Latest news with #Demodex
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Itchy eyes? It might be eyelash mites! Here's how to spot them
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.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Eyelash mites (yikes!) are a lot more common than most people realize
The idea of tiny bugs living in your eyelashes might sound like something out of a horror movie, but their reality is far less alarming. Microscopic mites are incredibly common and, for the most part, as harmless as they are helpful. 'Most everyone has some eyelash mites,' says Dr. Damaris Raymondi, an optometrist at Sur Eye Care in Queens, New York. More than that, she adds, 'they're a normal part of our body's microbiome.' At the same time, these little critters can trigger irritation, inflammation and even contribute to more serious eye conditions if their population gets out of control. Here's what eyelash mites really are, why they sometimes become a problem and how to prevent that from happening. What are eyelash mites? Eyelash mites, formally called Demodex, are microscopic arachnids that inhabit the hair follicles and tiny glands of the face, especially around our eyes. 'They are tiny, eight-legged critters that live in our hair follicles, including our eyelashes,' says Raymondi. More specifically, they spend most of their lives burrowed deep at the base of our lashes. While that might sound eerie, they're not invaders in the way we typically think of pests or parasites. Rather, they are part of our skin's natural ecosystem – and even serve some useful purposes. 'These mites are responsible for eating the dead skin cells and oils that our body sheds daily,' explains Raymondi. Most of us never even know they're there. Humans host two species of these mites: Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis, explains Dr. Roberto Ricardo-Gonzalez, a dermatologist and microbiologist at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center. 'Like most arthropods, both species have a rigid outer covering (exoskeleton) protecting their bodies,' he notes. Of the two species, he adds, D. folliculorum is primarily found in eyelash follicles, while D. brevis tends to occupy skin glands that produce sebum, an oily substance our bodies need to hydrate skin. No matter where they are, both species of mites are only about 0.3 millimeters long – roughly the size of a single grain of very fine sand – making them invisible to the naked eye. Acne treatments abound but what works? Expert gets into pimples and skincare essentials What causes eyelash mites to become an issue? The mere presence of eyelash mites isn't usually a problem. But issues arise when their numbers surge, which can lead to a condition called demodicosis. 'Our bodies can typically control the number of mites to a low level,' says Ricardo-Gonzalez. 'But when their population increases substantially, it can lead to irritation, redness, inflammation and occasional itching.' You may also experience 'crusting and flaking at the base of your eyelashes,' adds Raymondi. 'An overgrowth may even cause your eyelashes to appear shorter or to fall out.' In some cases, demodicosis can also contribute to more serious eye conditions such as blepharitis – an inflammatory condition of the eyelids. Several factors can trigger an overpopulation of mites. Since they feed on dead skin cells and sebum, an abundance of either can increase their numbers, explains Ricardo-Gonzalez. Poor eyelid hygiene is another culprit, especially if makeup or other facial products aren't properly or thoroughly removed after use. Eyelash extensions have also been shown to potentially cause buildup to occur. Ditto for poorly cleaned contact lenses. "Mite overgrowth is also associated with skin conditions like rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis," adds Dr. Cory Lappin, an optometrist and founder of the Dry Eye Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. "And patients with a weakened immune system may be at a greater risk of mite overpopulation due to such a system being less effective at keeping them in check." Age is another factor to be aware of. 'Many elderly folks have an overpopulation of these mites,' notes Raymondi. This is mainly due to mites naturally accumulating more over time. What are essential oils? What a medical expert wants you to know How to get rid of eyelash mites Fortunately, there are several effective ways of treating and managing issues like itching, crusting or redness that are caused by mite overgrowth. For example, gently cleaning your eyelids with diluted tea tree oil or specially formulated lid scrubs can help. 'Tea tree oil contains compounds toxic to Demodex mites, but it should never be applied directly to the eye,' cautions Raymondi. Warm compresses can also loosen debris and calm inflammation. Raymondi also cites an FDA-approved lotilaner ophthalmic solution called Xdemvy. 'This is a prescription eye drop that you can get from your eye doctor,' she explains. 'This and other anti-parasitic medications such as ivermectin can effectively kill eyelash mites,' echoes Ricardo-Gonzalez. 'But these medications should only be used as directed by your doctor.' In more severe or persistent cases, an ophthalmologist may also recommend in-office treatments like professional eyelid exfoliation. Preventing overpopulation from returning is also important. 'Good hygiene is essential to keep skin debris and oil at a normal level,' Ricardo-Gonzalez advises. Removing all eye makeup each day is also key. But as you do so, remember that complete eradication isn't the goal. 'These mites are part of our ecosystem,' Raymondi stresses. 'The goal is to manage their numbers and restore balance.' This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to get rid of eyelash mites, according to experts
USA Today
3 days ago
- Health
- USA Today
Eyelash mites (yikes!) are a lot more common than most people realize
