The Hidden Culprit Unraveled by Dermoscopy: A Rare Case of Pediatric Facial Demodicosis

We report a rare case of pediatric facial and ocular demodicosis in an immunocompetent seven-year-old with chronic centrofacial papulopustular lesions and recurrent blepharitis misdiagnosed over several years. Dermoscopic examination revealed a high-density Demodex infestation on facial skin and eyelashes, leading to a definitive diagnosis. A combined treatment approach using topical and systemic metronidazole, along with targeted ocular therapy, achieved complete remission. This case highlights the diagnostic power of dermoscopy and underscores the importance of considering demodicosis in children with refractory facial and ocular involvement.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2026-02-14
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.103581
Primary Topic
Acne and Rosacea Treatments and Effects
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

The Hidden Culprit Unraveled by Dermoscopy: A Rare Case of Pediatric Facial Demodicosis

Sara Elloudi, Meryem Soughi, Fatima Zahra Mernissi, Chaimae Bouhamdi et al.
Cureus
Acne and Rosacea Treatments and Effects
article

The Hidden Culprit Unraveled by Dermoscopy: A Rare Case of Pediatric Facial Demodicosis

Sara Elloudi, Meryem Soughi, Fatima Zahra Mernissi, Chaimae Bouhamdi, Hanane Baybay
article en

Abstract

We report a rare case of pediatric facial and ocular demodicosis in an immunocompetent seven-year-old with chronic centrofacial papulopustular lesions and recurrent blepharitis misdiagnosed over several years. Dermoscopic examination revealed a high-density Demodex infestation on facial skin and eyelashes, leading to a definitive diagnosis. A combined treatment approach using topical and systemic metronidazole, along with targeted ocular therapy, achieved complete remission. This case highlights the diagnostic power of dermoscopy and underscores the importance of considering demodicosis in children with refractory facial and ocular involvement.

CureusVol. 18(2)
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Hassan II (MA)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 54%
Acne and Rosacea Treatments and Effects
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