House Dust Mites (HDMs) like Dermatophagoides farinae (D. farinae), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (D. pteronyssinus) and Blomia tropicalis (B. tropicalis) were found all over the world. Their relationship with allergy diseases was one of the focal points of epidemiological investigations spanning various geographical regions globally but specifically in regions with warm temperatures. Their omnipresence underscores their pivotal role in the etiology and exacerbation of some respiratory disorders, emphasizing their significance as environmental allergens. Despite the availability of numerous eradication treatments ranging from sun exposure to ozone-based approaches, the quest for efficacious HDM eradication encounters obstacles due to the diversity in study methodologies employed to evaluate these different intervention strategies. This methodological heterogeneity complicates the quantification of treatment efficacy, impeding the establishment of definitive criteria distinguishing "effective" from "ineffective" approaches. Despite the urgency of developing solutions, current efforts are hindered by this lack of consensus. This review aims to bridge this gap by synthesizing existing knowledge on HDM eradication strategies and discussing their efficacy, safety, and practicality. By addressing these discrepancies, this article endeavors to provide insights and clues for the future development of evidence-based interventions aimed at mitigating HDM infestations and ultimately reducing its sensitization rate worldwide.
Matched MeSH terms: Mite Infestations/prevention & control
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.