[ad_1]
Demodex the mites dig their face first in the pores at the bottom of the hair follicles. Here, a scanning electron micrograph of such mites protruding from a dissected hair follicle.
Photo Gallery / Getty Images More
Do not panic, but you probably have a few dozen arachnids squeaking on the tiny tufts of hair lodged in your face and gorging themselves gently on your natural oils.
OK, you can panic if you want. But there is nothing wrong with you. These tick-like arachnids are called mites (in the genus Demodexand, according to a new captivating video created by the people of KQED San Francisco, they lead a peaceful life buried in the pores of most adults' faces. (Mites are not found on babies and they are thought to be transmitted through maternal contact.)
According to an NPR article accompanying the new video, these tapered images are eight-legged, usually transparent and microscopic in size. They measure about 0.3 millimeters each. They live near the roots of the hair follicles of the faces of men and women, hidden in their pores. [10 Reasons Why Humans Are So Gross]
What is the draw of these neighborhoods at the narrow? Consider this easy access to an all-you-can-eat sebum buffet – the waxy oil that your face excretes to stay hydrated. Sebum is produced by glands located inside the pores, near the bottom of the hair follicles. Demodex The mites are looking for this fat meal ticket by digging their heads first in these pores, where they sleep the day. At night, when you sleep, they crawl to the surface of your skin to mate. That's right – there's a nighttime feast against mites on your face and you're not invited.
Because of their dietary preferences, facial mites are attracted to the fatter pores of your body, including those around the cheeks, nose and forehead. According to a study published in 1992 in the journal Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, infested follicles may contain half a dozen mites at a time, leaving much more room. Each mite can live for about two weeks. These mites represent no known threat to humans unless they accumulate huge amounts, sometimes leading to a disease called demodicosis or demodicosis. In humans, demodicosis can cause red or white reflections on the skin, and is often associated with a decreased immune system response, said Kanade Shinkai, a dermatologist at the University of California at San Francisco.
But the condition is rare, said Shinkai, and most people live in peace with their mite until they are old. Just think that in your life, your nose could be used as a family home for hundreds of generations of party-hungry arachnids dripping with fat. If the thought does not fill your pores with pride, consider one last glimmer of hope: you'll probably never have to clean up after your Demodex The guest house. As KQED points out in the video, facial mites do not have anus but store their poo in their bodies for the duration of their brief life. Now these are just good manners.
Originally published on Science live.
[ad_2]
Source link