During a severe infestation, though, there may be adverse effects on the host, such as demodicosis.

When large numbers of D. folliculorum are found on humans, the infestation is known as "demodicosis".

Small patches of demodicosis often correct themselves over time as the dog's immune system matures, although treatment is usually recommended.

The secondary bacterial infection associated with pustular demodicosis may require treatment with antibiotics.

Demodex cati are treated similarly to canine demodicosis.

Demodex mites are host-adapted; there is no zoonotic potential in either canine or feline demodicosis.

These diseases in humans is usually caused by Demodex folliculorum (not the same species affecting dogs)and is usually called demodicosis which may have a rosacea-like appearance.

In humans, these two types of mite infections, which would otherwise be known as "mange" in furry mammals, are instead known, respectively, as scabies and demodicosis.

Other conditions with similar presentations include: bacterial folliculitis and demodicosis, dermatophytosis, endocrinopathy, pemphigus foliaceus, Zinc responsive dermatosis, vitamin A-responsive dermatosis, ichthyosis, and nutritional deficiencies.

Also called demodicosis or red mange, demodectic mange is caused by a sensitivity to and overpopulation of Demodex canis if the animal's immune system is unable to keep the mites under control.

In more severe generalized cases, Amitraz is a parasiticidal dip that is licensed for use in many countries (the only FDA approved treatment in the USA) for treating canine demodicosis.

Some health conditions of note include Collie eye anomaly, progressive retinal atrophy, gastric torsion, dermatomyositis, grey collie syndrome (a type of neutropenia), collie nose (discoid lupus erythematosus), and demodicosis.

In the vast majority of cases, the mites go unobserved, without any adverse symptoms, but in certain cases (usually related to a suppressed immune system, caused by stress or illness) mite populations can dramatically increase, resulting in a condition known as demodicosis or Demodex mite bite, characterised by itching, inflammation and other skin disorders.