Demodex mites are a kind of parasite, and they may play a part in rosacea.
“Demodex” is short for Demodex folliculorum, a type of mite that lives in hair follicles on human skin, including those on the face. The mites live on everyone’s face, not just people with rosacea.
It’s thought that people with rosacea may have more Demodex mites than people without rosacea. It’s also believed that having a very high number of Demodex mites can trigger inflammation (swelling and damage) in people with rosacea.
The active drug in Soolantra, ivermectin, belongs to a group of medications known as antiparasitics. Ivermectin is effective at killing Demodex mites.
If you have more questions about Demodex mites and how they may relate to your rosacea, talk with your doctor.