Yes, nearly everyone has tiny mites living on their face. These mites are known as Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis. They are microscopic arachnids that inhabit human hair follicles and sebaceous glands. While the thought of having mites on your face may sound disturbing, they are actually a normal part of the skin ecosystem. Demodex mites live on the skin of most adults without causing any issues. However, in some cases, their numbers can increase dramatically, leading to skin conditions like rosacea.
What are Demodex mites?
Demodex mites are a type of arachnid related to spiders and ticks. There are over 100 species of Demodex mites, but only two live on humans:
Demodex folliculorum
These mites live in the hair follicles and openings of sebaceous glands. They are elongated in shape and around 0.3-0.4 mm long. D. folliculorum is the most common mite found on humans.
Demodex brevis
These mites live deeper in the sebaceous glands. They are shorter in length at 0.2-0.3 mm. D. brevis is rarer than D. folliculorum.
Demodex mites are transmitted between hosts in early childhood. Newborn babies acquire mites from skin-to-skin contact with their mother. By 3-5 years old, studies show that 90-100% of children have face mites.
How do Demodex mites spread?
Demodex mites spread through close personal contact and sharing items like bedding, towels, and clothing. Specific ways they can spread include:
– From mother to newborn: Mites can transfer during breastfeeding, cuddling, and other physical contact.
– Among household members: Sharing pillows, blankets, towels, and other objects allows mites to spread.
– Skin-to-skin contact: Holding hands, hugging, intimate contact.
– Crowded living conditions: Living in close quarters with others increases risk of transmission.
– Weakened immune system: Those with weaker immune function are more prone to higher mite counts.
Despite how easily they spread, Demodex mites cannot survive long away from a human host. Their lifespan averages around 14-18 days.
How common are Demodex mites?
Extremely common! Studies have found that:
| Age | Prevalence |
|---|---|
| Newborns | 36-84% have mites |
| Children (3-5 years old) | 90-100% have mites |
| Adults | 84-100% have mites |
As you can see, Demodex mites are found on the faces of most people! Having low numbers of these mites is normal and does not cause problems in healthy individuals. The mites feed on skin oils and cells shed from the hair follicle lining.
Do Demodex mites cause any symptoms?
When present in normal amounts, Demodex mites do not cause noticeable symptoms. Most people live their whole lives unaware that they have face mites!
However, in some cases, conditions enable Demodex mites to proliferate rapidly. Having over 5 mites per square centimeter of facial skin is considered high. Some symptoms that may occur include:
– Redness and flushing of facial skin
– Acne-like breakouts
– Rosacea flares
– Itching or burning skin sensations
– Scaly or crusty skin patches
– Swollen eyes (blepharitis)
Can too many Demodex mites cause rosacea?
Yes, medical studies have linked excessive growth of Demodex mites to a subtype of rosacea – known as papulopustular rosacea. Some key findings include:
– Patients with papulopustular rosacea are much more likely to have Demodex mite infestations than healthy controls.
– Standard rosacea treatments that kill mites improve rosacea symptoms.
– Mite-killing medications reduced papules and pustules in rosacea patients in clinical trials.
| Study | Key Result |
|---|---|
| Forton et al, 2005 | D. folliculorum density was 10x higher in rosacea patients vs controls |
| Baima & Sticherling 2002 | 82% of patients with papulopustular rosacea were Demodex positive |
| Li et al, 2010 | Antibiotic treatment reduced mite density and improved rosacea |
The exact link between Demodex mites and rosacea development is still being studied. Mites may trigger immune reactions, block hair follicles, or release bacteria.
How can I control Demodex mites on my face?
If you have symptoms of rosacea or think mites may be aggravating your facial skin, here are some ways to control them:
– Prescription medications: Certain anti-parasitic creams, gels, and oral medications can kill mites. Common prescription treatments include ivermectin, moxidectin, metronidazole, and permethrin. Ask your dermatologist what options may work for you.
– Tea tree oil: Diluted tea tree oil can reduce Demodex mites when applied to the face daily. It has antimicrobial and anti-parasitic properties.
– Face washing: Thoroughly washing the face twice a day with a gentle cleanser can wash away oils and skin cells mites feed on.
– Exfoliation: Gently exfoliating skin cells may disturb the mite habitat. But take care not to scrub inflamed skin.
– Avoid sharing: Don’t share pillows, towels, bedding with others. Wash bedding weekly in hot water.
Conclusion
In summary, nearly all adults have Demodex folliculorum or Demodex brevis mites living on their facial skin. These mites are a normal part of the skin ecosystem. But in some people, their numbers can increase substantially, potentially triggering or worsening rosacea. If you suspect mites may be behind your facial skin issues, see a dermatologist for treatment options. With prescription medications and proper hygiene, Demodex mites can be reduced to normal levels.