Eyelash Mites: Causes & Truth About Eyelash Extensions

If you are trying to get eyelash extensions, then it is important to know what eyelash mites are and how to prevent an infestation.

Well, eyelash mites are also known as Demodex folliculitis, and they are microscopic parasites which are found in the follicles on the faces. They eat the oils on our eyelids and dead skin cells. Remember, eyelash extensions do not cause eyelash mites, but poor hygiene is the main cause of lash mites.

So, read the article till the end, we’re going to share the systems, cause of lash mites, how to identify and how to get rid of them.  

What are Eyelash Mites?

Eyelash mites are tiny parasites that live in or near the hair follicles of mammals. Lash mites are caused by two types of demodex mites, they are called demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis. Both types of mites are microscopic.

Eyelash mites live in the follicles on our face, and they eat the dead skin cells and oils on your eyelid. Lash mites are the same just like we have skin mites and dust mites.

Pretty much everyone has a small amount of these mites on their eyelashes and they are usually harmless. But the mites may also become problematic in large quantities, which can cause further skin issues.

Note: if you experience possible symptoms of a mite outbreak around your eyes, then it is important to talk with a doctor.

How Do I Know If I Have Eyelash Mites?

How Do I Know If I Have Eyelash Mites

It is very important that you should know the symptoms of eyelash mites. If there are too many lash mites, they get overcrowded on the lash line and result in numerous lash mites face down in each hair follicle.

But if there are too many lash mites in one hair follicle, then your natural lash will slip out and you will experience lash loss.  

Symptoms of Eyelash Mites:

  • Mild symptoms: At this stage, eyelash mites don’t cause any noticeable symptoms and lash mites are usually harmless.
  • Moderate symptoms: at this stage, you may experience itchiness around your eye, and redness and swelling of the eyelid.
  • Advanced symptoms: at this stage, symptoms will progress towards scaly, rough patches of skin. It can also cause eye inflammation (blepharitis), and this can also cause other symptoms such as sticky eyes, crusty eyelashes, and frequent blinking.

Still, eyelash mite’s symptoms only occur if you already have an underlying skin condition or if you have a large infestation.

Health experts have demonstrated that lash mites may cause a numerous condition affecting the front of the eye. Including:

  • Keratitis
  • Blepharitis
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Changes to the eyelashes

Causes of Eyelash Mites

Demodex mites naturally occur. But people can acquire lash mites by coming into close or direct contact with some one who has them, and they can come in larger numbers, especially if you have rosacea. People can also acquire eyelash mites from the dust that contains eggs.

Other potential causes of lash mites – include other skin conditions like inflammatory, acne, alopecia and dermatitis. Weakened immune system and skin infections linked to eyelash mites.

Do Eyelash Extensions Cause Eyelash Mites?

The short answer is No, eyelash extensions do not cause lash mites. The number one reason that causes lash mites is poor hygiene. If you care for your eyelash extensions, then that is the key to prevent excessive oil and bacteria buildup.

How to Get Rid of Eyelash Mites

We already know what eyelash mites are, now let’s talk about how to get rid of them. Eyelash mites do not like the light, so they are face down in your hair follicle the entire day, and they will come out at night. When they come out, and if you have makeup, dead skin or oils on your lash line this becomes food for them.

So, the more they eat the more they will lay eggs because your lash line has become the perfect place for them to start their family. So, it is very important to wash your face at night with lash shampoo or baby shampoo.

It also recommended taking a break from wearing makeup around your eyes area and also, taking a break from eyelash extensions. Also, talk with an eye doctor.

Some research shows that tea tree oil may be another option for treating demodex mites in the eyes area. It may have antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects that help to treat the issues.

Will Eyelash Extensions Fall out if I Wash Lash Mites?

No, if you’re washing your eyelash extensions gently then it will not cause them to fall out. But remember you don’t over wash your lashes aggressively and also avoid scrubbing, rubbing and tugging them with a facecloth.

However, washing your eyelash extensions gently with lash shampoos or a safe cleanser is absolutely recommended for maintaining healthy and beautiful eyelash extensions.

As long as you care for your eyelash extensions, you will not lose your lash extensions any more.  

Prevention of Eyelash Extensions

Eyelash mites only live on the human hair follicle and they do not cause problems when they are low in number. But they can be problematic, leading to other eye issues if they get out of control (higher number).

You can prevent eyelash mites with the following preventive measures:

  • Neven share your mascara, cosmetic tools and other makeup with anyone.
  • Avoid using oil-based or greasy facial products.
  • Wear only cosmetics and non-oily makeup.
  • Wash your face twice a day, and clean the eyes area with water only.
  • Remove dead skin cells on the face with periodic exfoliation.
  • Try to use eyelash wipes daily, especially if you have excess oil or debris.

FAQ’s

Are Eyelash Mites harmful?

Eye Mites are harmless when they are in small numbers, however, when they reproduce, they might damage your lashes. A large infestation of lash mites will damage your lash follicles, cause your lashes to fall out, and may even lead to vision problems.

Does everyone have Eyelash Mites?

Yes, everyone has a few mites on their eyelashes, but many people are not even aware of it. Most people, however, do not have enough to be a concern. Problems only arise when the population of these eyelash bugs becomes out of control.

How do I know if I Have Eyelash Mites?

You must rely on symptoms that point to the presence of lash mites because they are not visible to the unaided eye. The most typical signs are burning skin, blepharitis, loss of eyelashes, itchy, dry, or red eyes, and scaly or flaky skin.

What Causes Eyelash Mites?

Living in a humid or unclean environment, sharing mascara or brushes with someone who has lash mites, having a skin illness, and having a weakened immune system are the most frequent factors that might lead to an eye mite infestation.

Can you feel Demodex Mites Moving around?

Demodex mites are not crawling; you cannot feel them. They do not bite and are too little to be seen with the naked eye.

How to get rid of Eyelash Mites naturally?

According to a clinical investigation, the active component Terpinen-4-ol in tea tree oil makes it an efficient remedy for getting rid of Demodex mites. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to warm water to create a lash wash.

Where do Eyelash Mites come from?

Through intimate contact, such as embracing or kissing, lash mites are frequently transferred from one person to another. Additionally, they can spread through the exchange of towels or makeup.

Do you need to see a doctor?

Demodex mite infections that are not severe may go away with time. However, if you encounter unpleasant symptoms, you should think about receiving treatment to make them go away. Tea tree oil is the most popular treatment because it lowers pests that are present naturally while also easing symptoms. Before trying any home remedies to treat an eyelash mite infestation, you may need to consult a doctor.

Conclusion

Eyelash mites are commonly affecting the eyelid and they typically go unnoticed, and most people don’t even know they exist. Keeping a clean and healthy lash line is the best way to prevent them.

Also, eyelash extensions are safe to wear and do not cause lash mites. But poor hygiene does!

However, if you experience any symptoms of infestation, blepharitis, keratitis, conjunctivitis and other eye conditions. Then talk with the doctor first, they will help you with effective treatment.

Hopefully you like this article, if you had any bad experience with eyelash mites or have any questions and suggestions then put them in the comment box below. 

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