Where are mites found on humans? - briefly
Mites commonly inhabit the skin’s surface, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands, especially on the face, scalp, and torso. They also reside in ear canals and nasal passages, where conditions favor their survival.
Where are mites found on humans? - in detail
Mites inhabit several distinct sites on the human body, each associated with a particular species and ecological niche.
The most common resident mites are members of the genus Demodex.
- Demodex folliculorum occupies hair follicles, primarily on the face, cheeks, forehead, and eyelids.
- Demodex brevis resides deeper in sebaceous glands, especially around the nose, chin, and upper lip.
Both species are found in the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes, where they feed on sebum and cellular debris.
Scabies mites (Sarcoptes scabiei) burrow within the epidermis. Their preferred locations include the webs of the fingers, wrists, elbows, axillae, waistline, buttocks, and genital area. Female mites lay eggs in these tunnels, producing intense itching.
Dust mites (Dermatophagoides spp.) are not permanent human parasites but are frequently transferred to the skin surface via contaminated clothing or bedding. They are most often detected on the hands, forearms, and facial skin after contact with infested fabrics.
Other transient mites may be encountered in specific anatomical regions:
- Ear canal: Cheyletiella species can migrate from pets and temporarily colonize the external auditory canal.
- Nasal passages: occasional presence of Demodex or Sarcoptes in the anterior nasal vestibule, especially during heavy infestations.
- Genital skin: Sarcoptes burrows may extend to the inguinal folds and external genitalia.
In summary, mites are located in hair follicles, sebaceous glands, epidermal burrows, and on skin surfaces that contact contaminated environments. Their distribution correlates with the microhabitat requirements of each species.