Sebum Plug (often mistaken for a parasite or insect egg)

Scientific Name: Keratin/Sebum Plug (not an organism)

Order & Family: N/A (Biological debris)

Size: Typically 1-3 mm in length

Sebum Plug (often mistaken for a parasite or insect egg)

Natural Habitat

Found on human skin, specifically in hair follicles and pores; often expressed onto tissues or surfaces.

Diet & Feeding

N/A (Non-living material composed of oil and dead skin cells)

Behavior Patterns

Accumulates in pores over time; naturally expelled or extracted. Often mistaken for mites or insect larvae due to its shape and color.

Risks & Benefits

Risk: Squeezing pores to extract these can damage skin or lead to infection. Benefit: Natural body function to protect and lubricate skin/hair, though excess can lead to acne.

Identified on: 3/5/2026