Demodex mites

About Demodex mites:

Two species of Demodex mites living on humans:

1. Demodex folliculorum:

• Live in oil gland and hair follicles

• male:0.219mm, female:0.294mm

2. Demodex brevis:

• Live in the sebaceous glands

• male:0.165mm , female:0.208mm

Symptoms- what, why?

1- Hair loss and thinning

• Mites feed off of sebum. 

• Follicles become undernourished causing hair to fall out

• If untreated population increases

2- Aging skin, enlarged pores, acne

• Multiple mites share one follicle, causes skin to stretch

• Mites eat collagen and elastic from skin

• Skin loses elasticity

• Results in wrinkles and other signs of aging

• Deceased mites and their faces decompose inside follicles

• Causing build ups and blockages (pimples/ blackheads)

• Resulting in pimples and blackheads

3- Rosacea and facial discoloration

• Mites have been shown to carry the bacteria ‘bacterium Bacillus oleronius’ which according to recent research could be a contributing factor.

• Increased mite density in skin may trigger inflammatory responses, block hair follicles or help transmit other bacteria in the skin, leading to signs and symptoms of rosacea.

4- Itching, tough skin and general discomfort.

• Demodex walks with its claws scuffing the skin, causing itching and toughened skin.