Demodex mites live in the hair follicles, in the adipose substance of the sebaceous glands, so they are also present between the eyelashes. These are microscopic parasites related to the spider family and look like they just came out of a science fiction movie. They have eight legs with which they cling to the base of the eyelashes or in the glands, feeding on dead skin and sebum produced by the body. If you are prone to this type of infestation you may have allergic reactions or develop an inflammatory condition of the eyelids called blepharitis. Although these mites are only present around the eyes, they can also move to other areas and it is therefore important to be aware of their presence.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Recognizing the Symptoms
Step 1. Watch for allergic reactions
Mites can transmit bacteria which in turn cause infection, especially if you have rosacea; if so, pay attention to any changes in the eye area. The signs of an allergic reaction are:
- Abundant tearing.
- Eye pain.
- Red eyes.
- Swelling.
Step 2. Think about how you feel around your eyes
Most people notice that they have an eyelash in their eye because they perceive the sensation of a foreign body; the mites can generate the same discomfort, the eyelids may be itchy and you may complain of ocular burning.
You should also evaluate any vision changes; if it's clouded, you may have mites
Step 3. Look at the eyes
Unfortunately you cannot see mites between the lashes and on the eyelids to diagnose their presence; they are too small and are only visible under a microscope. However, you may find that your eyelid skin is thicker or crusted and you may also lose some eyelashes due to these parasites.
The eyelids may be red, especially along the edges
Step 4. Assess your risk factors
The risks increase with age. Some studies have estimated that more than 80% of people over 60 have eyelash mites and these little creatures are also present on many children. People suffering from dermatological diseases, such as rosacea, are often affected.
They are present in both men and women, with a uniform worldwide distribution that does not depend on ethnicity
Step 5. Call your doctor
If you complain of these symptoms, you may have a mite infestation. Unfortunately these creatures are so small that it is not possible to observe them with the naked eye; in addition, the symptoms could be related to other eye diseases, so you must contact the ophthalmologist for a certain diagnosis.
You can ask your eye doctor to check for parasites or check your eyes for another disease that's causing the discomfort
Step 6. Undergo a visit
The eye doctor will ask you to sit in front of a slit lamp. If you have already undergone an eye check, you know what instrument it is; you have to rest your chin and forehead on a stand, while the doctor inspects the front of the eyes with a microscope and bright light. This way it can look for mites that are attached to the base of the eyelashes; in some cases, he can also take one or two of them to study them with a normal laboratory microscope.
- Some doctors tear off an eyelash to show you the mites with the magnifying tool.
- If there are no parasites, the ophthalmologist continues the examination to identify other causes of the irritation (such as allergies or foreign bodies).
Part 2 of 2: Curing the Infestation
Step 1. Wash your eyes
Dilute tea tree oil with an equal amount of a carrier oil, such as olive, avocado, jojoba, or castor oil. Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and gently rub it into your lashes and eyelids. Leave it on your skin as long as it doesn't cause any burning; if you feel irritation, rinse the area with warm water. Do this every 4 hours for one week and every 8 hours for the next 21 days.
- You need to keep washing your eyes and eyelashes for the lifespan of the mites (4 weeks).
- Since tea tree oil can irritate the skin, you should seek advice from your eye doctor.
Step 2. Replace the cheats
It is not clear whether the use of cosmetics can increase the risk of mite infestation, but if you wear makeup (especially if you apply mascara) make sure that the products are not old and that the packages are well sealed. Don't forget to wash your brushes at least twice a month. Follow this make-up replacement schedule:
- Liquid eyeliner: every 3 months.
- Cream eyeshadow: every 6 months.
- Eye pencils and powder eyeliner: every 2 years.
- Mascara: every 3 months.
Step 3. Wash the laundry
Since parasites survive on clothes and sheets (but are very sensitive to heat), wash all your clothes, sheets, towels, pillow cases, handkerchiefs, blankets and any other materials in very hot soapy water. come into contact with skin and eyes; also be sure to dry the laundry at a high temperature. Follow this procedure once a week.
You should also have pets checked by the vet for possible mite infestation and wash the fabrics of their kennels thoroughly
Step 4. Get medical attention
Your eye doctor has probably already told you about tea tree oil washes. Although there are over-the-counter products available that contain permethrin or ivermectin, more research is needed to establish their effectiveness. You need to maintain good hygiene practice for several weeks so the parasites can't lay their eggs and infest your lashes again.
