Demodex Mite (likely Demodex folliculorum)
Scientific Name: Demodex folliculorum or Demodex brevis
Order & Family: Trombidiformes (Order), Demodicidae (Family)
Size: Microscopic; approximately 0.15 mm to 0.4 mm in length.
Natural Habitat
They live exclusively within the hair follicles and sebaceous (oil) glands of humans, most commonly found on the face (nose, cheeks, forehead, chin) and eyelashes.
Diet & Feeding
They feed on sebum (skin oils) and dead skin cells found within the follicles.
Behavior Patterns
They are typically active at night, moving across the skin surface to mate before returning to follicles to lay eggs. Their lifecycle (egg to adult) takes about 14-18 days.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless commensals present on most adults. However, an overpopulation can lead to Demodicosis, exacerbating conditions like rosacea or blepharitis (eyelid inflammation).
Identified on: 2/9/2026