Overview
Demodicidosis (also called demodicosis or Demodex infestation) is a skin condition caused by tiny mites called Demodex that live in or near hair follicles and oil glands on the skin. These mites are actually a normal part of the skin's ecosystem for most people, but in some individuals they multiply in unusually large numbers and cause problems. There are two main species involved: Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis. When the mite population gets out of control, it can trigger inflammation, redness, itching, and skin changes — most often on the face, scalp, and eyelids. The condition can affect the skin (causing redness, scaling, and acne-like bumps) or the eyes (causing irritation, crusty eyelids, and blurry vision — a form called Demodex blepharitis). People with weakened immune systems, certain skin conditions like rosacea, or those using long-term steroid creams are at higher risk of developing symptomatic demodicidosis. Treatment usually involves topical medications that reduce the mite population, such as permethrin, ivermectin, or metronidazole creams. For eye involvement, lid hygiene and specific eyelid treatments are used. The condition is generally manageable, though it can recur. Most people respond well to treatment, especially when the underlying cause (like immune suppression) is also addressed.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Redness and flushing of the faceItching or burning sensation on the skinRough or scaly skin textureAcne-like pimples or pustulesEnlarged poresSkin that looks dull or grayish in severe casesCrusty or sticky eyelids in the morningRed, irritated, or watery eyesFeeling of something in the eyeLoss of eyelashes in severe casesHair loss on the scalp or eyebrows in some casesWorsening of existing rosacea symptoms
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
FDA & Trial Timeline
1 eventTarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — PHASE2
Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Demodicidosis.
1 clinical trialare actively recruiting — trials can provide access to cutting-edge therapies.
View clinical trials →Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Demodicidosis.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How do you know for certain that Demodex mites are causing my symptoms, and what tests confirm this?,Which treatment do you recommend for me, and how long will I need to use it?,Is there an underlying condition — like a weakened immune system — that may be making this worse?,How do I properly clean my eyelids if my eyes are affected, and how often should I do this?,What can I do to prevent the condition from coming back after treatment?,Are there any skin products, cosmetics, or medications I should avoid?,When should I come back for a follow-up, and what signs should prompt me to call sooner?
Common questions about Demodicidosis
What is Demodicidosis?
Demodicidosis (also called demodicosis or Demodex infestation) is a skin condition caused by tiny mites called Demodex that live in or near hair follicles and oil glands on the skin. These mites are actually a normal part of the skin's ecosystem for most people, but in some individuals they multiply in unusually large numbers and cause problems. There are two main species involved: Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis. When the mite population gets out of control, it can trigger inflammation, redness, itching, and skin changes — most often on the face, scalp, and eyelids. The condition can
How is Demodicidosis inherited?
Demodicidosis follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
Are there clinical trials for Demodicidosis?
Yes — 1 recruiting clinical trial is currently listed for Demodicidosis on UniteRare. See the clinical trials section on this page for phase, sponsor, and site details sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.
Which specialists treat Demodicidosis?
5 specialists and care centers treating Demodicidosis are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.