Demodex Mite (Face Mite)

Natural Habitat

Found exclusively on human skin, specifically inside hair follicles and sebaceous (oil) glands in areas like the face (nose, cheeks, forehead) and eyelashes.

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

These mites are naturally occurring ectoparasites on nearly all adult humans. They live head-down in follicles, are generally active and move about on the skin surface at night to mate, and lay eggs inside the follicle.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless commensals present on most adults without causing symptoms. However, an overpopulation can lead to demodicosis, causing skin irritation, redness, and contributing to conditions like rosacea or blepharitis (eyelid inflammation). They benefit the ecosystem by consuming dead skin cells.

Identified on: 2/15/2026