Demodex
1
9.9
- noun
- /ˈdɛmədɛks/
- Specialized
- The Demodex mites that inhabit our skin can sometimes cause irritation.
- Demodex mites
Examples
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So as night falls and we become less active, our resident Demodex mites liven up.
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A reduction of Demodex colonization has been shown to decrease levels of inflammation.
Academic text (2015) -
This pathogenic scenario implicating the bacterium rather than the Demodex mites themselves may explain the efficacy of antibacterial therapies in rosacea.
Academic text (2015) -
With age, the number of Demodex mites living in hair follicles tends to increase.
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Although generally harmless, Demodex can lead to skin issues in some mammals.
Surface Forms
Etymology
Demodex names tiny mites that live in or near the hair follicles of mammals and can sometimes cause skin irritation. A helpful way to remember it is to see demo- like 'derm' meaning 'skin' and -dex as a short ending for a small creature, so Demodex can be thought of as 'a little skin animal'.