Demodex Mite (Face Mite)

Natural Habitat

Human hair follicles and sebaceous (oil) glands, particularly on the face, forehead, cheeks, and eyelashes.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on sebum (skin oils) and dead skin cells; they are obligate parasites and cannot survive away from a host.

Behavior Patterns

They are nocturnal, emerging onto the skin surface at night to mate and then returning to follicles to lay eggs. They move at a very slow rate of about 8-16 mm per hour.

Risks & Benefits

Usually harmless (commensal). However, high populations are linked to skin conditions like rosacea, blepharitis (eyelid inflammation), and demodicosis, causing itching or redness.

Identified on: 4/18/2026