DEMODEX (ACARI: DEMODICIDAE) INFESTATION IN THE ELDERLY AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SKIN PARAMETERS SUCH AS MOISTURE, PH, AND TEMPERATURE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Introduction: The elderly population is growing both worldwide and in Turkey. Thus, the importance of studies on elderly individuals is increasing. The present study was conducted to evaluate Demodex infestation and its relationship with the skin parameters such as moisture, pH, and temperature in elderly individuals living in nursing homes. Materials and Method: The study included 91 elderly individuals who were residents of Erzincan 100th Anniversary Ataturk Nursing Home. Skin moisture, pH, and temperature were measured, and skin samples were collected from the cheek, nasolabial area, and chin using the standard superficial skin biopsy method, and the specimens were examined by light microscopy. Results: Overall, Demodex mites (mean 31.1/cm2) were detected in 85.7% elderly individuals; 84.6% had D. folliculorum (mean 29.3/cm2) and 45.1% had D. brevis (mean 4.3/cm2) infestation. The infestations were mostly found in the cheek (mean 21.2/cm2), followed by the nasolabial area (mean 9.4/cm2) and the chin (mean 7.4/cm2). The difference between facial areas and Demodex infestation was statistically significant (p<0.001). Demodex infestation was higher in those with a dry skin, with a skin pH of 5.6-7.0 and with an elevated skin temperature. The relationship between the density of Demodex and skin moisture was statistically significant (p=0.035), whereas the relationship with skin pH and temperature was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Elderly individuals which having dry skin, elevated skin temperature, and high skin pH have been more infested with Demodex mites. It may be helpful to consider this finding in clinical assessment of skin lesions and dermatoses in geriatric patients.