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Living with Demodicidosis

A rare skin condition caused by Demodex mites, with redness, bumps, and burning or itchy skin.

Understanding Demodicidosis

Demodicidosis is a rare skin condition caused by an infestation of Demodex mites.

It causes varying degrees of rough, spiny skin, redness, small bumps, and pus-filled bumps, often with burning or itching. The face, including the eyelids, is most often affected. The ear canal, scalp, neck, back, chest, and other areas may also be involved.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list a symptom list. Based on its summary, features include:

  • Redness of the skin
  • Small bumps and pustules
  • Rough, spiny skin texture
  • Burning sensation
  • Itching

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
How is Demodex infestation confirmed, such as with a skin exam?
Which areas of my skin are affected?
Which dermatology or eye care follow-up do I need?

Quick facts

It is caused by an infestation of Demodex mites on the skin.

Infectious

Also known as: demodectic mange; demodex caused disease or disorder; demodex disease or disorder; demodex infectious disease; demodicosis; infestation by demodex

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · DemodicidosisGARD ID 1802 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Demodicidosis.

Explore the Demodicidosis blog

Explore research for Demodicidosis

Explore actively recruiting Demodicidosis studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Demodicidosis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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