Demodex Mite (Face Mite)

Natural Habitat

They live exclusively on mammals. In humans, they reside inside hair follicles and sebaceous glands, particularly on the face (nose, forehead, cheeks, chin) and in the eyelashes.

Diet & Feeding

They feed on sebum (skin oils) and dead skin cells found within the hair follicles.

Behavior Patterns

These mites are nocturnal, surfacing on the skin at night to mate before returning to the follicles to lay eggs. Their lifecycle is short, usually lasting about two to three weeks.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless commensals found on almost all adults. Overpopulation can lead to demodicosis, causing skin irritation, itching, or exacerbating conditions like rosacea and blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids).

Identified on: 2/28/2026