Direct examination of eyelash : many adults and one egg of Demodex sp. (phase contrast x100)

France, Pihet Marc

The Demodex mite is and eight-legged ectoparasite with a worm aspect. Its abdomen is stripped and its legs are grouped at the anterior end of his body. It measures 400 µm in length and 40 µm in diameter. Its eggs have a typical morphology, with a pointed end. It usually lives as a commensal in hair follicles and sebaceous glands, but it can sometimes be responsible for blepharitis or rosacea. Only Demodex folliculorum and D. brevis are found on humans.