'Real Housewives' star Brandi Glanville says doctors believe she has a parasite that 'jumps' around her face. What are face mites?

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Brandi Glanville is sharing more information about her recent health struggles with fans. On Dec. 7, the former “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star shared a selfie to X (formerly Twitter) that showcased the drastic change in her appearance.

“What happened? I wish I knew. I've been in and out of the hospital this past year and a half, [and] spent almost every dollar I have trying to figure it out,” Glanville wrote in a separate post on Dec. 8. “ Some doctors say I have a parasite that jumps around my face. Some say it's stress induced edema. I personally say it's Bravo.”

The 52-year-old mother of two has been embroiled in a legal battle against Bravo and “Real Housewives” executive producer Andy Cohen since 2024. Glanville filed a lawsuit against the network and Cohen following an incident while filming “Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Morocco” in 2023.

Former “Real Housewives of New Jersey” alum Caroline Manzo alleges she was sexually assaulted by Glanville while filming the reality show, and filed a lawsuit against Bravo and it’s affiliated companies for hiring Glanville for the show despite "overwhelming prior notice of Ms. Glanville's prior deviant sexual proclivities and sexually harassing conduct."

Glanville has shared previous health updates following the incident. In Oct. 2023, Glanville said she collapsed at her home due to to stress. Her most recent selfie has caused alarm and raised many questions about the cause of her altered appearance.

Here’s what we know about face parasites and edema.

Although Glanville didn’t specify what kind of parasite doctors believe could be causing her health troubles, there are certain parasites that can target the face.

What parasites live in your face?

Most people have little face mites, called demodex, that live in the hair follicles and pores on cheeks, eyelashes, forehead and other areas of our face. While they’re usually harmless, there are rare instances where mites multiply out of control and cause a condition called demodicosis.

What are the symptoms of demodicosis?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of demodicosis (or overgrowth of face mites) can include:

• Burning sensation

• Itchiness

• Redness

• Rough skin (like sandpaper)

• Scales

• Large yellow pus-filled pimples (pustules)

• White sheen on your skin or eyelashes

Who is at risk of developing demodicosis?

People who are immunocompromised are more likely to develop demodicosis. This includes people undergoing chemotherapy, taking immunosuppressants, have immunodeficiency diseases like HIV/AIDS, or have skin conditions like rosacea.

How is demodicosis treated?

Your healthcare provider can prescribe creams, gels or face washes that contain a pesticide killer for ticks and mites (acaricide).

What is edema?

Glanville said doctors have speculated her health issues may be caused by stress induced edema, a condition that occurs when too much fluid becomes trapped in the body. Although edema typically occurs in the legs and feet, it can occur anywhere in the body, including the face.

Certain medications or conditions like kidney damage, congestive heart failure can cause edema. Facial edema (facial swelling) can occur because of infection, allergic reaction, autoimmune disorders like lupus and conditions like hypothyroidism.

Severe emotional stress has been linked to swelling of the liver and pulmonary edema (fluid on the lungs) and may cause swelling elsewhere in the body.

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