Demodex Mite (Face Mite)

Natural Habitat

They live exclusively on mammalian skin, most notably in the pilosebaceous units (hair follicles and oil glands) of the face, particularly near the nose, eyelashes, and eyebrows.

Diet & Feeding

They feed on sebum (skin oils) and dead skin cells accumulated inside hair follicles.

Behavior Patterns

These mites are nocturnal, often emerging on the skin's surface at night to mate before crawling back into follicles to lay eggs. Their entire life cycle is approximately 14-18 days.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless commensals found on almost all adult humans. However, an overpopulation can lead to 'demodicosis' or exacerbate skin conditions like rosacea and blepharitis (eyelid inflammation).

Identified on: 2/12/2026