Demodex and Chronic Skin Conditions in Antalya, Assessed by an Associate Professor of Dermatology
Persistent facial redness, a burning sensation, recurring bumps and itching around the eyes usually point to a chronic picture that needs an accurate diagnosis and regular follow-up rather than one more cream. At her clinic in Muratpaşa, Antalya, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hüray Hügül approaches chronic skin conditions such as demodex and rosacea through dermatological examination, a personalised treatment plan and periodic review.
Persistent Facial Redness and Burning: Rosacea or Demodex?
Findings That Point Towards Rosacea
Lasting redness on the cheeks, nose and chin, flushing episodes triggered by hot or spicy food and warm environments, visible dilated capillaries, and skin that reacts more strongly to products than before.
Findings That Suggest a High Demodex Density
Itching as the leading complaint, recurring bumps that resemble acne but behave differently, fine scaling of the skin, dandruff-like flakes at the lash line and redness of the eyelid margin.
The two pictures often occur together and their treatment approaches differ. That is why the starting point is not trying another product, but having a physician make the differential diagnosis. Related pages: rosacea laser treatment and what is rosacea.
Why Does Demodex Increase on the Skin and How Is It Diagnosed?
Demodex is a microscopic mite that also lives in limited numbers in healthy hair follicles. The problem is not its presence but the loss of balance: changes in immune response, long-term use of topical steroids, heavy occlusive cosmetics, frequent aggressive cleansing habits and a weakened skin barrier can all allow the number of mites to rise.
During the examination, the duration of the complaint, triggers, previously used products and medicines and any eye findings are assessed together. Where needed, dermoscopic examination and superficial sampling for microscopic evaluation are performed. The treatment plan is then built individually around the findings, the sensitivity of the skin and any accompanying conditions.
Clinical Treatment Protocol: From Examination to Follow-Up
1. Detailed dermatological examination and skin analysis
The duration of the complaint, triggers, the products in use and accompanying eye findings are reviewed. Where indicated, dermoscopic examination and microscopic sampling are used to assess demodex density.
2. Personalised medical and topical treatment plan
Depending on the diagnosis, topical and where necessary systemic treatment options are planned. Products that damage the skin barrier are removed and the care routine is simplified.
3. In-clinic applications (laser and light systems)
For persistent redness and dilated capillaries, laser or light systems suited to the patient's skin type are considered as support for medical treatment.
4. Periodic follow-up and skin barrier support
Chronic conditions are reviewed at regular intervals to keep them under control; flare-up triggers and protective skincare are reassessed together.
Could your skin be showing rosacea or demodex?
Review your symptoms with four short questions. This is not a diagnostic tool; it only gives you an idea of whether a dermatological examination would help.
Do you have persistent redness, burning or a flushing sensation on your face, especially on the cheeks, nose or chin?
Scientific Publications and Clinical Approach
The medical and aesthetic procedures carried out at the clinic are part of a practice that runs alongside academic work and publishing. The studies below are selected from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hüray Hügül's articles published in international peer-reviewed journals and indexed on PubMed; you can open each source directly.
Variation of the Thread Thickness After Thread Lifting: An Ultrasonographic Evaluation
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology · 2025
View publication (PubMed)Treatment Indications of Carbon Solution-Assisted Nd:YAG Laser According to Patient Satisfaction: A Retrospective Study
Dermatology Practical & Conceptual · 2023
View publication (PubMed)Thread lifting: Does patient satisfaction change according to age, type of threads used, number of threads used?
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology · 2022
View publication (PubMed)A retrospective analysis of the uses of BoNT-A in daily dermatological practice
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology · 2022
View publication (PubMed)Focused radiofrequency and ultrasound for face and neck rejuvenation: A retrospective evaluation of 158 patients
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology · 2022
View publication (PubMed)Efficacy of focused radiofrequency with ultrasound in body contouring: A study of 64 patients
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology · 2021
View publication (PubMed)
In chronic skin conditions the barrier is already fragile, which is why aesthetic procedures are also planned with anatomical knowledge and measurable follow-up. The 2025 study evaluating tissue change after thread lifting with ultrasonography is one example of the standard applied to procedures at the clinic. The full academic background is available on the about page.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is demodex and why does it increase on the skin?
- Demodex is a microscopic follicle mite that can also be found in small numbers on healthy skin. Its number can rise when the immune balance changes, after long-term use of steroid creams, with heavy occlusive cosmetics or when the skin barrier is impaired, and it may then contribute to redness, bumps and itching.
- How is demodex diagnosed?
- The diagnosis is primarily made by dermatological examination. The appearance of the skin, the distribution of the bumps and eyelid findings are assessed; where needed, dermoscopic examination or superficial sampling for microscopic evaluation is added.
- Is the redness on my face rosacea or demodex?
- The two conditions cause very similar symptoms and frequently occur together. Persistent redness, flushing and dilated capillaries point towards rosacea, while itching, flaking at the lash line and recurring bumps point towards a high demodex density. Only a physician's examination can tell them apart.
- Can the dryness and stinging in my eyes be related?
- Yes. Demodex can also settle at the lash line, causing dryness, stinging, flaking and redness of the eyelid margin. When these findings are present, eyelid care is included in the treatment plan and an ophthalmologist is involved where necessary.
- How long does treatment take?
- Demodex and rosacea are chronic conditions; protective skincare and regular review remain necessary even after the symptoms are under control. The duration varies from person to person according to the severity of the complaint and how the skin responds.
- How can I book an examination in Antalya?
- You can write to us on WhatsApp or reach the clinic on the phone numbers listed on the contact page. Clinic address: Yeşilbahçe, 1470. Sk. Kadam 1 İşmerkezi No:8 Daire:1, 07230 Muratpaşa/Antalya.
The information on this page is for general guidance; diagnosis and treatment require a physician's examination.