Human Eyelash Mite

Natural Habitat

The hair follicles of human skin, specifically concentrated on the face including eyelashes, eyebrows, and nose hair.

Diet & Feeding

Dead skin cells (epithelial cells) and sebum (skin oils) produced by the sebaceous glands.

Behavior Patterns

They are nocturnal, emerging from hair follicles at night to mate on the skin surface before returning to lay eggs. Their life cycle is approximately 14 to 18 days.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless and part of the normal human skin microbiome. However, overpopulation can cause skin conditions such as blepharitis (eyelid inflammation), rosacea, or folliculitis. They do not have an anus and store waste inside their bodies until death.

Identified on: 4/4/2026