Could the mascara you apply daily on your face cause eyelash mites? If yes, what are the symptoms you are to look for to confirm this? In this article we shall tell you about the demodex mites, how they relate to acne, how they look like and the best way possible to get rid of them. Please read though for this and more information about the mites.
According to a recent publication by Cbs news, it was established that close to a million people have the eyelash mites but have no idea of their presence. The reporter, Ted Scouten began looking into the problem after he was diagnosed with them. Medically known as demodex mites, they are microscopic parasites spread by pets and people.
These mites spent most the time buried in the hair follicles. They thrive on the natural oil produced by the body. The mites are common on face where they can crawl, eat and reproduce. According to an optometrist Norman Herskovich, the mites are active at night when we go to sleep. They try to avoid light and only come out at night when they can mate and reproduce.
The mites have a two to three week cycle after which they eventually die. The offspring’s left can after which continue the process and at the end symptoms like eye infection or skin infection can be notice around eye or the entire face.
Eyelash or demodex mites symptoms
Demodex mites do not necessarily cause problems, however, if diagnosis or treatment is not done in time, those infected are prone to having irritation and inflammation around eye. This is after the mites have reproduced and increased in number. Below are other common symptoms associated with mites on eyelash:
- Itching can be said to the continued urge to scratch your lashes due to the infestation of the mites. For mild itching, anti-itching creams might come in handy and relieve the symptoms. It is always advisable to consult a dermatology in cases of severe or persistent itching that last for more than a week or two.
- Pores on skin, apart from the tiny openings of the hair follicles you see on skin, demodex mites are known to make tiny opening as they burrow on your skin around the eye or any other part of the skin they infect.
- Crusting with red skin is a common symptom of rosacea, though thee mites might directly cause this symptom, the bacterial they carry can be responsible for rosacea like symptoms.
- Red swollen eyelids is another common symptom caused when the mites are left unchecked for long. The redness will start ass a patch then spread over to the entire eyed or the face with time.
- Flaking skin around the eyes can also be seen in children and those with weak immune systems or those using immune suppressive.
- As the eye lids continues to get irritated or inflamed, some people’s eyes may become Sensitive to light
- Abnormal hair loss caused by continued infestation of the mites on the eyelash.
- A gritty, burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
- Eye inflammation and irritation
- With time, the mite might led to skin condition such as (acne, rosacea, blepharitis-the inflammation of the eyelids)
Eyelash mites images
To give you a visual idea of how eyelash mites appear or look like, we have provided some images below and more throughout this article. Remember, the mite are too microscopic that they can only be viewed under a microscope. So the images provided are magnified images of the actual mites.
Eyelash or demodex mites causes
The actual cause of the demodex mites on eyelash is not actually known. According to a report by the Advancement of Education, close to 988% of people have mites in their hair. As said earlier, mites are microscopic parasites that generally live in harmony with human. The bugs are said to feed on oils, hormones and fluids around the hair follicles.
A single hair follicle can support a family of 25 mites. They presence on skin is said to contribute to skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, hair loss and dermatosis. They can also lead to itchy rash and various other skin conditions. The most vulnerable group are those with cancer, those with compromised immune system and the elderly.
Most dermatology insist that there is no relation between poor hygiene and the infestation of these might. We can however not rule hygiene out as a possible cause. The mites are also common in people with other skin condition such as rosacea. Those with weak immune system or those with seborrheic dermatitis are also at the highest risk of getting the mites.
Continues use of facial makeups such as mascara also increases the risk of having the mites. Bacterial infection and facial allergies can also be said to be possible reasons for the infestation of the demodex mites on eyelash. The might grow and reproduce more on skin of those with excessive secretion of sebum, an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands. Blepharitis or the inflammation of the eyelids is common for those with these mites.
Demodex mites rosacea treatment
As research continues to relieve the many ways the human microbiome may affect the human health, the potential role of demodex mites continues to come into sharp focus. With new technology t is easy to pin point and start how these mites might lead to rosacea. Technology might also point to a new patient care approaches.
According to a website, rosacea.org, microscopic demodex mites are a natural part of the human microbiome. Two species are fund in humans, they live primary on the hair follicles but can also be found on the face, most specifically on the Meibomian glands on the eyelids. These mites occur in greater numbers as those in rosacea.
According to Dr. Frank C. Powel, a consulting dermatology at Mater Misericordiae Hospital in Dublin, Ireland, mites are plentiful in the same region of the face that are commonly affected with rosacea. With this it was found out that the mites might mimic the symptoms of rosacea, but fail to respond to the tradition rosacea therapy.
Rosacea is a common but poorly understood long-term skin condition that mainly affect the face. It can be controlled to some extent with long-term treatment, but the undesired change in physical appearance might cause significant psychological impact. Rosacea thus cannot be cured, but with long –term treatment, the symptoms can be kept under control.
At home you can also keep the symptoms under control by doing some of the following:
- Avoid the possible triggers of the rosacea symptoms, this can be done by ensuring you apply sunscreen before going out to bask.
- Employing proper skin care methods, if this you cannot do this by yourself, have a skin care professional prescribe the best measures.
- You can also use makeups
- And make sure your eyelids and face is clean always before going to bed. This means no going to bet with mascara and other makeups.
Eyelash mites mascara
We all strive to look good and appealing to others and in public. Mascara, is a commonly used cosmetic product used for darkening and thickening the eyelashes. There are different brands available in the market. Most people who use mascara apply it on top of other make-ups. Regardless of the brand, most mascara products has have the same basic components of pigments, oils, waxes and preservatives.
Of those diagnosed with mites on eyelash, the majority are those who apply mascara. Due to a weak immune system, older people apply mascara are at the highest risk of being infested with this mites. Bacteria and parasites on skin can easily be noticed with symptoms such as itchy eyes or eyelashes that fall out often.
