A mother from Harlesden, north west London, is grappling with a distressing condition she describes as an “overgrowth” of microscopic skin mites that she feels constantly crawling on her body. Jodi Alcock, 38, has reported experiencing severe itching, burning sensations, and skin eruptions since September 2023, leading her to believe this issue has significantly affected her quality of life.
Initially, Alcock noticed a “tickling” sensation on her face and arms, which escalated to sharp, painful bites. After ruling out fleas in her home through multiple fumigation attempts, her symptoms intensified, prompting her to investigate further. In September 2025, she was diagnosed with blepharitis, a condition characterized by swollen, itchy eyelids, but she has not received an official diagnosis for the skin mites she believes are responsible for her discomfort.
Alcock’s experience began as a minor irritation, but it quickly transformed into a pervasive issue. “Because I’m hypersensitive to them, I can actually feel them crawling all over my face and body, 24/7,” she explained. The sensations she describes have led to rashes and papules appearing on her skin, which she associates with the mites.
In her quest for relief, Alcock has implemented drastic lifestyle changes. She removed carpets from her home, steamed her mattress, and discarded numerous household items, convinced that she needed to eliminate any potential hiding places for the mites. She even resorted to using a mite detector, which suggested the presence of the creatures on her bedding. “Every time I would feel something crawling on me, I would look down and not see anything,” she recounted, describing her frustration.
Through her research, Alcock learned about demodex mites, which are common residents of human hair follicles. While these mites typically do not cause harm, overpopulation can lead to skin irritations. She raised her concerns with various healthcare providers, but struggled to gain acknowledgment of her condition.
After receiving treatment for scabies, another type of mite infestation, which did not alleviate her symptoms, Alcock consulted a different doctor who recognized her symptoms as consistent with demodex overgrowth. Following this consultation, she was referred to dermatologists within the NHS system for further evaluation.
In addition to seeking medical advice, Alcock has adopted numerous home remedies and made significant lifestyle modifications. These include cutting her hair short, washing her bedding daily, and avoiding physical contact with her young son to prevent potential transfer of the mites. “I’ve even heard him say ‘ouch mummy’ after I’ve hugged him,” she stated, expressing her concern for her child’s well-being.
To further address her condition, Alcock is now looking for specialized treatment from a private doctor in London who has expertise in dealing with facial mites. This comprehensive treatment plan is estimated to cost £3,000, prompting her to start a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the expenses. So far, she has raised over £1,200.
“I’m past the stage of desperation now. I want to wake up in the morning and not worry about holding my son,” Alcock emphasized. She hopes that with proper treatment, she can return to a life free of the anxiety and discomfort that has plagued her for so long.
The impact of her condition has been profound, affecting not only her physical health but also her emotional well-being. Alcock continues to advocate for awareness around her issue, as she seeks the help she desperately needs to reclaim her life. The NHS has been contacted for a comment regarding her situation.
