Demodex Mite (Face Mite)

Natural Habitat

They live exclusively on mammalian skin, specifically within hair follicles (D. folliculorum) or sebaceous glands (D. brevis), most commonly found on the human face (cheeks, nose, forehead, eyelashes).

Diet & Feeding

They feed on dead skin cells, sebum (oil naturally produced by facial skin), and hormones found within the hair follicles.

Behavior Patterns

These mites are nocturnal, emerging from hair follicles at night to mate on the skin's surface before retreating back into the follicles to lay eggs. Their 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, exacerbating conditions like rosacea, blepharitis (eyelid inflammation), or causing itching and skin irritation.

Identified on: 2/27/2026