Severe demodexfolliculorum-associated oculocutaneous rosacea in a girl successfully treated with ivermectin

Abstract

Importance: There is a limited therapeutic armamentarium for recalcitrant cases of childhood rosacea.

Observations: We report the case of a 12-year-old girl who presented with severe ocular and cutaneous rosacea unresponsive to oral doxycycline, oral isotretinoin, and topical tacrolimus. A biopsy specimen showed numerous mites within the folliculosebaceous unit. Treatment with a single dose of oral ivermectin achieved resolution of her symptoms.

Conclusions and relevance: The causative role of Demodex folliculorum should be considered in immunocompetent children with rosacea or rosacea-like refractory eruptions. In such cases, treatment with ivermectin can be beneficial.