Asian J Beauty Cosmetol. 2011; 9: 0.

Scalp Demodex alopecia have a decisive effect

This study is to investigate the affect of demodex on alopecia progress by examining the scalp demodex infection rate and its level through fixed quantity demodex examination method of alopecia subjects. Subjects of this study is total of 98 persons (47 male, 51 Female), who visited H Hair Loss (Alopecia)center that is located in Seoul Gangnam area for hair loss treatment due to alopecia symptoms between Jan.2009 to Dec.2009. Gender ratio of the subjects were similar, 48% male and 52.0% female, but showing female is slightly higher than the male, meaning that female is more actively participated in hair loss treatment when the alopecia occurs. Investigation method of demodex infection rate and level is classification scheme based on appearance of the subjects. That is, classifying the subjects into 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th by utilizing NDM classification system. Hair cycle examination through Phototrichogram was used to classify the alopecia into three stages; telogen hair ratio 15%~30% into Normal alopecia, 30%~45% into Major alopecia, and over 45% into Severe alopecia categories. For demodex examination, sebum extraction was conducted and demodex infection rate and level were examined by utilizing 0.5mm3 olfactory hair fixed quantity meter. The result showed that the demodex infection rate was 63.3%. Alopecia according to appearance classification was total 63.3%, 48% for 1st stage, 67% for 2nd, 71% for 3rd and 78% for 4th. More significant increase in infection rate was found on 2nd, 3rd, and 4t hthan the first stage. Also, demodex infection rate based on hair cycle by its classification showed that, Normal 44.9%, Major 80%, and Severe 88.9%. Significantly high infection rate was found in Major and Severe group compare to the Normal group. Demodex Infection level of 62 demodex infectee based on appearance classification scheme was total average of 7.7 per person, 6 per person for 1st stage, 6.4 per person for 2nd stage, 10 per per son for 3rd stage, and 12.1 per person for 4th stage. Infection level showed significant increase in 3rd and 4th stages compared to 1st and 2nd stages. Also, demodex infection level based on hair cycle by its classification was total average of 7.7 per person, 4.6 per person in Normal, 9.1 per person in Major, and 10.4 per person in Severe group. Significantly higher infection level was found in Major and Severe group compare to the Normal group. As a result, it is a demodex infection that acts as the direct cause of the alopecia progress. The result obtained through this study is that the elimination of demodex is very important for further prophylaxis and treatment of alopecia, and study on effective elimination of demodex in the scalp is necessary.

Keywords : Alopecia, Scalp clinic, Demodex, Hair cycle examination, phototrichogram