← Back to guidelines
Dermatology7 papers

Demodex folliculitis

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Demodex folliculitis is a skin condition characterized by inflammation of hair follicles caused by Demodex mites, often presenting as monomorphic papules and pustules, frequently mistaken for acne or other folliculitis types 1.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical Presentation: Monomorphic 1- to 2-mm papules and pustules, commonly on the forehead, hairline, and upper back 1.
  • Diagnostic Tests: Potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation to confirm Demodex mites 1.
  • Grading System: No standardized grading system mentioned in the reviewed literature 1.
  • Management

  • First-Line Treatment: Ketoconazole shampoo for topical application 1.
  • Adjunctive Treatments: Oral azole antifungals for cases not responding to topical therapy 1.
  • Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: Not specifically addressed in the provided abstracts 1.
  • Comorbidities: No specific guidance provided for patients with comorbidities 1.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Confirm diagnosis using potassium hydroxide preparation to identify Demodex mites (Evidence: Moderate 1).
  • Initiate treatment with ketoconazole shampoo for most patients (Evidence: Moderate 1).
  • Consider oral azole antifungals for patients who do not respond to topical therapy (Evidence: Weak 1).
  • References

    1 Prindaville B, Belazarian L, Levin NA, Wiss K. Pityrosporum folliculitis: A retrospective review of 110 cases. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2018. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Pityrosporum folliculitis: A retrospective review of 110 cases.Prindaville B, Belazarian L, Levin NA, Wiss K Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2018)

    HemoChat

    by SPINAI

    Evidence-based clinical decision support powered by SNOMED-CT, Neo4j GraphRAG, and NASS/AO/NICE guidelines.

    ⚕ For clinical reference only. Not a substitute for professional judgment.

    © 2026 HemoChat. All rights reserved.
    Research·Pricing·Privacy & Terms·Refund·SNOMED-CT · NASS · AO Spine · NICE · GraphRAG