Where do Demodex mites parasitize? - briefly
Demodex mites inhabit human skin, primarily residing in hair follicles and associated sebaceous glands, especially on the face, eyelids, and scalp. They also occur on other body regions with abundant follicles, such as the chest and back.
Where do Demodex mites parasitize? - in detail
Demodex mites inhabit the pilosebaceous system of humans. Adult Demodex folliculorum resides within hair follicles, occupying the infundibular portion of the follicle and feeding on epithelial cells and sebum. Demodex brevis penetrates deeper into the associated sebaceous glands, particularly the Meibomian glands of the eyelids, where it consumes glandular secretions.
Typical colonization sites include:
- Facial skin: forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin, where dense hair follicles provide abundant habitat.
- Eyelids: lash follicles and Meibomian glands, contributing to ocular irritation and blepharitis.
- Scalp: hair follicles of the crown and occipital region, especially in individuals with seborrheic conditions.
- Eyebrows and eyelashes: follicular openings near the orbital rim.
Less common locations comprise the genital area and other body regions with prominent sebaceous activity, though prevalence remains low. Infestation density varies with age, hormonal status, and skin health; higher counts are observed in adults and individuals with compromised immunity or dermatological disorders.
The parasitic relationship is confined to the external integumentary structures; Demodex species do not invade deeper dermal layers or systemic tissues. Their life cycle, completed within the follicular environment, consists of egg, larva, nymph, and adult stages, each confined to the same anatomical niche.
Understanding these precise anatomical preferences informs clinical assessment of Demodex‑related conditions and guides targeted therapeutic interventions.