What Are Eyelash Mites?

Eyelash mites might sound small and inconsequential, but if you're a lash technician, these tiny creatures could wreak havoc for your clients. When an infestation occurs, the mites not only damage natural lashes and affect the health and appearance of the surrounding skin, they also compromise lash extension retention, which may affect your professional reputation.

Fortunately, all you need is a little knowledge about how to spot and prevent them so that you can educate your clients about these unwanted critters and give them flawless, lasting eyelash extensions!

What Are Eyelash Mites?

Eyelash mites (a.k.a. Demodex mites) are microscopic bugs that live in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands on the face, and you’ll commonly find them at the base of the eyelashes. These parasites are arachnids and related to spiders, scorpions, and ticks.

There are two main types of Demodex mites: Demodex folliculorum, which lives primarily in hair follicles, and Demodex brevis, which prefers oil glands. These mites feast on the oils in your skin and dead skin cells but are harmless in small numbers. In fact, they play a small role in keeping the skin clean.

However, when their population grows out of control, they can cause a condition called demodicosis, which leads to irritation, inflammation, and other eyelash health issues.

How Do Eyelash Mites Operate? (Not for the squeamish)

Demodex folliculorum digs itself face down near the eyelash roots and uses its palpus (a seven-clawed appendage) to grasp the cells. The little parasite feasts on the cells lining the hair follicle, drawing out their insides with its mouth’s retractable needle. Mites also leave their waste products on the eyelids, and a build-up can cause inflammation.

Demodex brevis, the other species, digs itself into the meibomian gland, often blocking it. This gland produces oils that keep our tears from evaporating, so if it gets blocked, it can cause a condition called dry eye.

Who Has Eyelash Mites?

Demodex mites are very common, and most of us have them at some point in our lives. In fact, research indicates that by the time we reach 70, we will have 1000 – 2000 mites living around our faces! They gather around the eyelashes, cheeks, behind the ears, and on the forehead. 

Men are also more likely to struggle with demodicosis than women, probably because ladies regularly use cleansers and makeup removers, which expels the little parasites along with the makeup. Come on, guys, here’s a great reason to cleanse your eyes!

Causes of Eyelash Mite Infestations & Their Risks

Although most of us live compatibly, if ignorantly, with eyelash mites, overgrowth can occur for several reasons. These are the most common causes of eyelash mites:

• Poor Lash Hygiene: Not cleaning lashes regularly can cause a build-up of oils, dead skin, and debris, creating a happy ecosystem for them.

• Improper Makeup Removal: Not removing makeup properly, especially mascara and eyeliner, can create the perfect breeding ground.

• Eyelash Mites are Contagious: People can get eyelash mites from one another. The affected person may have adult mites or larvae that they pass on to others. Sharing makeup or lash tools is a quick way to spread mites.

• Dust: Dust can contain eyelash mite eggs, and they can easily spread to people.

• Weakened Immune System: Patients with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience infestations.

• Rosacea: This skin condition causes redness and small bumps on the face. Sufferers have an increased risk of infestations.

Eyelash Mite Symptoms 

While a small number of eyelash mites are normal, an infestation can lead to noticeable symptoms. As a lash technician, you may notice these before your client does, and you’ll need to broach the subject with kindness and sensitivity. 

If you notice any of these symptoms, advise them of your observations and possible treatment options:

• Blepharitis (eyelid irritation)

• Excessive eyelash loss or misalignment

• Conjunctivitis

• Keratitis

• Persistent itching

• Dryness

• Irritation, redness, or swelling

• Burning

• Watering

• Visible debris or specks on the lashes

Treatments for Eyelash Mite Infestations

If your client is experiencing any eyelash mite symptoms, there are a few different treatment options available, including Cliradex, an over-the-counter natural medication containing terpinen-4ol, a component of tea tree oil. They can also try a tea tree oil solution; just be sure to tell them it must be very weak, as it can cause redness, swelling, and irritation in its pure form.

Prescription treatments include creams like Eurax, antibiotics like Flagyl, antiparasitic drugs like Ivermectin, and antiparasitic eye drops like Xdemvy.

Aside from medications, eyelash mite symptoms can also be eased by:

• Avoiding rubbing the eyes.

• Placing a warm cloth on the eyelids to clear away the muck.

• Staying away from makeup until the eyes have healed.

• Switching from contact lenses to spectacles until the treatment is complete.

Tips for Preventing and Managing Eyelash Mites

Your clients don’t have to live with eyelash mites forever! 

Encouraging good lash hygiene is the most effective way of preventing and managing eyelash mites, and one of the best ways to do this is by incorporating a high-quality lash cleanser into a daily routine. BELO’s gentle yet effective Lash Cleanser and Lash Cleanser Brush are specifically designed to keep lashes clean, healthy, and free from debris, starving those little critters of nourishment and leaving fewer around the skin and eyelashes.

Other tips you can share include:

• Keep skin and lashes clean: Create an eyelash care routine that includes washing your face twice daily. Use a gentle, oil-free cleanser like ours to remove dirt, makeup, and excess oils.

• Avoid oily skin products.

• Exfoliate regularly.

• Don’t go to bed with makeup on.

• Avoid sharing make-up, pillowcases, or towels. 

• Wash hands frequently: Don’t touch your eyes and hands with unclean hands. This step can help prevent the transfer of bacteria and mites.

• Clean lash extensions properly: Keeping your lash extensions clean will deter mites.

• Replace makeup regularly: Old mascara, eyeliner, and other eye products can harbour bacteria and mites, so replace these every 3-6 months.

• Schedule regular lash maintenance: Book regular lash fills and cleanses with your lash tech. This will keep your lashes looking gorgeous and help manage your eyelash health.

When working on your client’s lashes, you can also ensure you use as many disposable lash tools as possible and that any non-disposable tools are sterilised after every use to avoid the likelihood of cross-contamination. Washing your hands and maintaining excellent hygiene in your salon is a non-negotiable, too!

Kiss Eyelash Mites Goodbye

Eyelash mites may be tiny, but their impact on your client’s lash health can be significant if left unchecked. However, with this knowledge, you can ensure those little critters don’t stand a chance of overpopulating the eye area!