Demodicosis
Demodicosis (pronounced: deh-moh-dih-KOH-sis) is a medical condition caused by the overpopulation of the mite Demodex on the host's skin.
Etymology
The term Demodicosis is derived from the genus name Demodex, which is a combination of the Greek words demos, meaning "fat", and dex, meaning "woodworm". The suffix "-osis" is used in medical terminology to denote a disorder or disease condition.
Definition
Demodicosis is a skin condition characterized by inflammation and other skin problems caused by the mite Demodex. These mites are microscopic, living in hair follicles and sebaceous glands, primarily on the face. They are generally harmless and part of the normal skin flora, but in some individuals, an overpopulation can lead to demodicosis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Demodicosis can include redness, itching, scaling, and in severe cases, the formation of nodules on the skin. The condition can also cause changes in skin pigmentation and texture.
Related Terms
- Demodex: A genus of tiny mites that live in or near hair follicles of mammals.
- Mite: A small arthropod belonging to the class Arachnida and the subclass Acari.
- Sebaceous gland: Small oil-producing gland present in the skin of mammals.
- Hair follicle: A part of the skin, which grows a hair by packing old cells together.
Treatment
Treatment for Demodicosis often involves topical creams or ointments that kill the Demodex mites, such as permethrin or metronidazole. In severe cases, oral medications may be necessary. It's also important to maintain good skin hygiene to prevent re-infestation.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Demodicosis
- Wikipedia's article - Demodicosis
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