Demodex brevis is a microscopic mite that lives in the oil glands of human hair follicles. It’s typically found on the face but can also live on other parts of the body.
Demodex brevis is a type of mite that can be found on humans. It’s so small you can’t see it with the naked eye. The average size of this mite is only 0.15 to 0.2 millimeters long.
Demodex brevis is one of two types of mites that live on humans. The other is called Demodex folliculorum. Demodex folliculorum mites tend to stay on the face, while Demodex brevis mites can be found on the face and other parts of the body, such as the neck and chest.
The primary difference between the two is that Demodex folliculorum feeds on skin cells while Demodexbrevis feeds on sebum, a natural oily substance found in oil glands.
Demodex mites only cause noticeable reactions or problems in people if they exist in large quantities.
This article takes a closer look at Demodex brevis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
The symptoms of Demodex brevis usually only surface in cases of large infestations. In these cases, symptoms might include:
- red skin
- rough or tough skin
- scaly or patchy skin
The symptoms of Demodex brevis are similar to those of Demodex folliculorum. The key difference is location.
While Demodex folliculorum tends to stay on the face, Demodex brevis can be distributed all over the body. The chest and neck are common areas of Demodex brevis infestation, so you might notice more symptoms there if you have an infestation.
A Demodex brevis is tiny, so you won’t be able to see it with your naked eye. The picture below is a photographic enlargement of a Demodex brevis.
Once in the skin, Demodex brevis feeds off sebum in the oil glands. These glands are attached to hair follicles underneath the skin’s surface.
Infestations of Demodex brevis aren’t common in young children, but their numbers naturally grow as children age.
Mites are transmitted between humans through contact with someone else who has them.
Certain preexisting conditions, such as inflammatory disorders and infections, can increase the risk of a Demodex brevis infestation. These conditions include:
- acne
- atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- hair loss
- infections, including HIV
- rosacea
- a weakened immune system
Oily skin can also lead to a Demodex brevis infestation because the mites feed off the oils under hair follicles.
In addition, the prevalence of both kinds of Demodex mites can increase with the age of their host. A
There’s conflicting data on whether Demodex mites are more common in males or females. However, a
Demodex mites are so small you won’t know you have them unless you undergo testing at a doctor’s office. In fact, appointments for Demodex brevis diagnoses are rare because most people don’t even know they have them.
People often discover they have Demodex mites when they undergo further testing for other skin conditions.
To diagnose Demodex brevis, a doctor first conducts a biopsy. This consists of a small tissue sample scraped from your skin.
Your doctor then looks at the sample under a microscope to see whether any mites are present. They may also look for any other signs of skin disease that could be causing symptoms.
Demodex brevis usually doesn’t cause complications. However, extremely large numbers of the mites can lead to a condition called demodicosis.
This condition occurs more commonly with Demodex folliculorum. It involves red burning patches on the skin with very small follicular papules (small raised bumps).
Demodex brevis and Demodex folliculorum may sometimes worsen existing skin conditions, such as eczema.
Here is a picture of demodicosis on the face:
In most cases, Demodex brevis isn’t severe enough to warrant significant medical treatment. You can typically treat it at home.
Personal care is one of the main ways you can get rid of the mites and prevent widespread infestations. Here are some recommended hygiene tips:
- Bathe daily to help remove excess oil that Demodex brevis feeds on.
- Take a shower immediately after working out.
- Use non-greasy lotions and sunscreen.
- Exfoliate your skin every couple of days to get rid of dead skin cells, as oils can become trapped under dead skin.
With these personal care steps, you may keep the mites at bay and avoid any further issues.
Clinical treatments for severe cases of Demodex brevis
Clinical treatments for Demodex brevis are usually only necessary for widespread infestations or in cases of noticeable and uncomfortable symptoms.
Your doctor may prescribe oral or topical medications to kill the mites. These medications kill the mites by removing the excess oils they feed on and the dead skin cells they can hide under. They can also kill Demodex brevis eggs.
Your doctor may recommend creams and lotions
- salicylic acid
- benzyl benzoate
- selenium sulfide
- sulfur
Your doctor may also prescribe these medications:
- crotamiton (Eurax)
- metronidazole (Flagyl)
- permethrin (Elimite)
If your doctor thinks a preexisting condition is causing Demodex brevis to flourish, they will also help you manage the underlying causes.
For example, antibiotics or antivirals may be used to treat infections. Topical products may also be needed for eczema and rosacea.
Can you feel Demodex brevis mites crawling on your skin?
You may feel a crawling sensation on your skin if you have a large and active infestation of Demodex mites.
Is the eye condition blepharitis associated with Demodex brevis?
Yes, large numbers of Demodex brevis (or Demodex folliculorum) can lead to blepharitis.
Demodex mites can live in the folds and along the edges of our eyelids. They remain hidden in the hair follicles during the day and come out at night to eat and lay eggs. The mites are a normal part of our body’s microbiome. They help clean dead skin cells and excess oils.
However, under certain circumstances, like if you have a blocked oil gland, their numbers can grow. This can lead to eye and skin problems. One such problem is an inflammation of the eyelids called blepharitis. Symptoms include:
- red or dry eyes
- sticky eyelashes, crustiness on the outer edge of the eyelid, or both
- itching, burning, or stinging
- a feeling of grittiness in the eyes
A doctor can determine whether you have blepharitis and, if so, recommend how to treat it.
Overall, Demodex brevis isn’t as common as Demodex folliculorum. It doesn’t normally cause significant issues. You might have the mites and not even realize it.
Personal hygiene can help keep Demodex mites at bay and promote overall skin health. However, larger amounts of Demodex brevis can cause symptoms and warrant medical treatment.
Demodex brevis infestations are generally simple to treat.