Objective: Demodicosis is a worldwide disease that is caused by Demodex mites. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the prevalence of Demodex species in healthy individuals and the factors that may affect it.

Method: Ninety-two students of the Medical Laboratory Techniques Program in Erciyes University Halil Bayraktar Vocational School participated in the study. A questionnaire consisting of 22 questions was applied to the students. Then, samples were collected by two different methods (cellophane tape method and standard superficial skin biopsy) from four different areas (right and left cheek, forehead and chin) on the face. Samples were then examined under a light microscope at x100 and x400 magnifications.

Results: Demodex folliculorum was identified in 33 of 92 (35.9%) students by standard superficial skin biopsy, while Demodex brevis was not encountered. In 10 (30.3%) students positivity was determined by cellophane band method. Parasites were detected in one (48.5%), two (42.4T%), three (6.1%) and four (3%) different facial areas. A statistically significant decrease in parasite positivity rates was detected in users of facial cleansing products (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The prevalence of D. folliculorum was found 35.9% among students who participated in medical laboratory techniques program. This study showed that the cellophane tape method has lower sensitivity than standard superficial skin biopsy method in the diagnosis of Demodex, and the use of facial cleansing products reduced the frequency of the parasites.