Face mite (or Eyelash mite)
Scientific Name: Demodex folliculorum or Demodex brevis
Order & Family: Order: Trombidiformes; Family: Demodicidae
Size: 0.15 mm to 0.4 mm in length (microscopic and generally invisible to the naked eye).
Natural Habitat
Human skin, specifically residing in or near hair follicles and sebaceous (oil) glands on the face, eyelashes, and eyebrows.
Diet & Feeding
They feed on sebum (skin oils) and dead skin cells.
Behavior Patterns
They are nocturnal, emerging from follicles at night to move across the skin surface and mate. They lay eggs inside the follicles or glands. They are permanent ectoparasites of humans.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless (commensal) and part of the normal skin microbiome. However, overgrowth (demodicosis) can lead to skin irritation, itching, or conditions like blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) and may be linked to rosacea.
Identified on: 4/6/2026