Demodex and Scabies Diseases Discussed at CIU
The third conference organized within the scope of the CIU-MEDx Sustainable Health Seminars by the Faculty of Medicine at Cyprus International University was held as an important academic event focusing on the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of dermatological diseases. The conference was presented by Asst. Prof. Dr. Zehra Edebal.
During the conference, Asst. Prof. Dr. Edebal discussed Demodex and Scabies, two commonly encountered diseases that can often be confused with other dermatological disorders during the diagnostic process. She explained that Demodex is an organism normally found on human skin, but it can multiply and cause disease when the immune system is weakened. She also pointed out that skin problems caused by Demodex may resemble conditions such as acne and rosacea.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Edebal emphasized that the mere presence of Demodex is not sufficient for diagnosis; rather, it must be present above a certain density threshold to confirm the condition. She provided a detailed explanation of the role of diagnostic methods such as dermoscopy, skin scraping, and biopsy in the diagnostic process.
In the second part of the conference, Dr. Edebal focused on Scabies. She explained that the causative agent of the disease, Sarcoptes scabiei, progresses by creating tunnels beneath the skin and is particularly characterized by severe itching. She also highlighted the importance of histopathological examinations, when necessary, alongside clinical findings in making a diagnosis.
Dr. Edebal further provided information about crusted scabies (Norwegian scabies), which occurs in immunocompromised individuals. She noted that in this form, the parasite load increases significantly, leading to pronounced skin thickening (hyperkeratosis).
In her evaluation of the topic, Dr. Edebal stated that differential diagnosis plays a critical role in the accurate diagnosis of dermatological diseases, saying: “The fact that common parasitic skin diseases such as demodicosis and scabies can present with similar clinical features necessitates a detailed evaluation in order to achieve the correct treatment.”
As part of the conference, Asst. Prof. Dr. Edebal comparatively addressed the clinical features, diagnostic methods, and differential diagnosis criteria of both diseases, offering participants a comprehensive academic perspective.
These events organized within the framework of the CIU-MEDx Sustainable Health Seminars are considered to contribute not only to the sharing of up-to-date knowledge in the field of health, but also significantly to the scientific development of students and academics.