Ailments & Conditions

What are Demodex Mites?

Causes and Common Symptoms of Demodex Mites

Demodex mites tend to be a normal part of our healthy skin. They can help with the removal of waste and dead skin cells. However, when these organisms multiply and grow too quickly, problems might happen. Some individuals can be more prone to this overgrowth. Others might catch Demodex mites from close contacts. It is important to know that mites can be contagious, meaning they can be passed between individuals through close contact. Touching faces like kissing is a common way of passing these mites. [3]

Typical symptoms of Demodex mites often appear quickly or even overnight. Most people may notice an area of small whiteheads that look like acne around your nose or eyes. Other common signs of Demodex mites include acne-like eruptions, white or red pustules, irritation, redness, scaly or itchy skin, dryness, burrow marks or lines on the face, and sores due to scratching. [4]