Demodex Mite (likely Demodex folliculorum)
Demodex spp.
- Order & Family
- Order: Trombidiformes; Family: Demodicidae
- Size
- Microscopic; typically 0.15 mm to 0.4 mm in length.
Natural Habitat
Found exclusively on mammals; in humans, they live inside hair follicles and sebaceous glands, particularly on the face (nose, cheeks, forehead, chin) and around the eyelashes.
Diet & Feeding
They feed on sebum (skin oils) produced by sebaceous glands and dead skin cells found within the follicles.
Behavior Patterns
These mites are naturally occurring commensals on human skin. They are nocturnal, emerging onto the skin surface at night to mate before crawling back into follicles. Their entire life cycle (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 skin conditions like rosacea or blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), causing itching, redness, and irritation.