Most people will avoid washing off their makeups when they go to bed, this is the first step of welcoming the metes. It is important to cleanse of the face before going to bed. Make sure your face is clean and free of the makeups. Consult your dermatology if you started developing unexplained itching or irritation on face after using mascara.
Eyelash mites acne
Acne is a skin condition where the sebaceous glands occur inflamed and infected. It is a skin condition characterized by red pimple on face. The condition is common among teenagers. Acne is known to cause spots, oily skin and at times skin that is hot and painful to touch. The condition is common on face, back and chest.
What then is the relation between acne and demodex mites? Most people believe that they skin condition especially acne or rosacea relates to the presence of this microscopic mites on skin. The science say yes, it is possible that demodex mites might be causing the acne or other skin condition. The infestation rat of the might is found to be higher in people with skin problems than in those with healthy skin.
Apart from acne, the mites are also high in number on the skin of people with psoriasis. The mites are known to cause skin irritation and can trigger acne formation process. With mites killing drugs, studies have shown an improvement in the condition of skin. These drugs can thus be used to treat the condition directly relating to the presence of these mites.
Even though studies have not shown conclusively the relation between the mites and acne, it is true to say that the presence of the mites on eyelash can be a possible cause of the acne especially if the skin itches a lot. Rinse your face twice or thrice a day to kill the mites and clear other symptoms associated with acne.
Eyelash mites or demodex treatment, cure
The treatment for eyelash mites is not really necessary as they do not pose any healthy risk. The treatment and removal of these mites is therefore mainly for cosmetic purposes. Those who wish to get rid of the mites can do so at their own will. Apart from avoiding the triggers, or the condition that provide an enabling environment for the mites to hide and reproduce, the following can be used to get rid of the demodex mites.
Antibiotics
Applying antibiotic ointment or creams is one of the most effective method of getting rid of the mites and resolving a bacterial infection. In cases of severe infection, your doctor might also prescribe oral antibiotics.
Before you start to use the antibiotic ointment, make sure your face is clean and dry. You need to also make sure you discontinue the use of makeups to prevent allergic reaction that might cause more damage to your face. Have a dermatologist prescribe the best medication for effective treatment.
Exfoliate
Exfoliation which involves the removal of older skin cells on skin’s outermost surface can also be done. Exfoliation is involved in all facials, during microdermabrasion or chemical peels at medical spas. You need to know that the procedure can be applied both mechanical and through chemical means.
At home the process can be done by using any of the following three remedies:
- Applying a paste of baking soda and water. Let the paste sit for 1o minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. Dry the face with a clean face towel. You can do this twice daily for a week for effecting results.
- You can also apply a musk of avocado, honey and sugar. The sugar in this mixture provides a soft exfoliation while the honey and avocado nourishes your skin. For those with oily skin, you can add some fresh lemon juice to help tighten skin and dry up the skin pores. Just as the paste above, allow it to sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it off with clean lukewarm water.
- The other way to make a natural exfoliating agent is by mixing sugar with any of the natural healthy oils. This oils can include coconut oil, almond oil, olive oil, tea tree oil, chamomile oil and many others.
Cleansing regimen
Cleansing regimen refers to a routine skin care program or activity. This will include regular exercises, dietary changes, and use of natural skin care product that helps keep the skin clean, nourished and free from microscopic parasite and mites like the demodex.
Improving general hygiene
Though some research have proven over and over that there exist no relationship between hygiene and eyelash mites, it is important to always make sure you maintain high levels of cleanliness. This will ensure your face is clean and organism cannot burrow into your skin.
Arrange regular eye checkups
Finally ensure you have regular or periodic checkups to your dermatologist. This can help with early diagnosis of certain skin condition and can facilitate for early treatment before the condition worsen or spread to other parts of the body.
How to get rid of Eyelash mites -video
Above we have seen that eyelash mites are microscopic, harmless and do not pose any health threat. However, as the mites continue to burrow and reproduce, they increase on size causing the development of unwanted symptoms. Most of these symptoms can be managed at home with =out having to go to a hospital.
Below are some of the commonly used natural home remedies used to relive the skin and manage some of the symptoms associated with demodex mites on face.
Tea tree oil
An ingredient in dilute tea tree oil has been found to be an effective remedy for demodex. This ingredient- terpinen-4-ol is effective and does not burn the skin like pure tea tree oil does. When using tea tree oil near eyes, make sure to dilute it then gently apply on the affected are with a clean cotton swab.
Clove oil
A mixture of clove oil can also work as an effective exfoliating agent. The same can be achieved by mixing any of the natural oils such as coconut oil, chamomile oil and others.
Flowers of Sulphur
In china and India, Sulphur has been used successfully to treat scabies, acne and many other skin conditions. Also known as yellow Sulphur, it is a yellow powder obtained from naturally occurring volcanic brimstone deposits.
The powered can be bought from the stores and animal stock feed stores. It is an antiseptic, and antifungal and it is suitable for use on humans, animals and plants. If it accessed from a reputable source it can also be safe to ingest provided it is in correct quantities.
Borax
Borax is another natural mineral salt deposit that can be used as an antiseptic against different skin conditions.
Sources and references
- Eye mites: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/eye-mites-millions-of-people-have-them-and-dont-know-it/
- Eyelash mites: https://www.consumerhealthdigest.com/eyelash-care/eyelash-mites.html
- Eyelash mite home remedies: http://growyouthful.com/ailment/demodex-mite.php#symptoms-of-mite-infestation
- Blepharitis diagnosis: https://www.reviewofophthalmology.com/article/blepharitis-diagnosis-dont-forget-demodex