What is a skin mite on the face? - briefly
«Skin mite» on the face refers to microscopic arthropods, mainly Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis, that reside in hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Overgrowth may lead to irritation, redness, and acne‑like lesions.
What is a skin mite on the face? - in detail
Skin mites that inhabit the facial region belong to the family Demodex, microscopic arthropods that reside in hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Adult specimens measure 0.2–0.4 mm, possess elongated bodies, and lack wings. Two species predominate on humans: Demodex folliculorum, which occupies the follicular canal, and Demodex brevis, which inhabits the sebaceous duct. Both feed on cellular debris, sebum, and bacteria, maintaining a symbiotic relationship with the host under normal conditions.
When population density exceeds a threshold, clinical manifestations may appear. Common signs include:
- Erythema and itching around the eyes, cheeks, and nose
- Fine scaling or dry patches
- Presence of cylindrical debris at the base of lashes (often termed “cylindrical dandruff”)
- Small, painless papules or pustules
Diagnosis relies on microscopic examination of skin scrapings or epilated hairs. A typical procedure involves placing a sample on a glass slide with a drop of mineral oil, covering with a coverslip, and observing at 100–400× magnification. Identification criteria include the characteristic “cigar‑shaped” body and the presence of four pairs of legs in the anterior region.
Management strategies focus on reducing mite numbers and controlling inflammation:
- Topical acaricidal agents such as tea‑tree oil (5 % concentration) or ivermectin cream (1 %)
- Oral ivermectin at 200 µg/kg for a short course in severe cases
- Gentle cleansing with non‑comedogenic soaps to remove excess sebum
- Avoidance of oily cosmetics that may provide additional food sources
Prognosis is favorable when treatment adheres to a regular schedule for 4–6 weeks; recurrence may occur if underlying skin conditions, such as rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis, remain untreated. Continuous monitoring of mite density helps adjust therapeutic measures and prevent relapse.