THE idea of eight-legged creatures living on our face might sound like something from a horror film.
But the microscopic critters, known as demodex mites, are very much real and are crawling all over you as you read this.
Dermatologist Dr Scott Walter, a dermatologist from Colorado, US, sheds some light on the mites
ShutterstockDemodex live in our pores on the face, eat off the sebum we produce and mate while you’re asleep[/caption]
During a video posted to Tiktok, Dr Scott Walter, a dermatologist from Colorado, US, sheds some light on the mites – and why they might not be as scary as they might first seem.
“These mites are actually distantly related to ticks and spiders,” he said.
But unlike their bug friends, demodex live in our pores on the face, eat off the sebum we produce and mate while you’re asleep.
But they don’t stop there.
After having their wicked way with one another, the creepy crawlies burrow back into your pores to lay their eggs – paving the way for the next generation of bugs.
As grim as it sounds, and while it might send a shiver down your spine, the good news is the mites are relatively harmless.
The only people who might have issues with the bugs, are those have more than their fair share living on their face.
“This can contribute to rosacea and a skin condition called demodex folliculitis,” Dr Scott said.
Demodex folliculitis occurs when the face mites multiply out of control.
This usually occurs because your immune system isn’t functioning well.
What are the 12 symptoms of demodex folliculitis?
The symptoms of demodicosis appear very suddenly, seemingly overnight.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, you may experience any of the following:
Burning sensationItchinessPustules that look like whiteheadsRednessRough feeling on your skin, like sandpaperScales, perhaps resembling eczemaSensitive skinWhite sheen on your skin or eyelashesDecreased visionEye irritation and itchinessLoss of lashesThickened or scaly eyelids Read More