Itchy eyes? It might be eyelash mites! Here's how to spot them

Time of India

21-07-2025

Okay, don't panic—but there might be tiny eight-legged creatures partying on your face right now. Specifically, your eyelashes. We're talking about eyelash mites, also known as Demodex.
They're microscopic, they live on your lash follicles, and for most of us, they're basically invisible freeloaders... until they aren't.
If your eyes have been extra itchy, red, crusty, or just plain irritated lately, it might be time to take a closer (but not too close!) look at what's crawling around your lashes.
Let's get into the itchy, slightly gross, but super fascinating world of eyelash mites—what they are, how to know if you have them, and what the heck you're supposed to do about it.
What exactly are eyelash mites?
Eyelash mites are tiny arachnids (yes, they're technically in the same family as spiders) that live in the hair follicles of your face, especially around your eyes, nose, and eyebrows.
There are two main types: Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis. The folliculorum ones are the real lash lovers, setting up camp at the base of your eyelashes and hanging out in your oil glands like it's their home.
Now here's the kicker: most people have them.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years
IC Markets
Learn More
Undo
Studies
show that by the time we hit our 60s, nearly everyone has some level of Demodex chilling on their face. Lovely, right?
So… why do they itch?
Good question. Most of the time, these mites are harmless and you won't even know they're there. But when they start multiplying faster than your plants during monsoon, they can cause some seriously annoying symptoms.
An overgrowth of eyelash mites can lead to a condition called Demodex blepharitis, which is just a fancy way of saying 'your eyelids are inflamed because your mites have gone wild.'
Here are some tell-tale signs you might have an uninvited mite infestation:
Signs you might be hosting eyelash mites
Persistent itchy eyes
Not just the occasional "I watched too many sad TikToks" itch—this is a deep, constant irritation that makes you want to rub your eyes with sandpaper.
Red, swollen eyelids
If your eyelids are looking puffier than your last breakup text, that inflammation might be a sign of a mite overload.
Crusty eyelashes (especially in the morning)
Waking up with crusty lash lines or tiny flakes stuck to your lashes? That's not just sleep gunk—it could be mite droppings and dead skin cells.
Yum.
Loss of eyelashes
When the mites take over the follicles, your lashes may start to fall out. So if you're seeing more stray lashes on your pillow than usual, it's a red flag.
Watery eyes or blurred vision
Chronic eye watering or mild blurring could be a result of inflammation caused by mites clogging your oil glands.
A burning or gritty sensation
It might feel like there's something stuck in your eye constantly, like a grain of sand that just won't quit.
But wait—how did I get them?
Short answer? You probably always had them.
Long answer? Eyelash mites are transferred through skin-to-skin contact, shared towels, pillowcases, or even makeup. (Yes, borrowing mascara is basically inviting someone else's mites to join your lash line. Gross but true.)
Your risk of an overgrowth increases if:
You don't remove your makeup properly
You have oily skin or rosacea
You have a weakened immune system
You use dirty makeup brushes
You share eye products or cosmetics
How do you know for sure?
If you're suspicious your lashes are less solo and more mite party central, it's best to visit a dermatologist or ophthalmologist. They can use a microscope to check a sample of your lashes or skin and confirm whether Demodex is behind your symptoms.
(Yes, it involves plucking a lash or two—but for the sake of your sanity, it's worth it.)
What can you do about them?
So, you've got mites. Not the end of the world. In fact, treating them is way less terrifying than it sounds. Here's how to kick those tiny freeloaders off your face:
1. Cleanse like a boss
Use a gentle, tea tree oil-based cleanser specifically formulated for the eyes. Tea tree oil helps kill mites and reduce inflammation, but make sure it's properly diluted—raw tea tree oil is way too harsh near the eyes.
2. Practice hygiene
Remove makeup every single night
Wash your pillowcases and towels frequently
Toss old eye makeup and avoid sharing cosmetics
Clean your lash line daily with micellar water or eyelid wipes
3. Medicated creams or drops
In more severe cases, your doctor might prescribe metronidazole, ivermectin, or other anti-parasitic treatments to bring things under control.
4. No more mascara sharing, ever
We cannot stress this enough: stop lending your mascara or eyeliner to anyone. Just… no.
Can you prevent eyelash mites?
You can't completely prevent them—they're part of your skin's ecosystem—but you can keep their numbers in check.
Keep your face clean and makeup-free when possible
Use gentle exfoliants
Maintain a healthy skincare routine
Clean your makeup tools regularly (yes, even your lash curler)
Now go give your lashes a gentle cleanse—and maybe side-eye that old mascara tube while you're at it.
Here are a few FAQs on eyelash mites:
Are eyelash mites contagious?
Technically, yes. Close face contact, shared towels, or makeup can pass these little guys along. Think of it as the world's worst party favor.
Can you see eyelash mites with the naked eye?
Nope. They're microscopic. Unless your eyes come with a built-in microscope (jealous), you'll need a pro to confirm their presence.
Do eyelash mites bite or sting?
No bites, no stings—just face squatting. But they can irritate your follicles and trigger inflammation if they get out of hand.
Is it normal to have eyelash mites?
Totally. Most adults have them and don't even know it. It's like having a microscopic fan club. Just... less flattering.
Can I get rid of them forever?
Not really. You can reduce their numbers and keep them in check, but total eviction? Unlikely. They're here for the long haul—unless you give your face a solid skincare routine.