Karvatuppafoll

Karvatuppafoll is a term originating from Finnish, often translated as "hair follicle mite." These microscopic arachnids are naturally found on the skin of humans and other mammals. The most common species that inhabits human skin is Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis. These mites reside in hair follicles and sebaceous glands, feeding on dead skin cells and sebum. They are microscopic and generally harmless, living a complete life cycle within the confines of the follicle. In most cases, their presence is asymptomatic and does not cause any noticeable issues. However, in some individuals, particularly those with weakened immune systems or certain skin conditions, an overpopulation or abnormal immune response to these mites can lead to inflammatory conditions such as demodicosis. Symptoms of demodicosis can include redness, itching, scaling, and small bumps on the skin, often affecting the face, eyelids, and ears. Diagnosis is typically made through microscopic examination of skin scrapings or plucked hairs. Treatment usually involves topical medications like ivermectin or metronidazole, which can reduce mite populations and alleviate symptoms.