Persistent Facial and Chest Papular and Pustular Eruption in a Stem Cell Transplant Patient.

Abstract

Demodex folliculitis is a condition caused by inflammation of the pilosebaceous unit due to the Demodex folliculorum mite.1 The mite is a normal inhabitant of the human hair follicle and though they have been found in all areas of human skin, they predominate on the face. The face, with a high density of active sebaceous glands is a desirable home for demodex mites who feed on exfoliated epidermal cells and sebaceous gland secretions. The eruption of demodex folliculitis can mimic many common skin pathologies such as rosacea, acne vulgaris, and bacterial folliculitis.2 When demodex folliculitis occurs with immunocompromised patients, the clinical presentation can be atypical and severe.3 Herein, we report a case of severe demodex folliculitis and review of the literature.