An overpopulation of demodex mites leads to too much of a bacteria that they carry and therefore more papulopustular rosacea (pus-filled bumps, I think used to be and still is sometimes called acne-rosacea though acne is different.) So could it follow that the same bacteria particularly irritates follicles of some KP sufferers too?

from:
Rosacea.org: A site about Rosacea

"...Demodex folliculorum mites, parasites that live on or in human hair follicles, including on the face, have long been suspected of having a role in the onset or flare-up of rosacea. This mite is a normal inhabitant of human skin, but has been found to be three to four times more numerous in rosacea patients.

Our newly published study, funded by the National Rosacea Society, demonstrated for the first time that these invisible organisms may be a cause or exacerbating factor in rosacea. Published in the British Journal of Dermatology, we identified Bacillus oleronius as a bacteria associated with Demodex mites. We found that B. oleronius stimulated an immune system response in almost 80 percent of patients with papulopustular rosacea, suggesting that the bacteria rather than the mites could be responsible for the inflammation associated with the condition, a hypothesis supported by the fact that effective treatment includes antibiotics that destroy B. oleronius."

My 14 yr old daughter is so emotional about her KP, it is spreading as she matures. The derm treatments we've received the past 3 yrs are "useless." Nothing worked. It was 83 degrees today and she wore a long sleeve shirt to school AGAIN to hid her skin. This is painful for a mother to see her child becoming more and more isolated. She will not go to pool parties or do anything with others where she has to expose her skin. We are getting desperate - with summer approaching we had decided to try accupuncture or some sort of light treatment. Had 1st PUVA light last week for 5 min, noticed no change. Will do PUVA again this wk. However today, I ran across the "parasite" theory and plan to investigate this possibility. Could someone direct me to a health care provider who will follow through with this. I'm thinking the 3 derms we've seen the past 3 yrs will have no idea what I'm talking about. Thought a gastroenterologist or allergist might help? If not, will have to drive 3 hours to see an Asian Doc, who is actually a surgeon, who most certainly can pursue this "parasite" theory. Any suggestions on type of Doc to pursue would be appreciated.
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