What is Demodex?

What is Demodex?

Demodex is a genus of microscopic mites that live in human hair follicles. The tiny creatures are arachnids, cousins of spiders and ticks.

Almost everyone has Demodex mites living on their skin and in their pores, particularly their:

• Cheeks.
• Eyelashes.
• Forehead.
• Outside of ear canals.
• Sides of the nose.

Usually, the mites don’t cause any harm. But too many can cause a skin condition called demodicosis (also called Demodex folliculitis).