What should you know about demodectic rosacea?

Demodex mites are microscopic organisms that can live around hair follicles and oil glands. When the skin reacts strongly, a person may notice persistent facial redness, roughness, sensitivity, burning, or small pimple-like bumps. These features can overlap with ordinary rosacea, acne, irritation, or another dermatitis, so seeing mites on the skin does not by itself prove they are causing symptoms.

Rosacea commonly presents with facial redness and may include burning, sensitivity, visible vessels, or inflammatory bumps. The pattern, duration, eye symptoms, products used, and examination findings help a clinician decide what is most likely contributing.

Use a gentle cleanser, lukewarm water, and a fragrance-free moisturiser. Avoid scrubs, harsh acids, picking, and new products while the skin is reactive. Keep a note of flushing triggers and whether symptoms affect the eyes or eyelids.

A dermatologist can examine the skin and, when appropriate, recommend prescription treatment aimed at inflammation or mite overgrowth. Treatment choices depend on the pattern rather than on a home test. Rosacea care may include [Azelaic Acid Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/azelaic-acid-therapy/); persistent redness can be discussed separately from active bumps, with options such as [IPL Photofacial](/treatments/laser-and-energy/ipl-photofacial/) or [Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/pulsed-dye-laser-treatment/).

Arrange a medical assessment if facial redness, bumps, burning, or sensitivity persists, spreads, or interferes with daily life. Seek prompt eye care for eye pain, light sensitivity, marked redness, blurred vision, or a gritty feeling, because rosacea-related eye inflammation can need specific treatment. Sudden swelling, breathing difficulty, or widespread blistering needs urgent attention.

Could my symptoms fit [Rosacea](/conditions/rosacea/) or another condition? Do I need testing, or is examination enough? Which cleanser and treatment should I use on sensitive skin? How should I manage eye symptoms or flare triggers?