Journal of Dermatitis

Abstract

Demodex Follicullorum Mimicking Fungal Infection: A Case Report

Merad Yassine, Lansari Thorraya and Adjmi-Hamoudi Haiet

Demodex is an ectoparasite of pilo-sebaceous follicle and sebaceous gland, it can mimic many other inflammatory dermatoses such as folliculitis, rosacea and perioral dermatitis-like lesions. We present a case of a patient living in rural, with reddish brown scaly spots on his neck and chest resembling tinea versicolor. Laboratory examination of skin scraping and adhesive tapes revealed Demodex follicularum mites and no fungal elements. We conclude that scotch tape preparation for microscopic examination is a simple and helpful method to reveal mites presence and rule out false fungal suspicion.