Abstract: Objective: To determine the role of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) for monitoring the density of demodex mites. Methods: The positivity rate, high number of mites (≥5 mites /cm²) and mean number of mites per 10 mm2 of demodex mites in 52 patients with rosacea were detected by extrusion method, standardized skin surface biopsy (SSSB) and RCM respectively. Results: The positivity rates of extrusion method, SSSB and RCM were 69.23%, 78.85% and 100%  and the mean number of mites per 10 mm² was 8.21±6.45, 16.22±13.12 and 410.8±203.2. Conclusion: RCM is more sensitive and simple for the detection of demodex mites in the patients with rosacea. 

Key words: reflectance confocal microscopy, standardized skin surface biopsy, extrusion method, demodex mites