Light micrograph of a human hair follicle mite (Demodex sp.). This harmless parasite infests hair follicles, mainly on the head, neck and chest. It feeds on oily secretions from the skin's sebaceous glands, as well as dead skin cells. Infestation is usually symptomless, but in some individuals, allergic reactions to the mites can cause hair loss and acne.

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Photo credit: © RICHARD USATINE MD / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: -, allergen, animal, arachnid, biological, biology, demodex, ectoparasite, fauna, follicle, hair, healthcare, human, light, lm, medicine, micrograph, microscopy, mite, nature, parasite, parasitic, parasitism, zoological, zoology