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The Mites That Live and Breed on Your Face Have Anuses, Genome Study Finds
Scientists have finally unraveled the genetic secrets of humanitys coziest roommates: Demodex folliculorum, also known as the skin mite. Among other things, the findings confirm that these mites actually do have anuses, contrary to previous speculation. They also indicate that the microscopic animals may not be as potentially harmful as commonly thought and that theyre evolving into co-dependent, symbiotic creatures that might provide us some benefits to boot.
D. folliculorum is actually one of two mite species that call us home, along with Demodex brevis. Both species are arachnidsmore closely related to ticks than spidersbut D. folliculorum mites are the ones that usually reside (and mate) on our faces. These stubby worm-shaped critters live for two to three weeks, all the while embedded in our pores, clinging to our hair follicles, and primarily feeding off our sebum, the oily substance provided by our body to protect and moisturize the skin.
https://gizmodo.com/demodex-face-mites-genome-1849090328
I hope I've made your day a little happier with this news -
Solly Mack
(90,787 posts)Thank you.
I feel less alone now.
JustABozoOnThisBus
(23,365 posts)Glad to know there is some relief from the pressure.
zuul
(14,628 posts)or so I learned a few days ago on DU. Thanks, I will never sleep soundly again.
Mosby
(16,352 posts)All joking aside. It's a serious condition, I have occular rosacea and the type around the nose.
Eta:
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20120830/are-mites-causing-your-rosacea#:~:text=Research%20shows%20that%20people%20with,and%20inflammation%20of%20the%20skin.