A mother from Harlesden, London, is grappling with a debilitating condition she believes is caused by an overgrowth of microscopic skin mites. Jodi Alcock, 38, claims that these pests cause her intense itching, burning sensations, and unsightly spots, significantly impacting her quality of life.
Jodi first experienced symptoms in September 2023, describing a persistent “tickling” feeling on her face and arms. Her concern escalated when she felt a sharp bite on her skin. Initially suspecting fleas, she hired fumigators multiple times, but they found no evidence of these pests. As her symptoms intensified, she began to believe that she was dealing with an infestation of naturally occurring skin mites known as demodex.
In September 2025, Jodi received a diagnosis of blepharitis, a condition characterized by swollen and itchy eyelids, linked to bacteria that reside on the skin, according to the National Health Service (NHS). Although this diagnosis is related to her symptoms, she has yet to receive an official confirmation regarding the skin mites she believes are affecting her.
Seeking Relief and Making Drastic Changes
In an effort to combat her condition, Jodi has made significant lifestyle adjustments. The symptoms, which she describes as feeling like “something crawling” all over her body, prompted her to take drastic measures. She stated, “Because I’m hypersensitive to them, I can actually feel them crawling all over my face and body, 24/7, day and night.”
Jodi removed carpets from her home, steamed her mattress, and disposed of clothing and furniture she suspected might harbor the pests. She also utilized a mite detection device, which flagged certain areas of her mattress, furthering her belief in the infestation.
After researching her symptoms online, Jodi discovered that demodex mites typically reside in hair follicles and usually do not cause harm. However, in some cases, an overpopulation can lead to irritation and skin issues. Despite her findings, she has struggled to communicate her concerns to healthcare professionals, claiming they have not taken her seriously.
Her first doctor prescribed medication for scabies, which did not alleviate her symptoms. It was only after consulting another doctor who acknowledged her research that she was referred to specialists via the NHS.
A Desperate Search for Answers
Jodi’s struggles have not only affected her physically but emotionally as well. She has expressed concern over how her condition may affect her young son, noting that she has seen spots on his skin after prolonged contact, leading her to worry that he may also be experiencing bites from the same mites.
To manage her daily life, Jodi has adopted extreme cleaning habits, including washing her sheets every morning and wrapping her mattress and headboard in plastic. She has also changed her hairstyle, cutting it short to prevent mites from nesting in her hair.
In her quest for effective treatment, Jodi has found a private doctor in London who specializes in skin mites. The estimated cost of a comprehensive examination and tailored treatment plan is around £3,000. To fund this, she has launched a GoFundMe campaign, raising over £1,200 so far.
“I chose to do the GoFundMe because I’m past the stage of desperation now,” Jodi explained. “I want to wake up in the morning and not worry about holding my son; I want to embrace my family members and not be paranoid or anxious.”
Her journey illustrates the profound impact that unexplained medical conditions can have on individuals and their families. Despite her ongoing challenges, Jodi remains hopeful that she will find relief and reclaim her life. The NHS has been contacted for further comment on her situation.
