Human Face Mite

Natural Habitat

The hair follicles (D. folliculorum) and sebaceous glands (D. brevis) on human skin, primarily around the face, nose, and eyelashes.

Diet & Feeding

They feed on sebum (skin oils) and dead skin cells produced by the skin's glands and follicles.

Behavior Patterns

They are nocturnal, emerging from follicles at night to move across the skin surface to find mates. They lay eggs inside the follicles or glands and have a life cycle of about 2–3 weeks.

Risks & Benefits

Usually harmless and part of the normal skin microbiome. However, overpopulation can cause skin conditions like rosacea, blepharitis (eyelid inflammation), or folliculitis in people with weakened immune systems.

Identified on: 6/26/2026