Izzati
NI
Rani
Siti Nor Azreen Abd
SN
Manap
Syamsa Rizal
SR
Abdullah
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004643:Emollients / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008296:Malaysia / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008924:Mite Infestations / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015995:Prevalence; D012737:Sex Factors; D012915:Soaps / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013337:Students, Medical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D004643:Emollients; D012915:Soaps