Demodex mites on your face? What studies show about these facial squatters
Keep your skin healthy, and pores clean — you never know when these mites are up partying
Ever feel an itch on your face that seems to come out of nowhere — especially around your nose, eyes, or cheeks?
That tingly feeling might not be your imagination.
It could be the microscopic equivalent of a wild house party… hosted by Demodex mites.
Yes, these tiny freeloaders are crashing on your face right now.
In fact, you’re never truly alone — Demodex are always with you.
Also Read: Study links stress with allergies
Meet the party crashers: Demodex mites
There are two main species that call your face home: Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis.
These mites are microscopic (about 0.3 mm), worm-like, and make themselves comfy in your hair follicles and sebaceous (oil) glands, especially around your nose, forehead, cheeks, and eyelids.
Don't worry — they're not aliens.
They're actually pretty common.
According to a 2014 study published in Plos One, 100% of adults over 18 are likely to host at least one Demodex mite species by the time they reach their senior years.
In other words: if you have skin, you have mites.
So... are they harmful?
In small numbers, Demodex mites are pretty chill roommates.
They're considered “commensal” organisms, meaning they benefit from living on us without causing harm.
They feed on dead skin cells and oils and mostly mind their business.
However, things can get rowdy. When their population explodes—usually due to a weakened immune system, stress, or changes in skin oil production — they may start causing trouble.
Conditions caused by demodex overgrowth
Overgrowth of demodex has been linked to several skin and eye conditions, including:
Rosacea, a chronic inflammatory skin condition with redness and pimples, as per the National Rosacea Society.
Blepharitis, inflammation of the eyelids that can cause itchiness, swelling, and crusting, cites the American Academy of Ophthalmmology.
Demodicosis, a skin disorder caused specifically by mite overpopulation, according to the journal Clinical Dermatology.
Signs the mites have gone full rave mode
You probably won't feel a thing with normal numbers, but here’s what to look out for if Demodex mites have turned your face into a dancefloor:
Itching, especially at night (they’re nocturnal and most active while you sleep)
Burning or stinging sensation
Red, inflamed, or scaly skin
Eye irritation or crusting along the lash line
Enlarged pores or oily skin
Frequent acne-like breakouts, particularly on the cheeks and nose
Can you kick them out?
Experts say you can’t get rid of them entirely (and honestly, you shouldn’t — they’re part of your skin’s ecosystem), but if they’re causing issues, treatments are available.
Doctors might prescribe:
Topical treatments like tea tree oil or metronidazole
Oral medications in severe cases
Good hygiene and gentle skin care to reduce oil buildup
Love the skin (and mites) you're in
Demodex mites might sound like the ultimate uninvited guests, but for most of us, they’re quiet cohabitants.
As long as they don’t get out of control, there’s no need to panic.
Just keep your skin healthy, your pores clean, and maybe say goodnight to your little face squatters — you never know when they’re up partying.
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