Investigation of the Detection Frequency of Demodex spp. in Marmara University Faculty of Medicine Students According to Mask Use and Personal Hygiene Habits During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the existence of studies evaluating the effect of personal hygiene habits on Demodex mites, which are permanent ectoparasites of humans, there is a paucity of research examining the effect of mask use on the prevalence of Demodex mites during the period of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The present study set out to investigate the impact of mask use during the pandemic and personal hygiene habits on the prevalence of Demodex spp. METHODS: Standardized skin surface biopsy were obtained from Marmara University Faculty of Medicine students' foreheads and cheeks during the pandemic. Two areas were sampled: foreheads and cheeks. A quantity of immersion oil (ranging from one to two drops) was deposited on the sampled slide area. The slide was covered with a coverslip, then a microscope was invetigated (x4, x10 and x40). Infestation was indicated by the presence of five or more Demodex per cm2. Volunteers were asked to complete a questionnaire about their personal hygiene habits. SPSS v.16.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) software was used to analyse the results. RESULTS: A total of 104 volunteers, comprising 43 women and 61 men, participated in the study. Demodex spp. was detected in 49.0% (n=51) of the participants, 51.2% (n=22) of women and 47.5% (n=29) of men. Demodex spp. were identified in 46.2% (n=48) of the samples obtained from the cheek and 13.5% (n=14) of the samples obtained from the forehead. It was determined that all participants with mites were using masks. The detection frequency exhibited an upward trend in proportion to the duration of mask change. Demodex spp. was identified in 52.8% of subjects with a documented history of acne, and a significant correlation was observed between the frequency of facial cleansing and the presence of Demodex spp. (p=0.036). CONCLUSION: The research indicates that the increase in Demodex spp. in the cheeks of individuals using medical masks during the pandemic is attributable.