The idea of tiny bugs living in your eyelashes might sound like something out of a horror movie, but their reality is far less alarming. Microscopic mites are incredibly common and, for the most part, as harmless as they are helpful. 'Most everyone has some eyelash mites,' says Dr. Damaris Raymondi, an optometrist at Sur Eye Care in Queens, New York. More than that, she adds, 'they're a normal part of our body's microbiome.' At the same time, these little critters can trigger irritation, inflammation and even contribute to more serious eye conditions if their population gets out of control. Here's what eyelash mites really are, why they sometimes become a problem and how to prevent that from happening. What are eyelash mites? Eyelash mites, formally called Demodex, are microscopic arachnids that inhabit the hair follicles and tiny glands of the face, especially around our eyes. 'They are tiny, eight-legged critters that live in our hair follicles, including our eyelashes,' says Raymondi. More specifically, they spend most of their lives burrowed deep at the base of our lashes. While that might sound eerie, they're not invaders in the way we typically think of pests or parasites. Rather, they are part of our skin's natural ecosystem – and even serve some useful purposes. 'These mites are responsible for eating the dead skin cells and oils that our body sheds daily,' explains Raymondi. Most of us never even know they're there. Humans host two species of these mites: Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis, explains Dr. Roberto Ricardo-Gonzalez, a dermatologist and microbiologist at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center. 'Like most arthropods, both species have a rigid outer covering (exoskeleton) protecting their bodies,' he notes. Of the two species, he adds, D. folliculorum is primarily found in eyelash follicles, while D. brevis tends to occupy skin glands that produce sebum, an oily substance our bodies need to hydrate skin. No matter where they are, both species of mites are only about 0.3 millimeters long – roughly the size of a single grain of very fine sand – making them invisible to the naked eye. What causes eyelash mites to become an issue? The mere presence of eyelash mites isn't usually a problem. But issues arise when their numbers surge, which can lead to a condition called demodicosis. 'Our bodies can typically control the number of mites to a low level,' says Ricardo-Gonzalez. 'But when their population increases substantially, it can lead to irritation, redness, inflammation and occasional itching.' You may also experience 'crusting and flaking at the base of your eyelashes,' adds Raymondi. 'An overgrowth may even cause your eyelashes to appear shorter or to fall out.' In some cases, demodicosis can also contribute to more serious eye conditions such as blepharitis – an inflammatory condition of the eyelids. Several factors can trigger an overpopulation of mites. Since they feed on dead skin cells and sebum, an abundance of either can increase their numbers, explains Ricardo-Gonzalez. Poor eyelid hygiene is another culprit, especially if makeup or other facial products aren't properly or thoroughly removed after use. Eyelash extensions have also been shown to potentially cause buildup to occur. Ditto for poorly cleaned contact lenses. "Mite overgrowth is also associated with skin conditions like rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis," adds Dr. Cory Lappin, an optometrist and founder of the Dry Eye Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. "And patients with a weakened immune system may be at a greater risk of mite overpopulation due to such a system being less effective at keeping them in check." Age is another factor to be aware of. 'Many elderly folks have an overpopulation of these mites,' notes Raymondi. This is mainly due to mites naturally accumulating more over time. How to get rid of eyelash mites Fortunately, there are several effective ways of treating and managing issues like itching, crusting or redness that are caused by mite overgrowth. For example, gently cleaning your eyelids with diluted tea tree oil or specially formulated lid scrubs can help. 'Tea tree oil contains compounds toxic to Demodex mites, but it should never be applied directly to the eye,' cautions Raymondi. Warm compresses can also loosen debris and calm inflammation. Raymondi also cites an FDA-approved lotilaner ophthalmic solution called Xdemvy. 'This is a prescription eye drop that you can get from your eye doctor,' she explains. 'This and other anti-parasitic medications such as ivermectin can effectively kill eyelash mites,' echoes Ricardo-Gonzalez. 'But these medications should only be used as directed by your doctor.' In more severe or persistent cases, an ophthalmologist may also recommend in-office treatments like professional eyelid exfoliation. Preventing overpopulation from returning is also important. 'Good hygiene is essential to keep skin debris and oil at a normal level,' Ricardo-Gonzalez advises. Removing all eye makeup each day is also key. But as you do so, remember that complete eradication isn't the goal. 'These mites are part of our ecosystem,' Raymondi stresses. 'The goal is to manage their numbers and restore balance.'
New York Post
14-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
This creepy cause of dry eye is often overlooked and totally ‘distressing' — how to fix it
How tear-ible! Over 20 million Americans have dry eye disease, which means that their eyes don't produce enough tears or their tears evaporate too quickly. Dry air, wind, certain autoimmune diseases, medications like antihistamines and decongestants, too much screen time, vitamin A deficiency and contact lenses are often to blame. Advertisement 5 Dr. Ashley Brissette, a board-certified ophthalmologist and eye surgeon at Kelly Vision in NYC, shares her secret to battling Demodex overgrowth. Kelly Vision Dr. Ashley Brissette, a board-certified ophthalmologist and eye surgeon at Kelly Vision in NYC, suggests that there's a scarier, overlooked cause of dry eye — microscopic pests living in our eyelashes and eyebrows. These eight-legged freeloaders are known as eyelash mites or Demodex. 'While they are typically harmless and almost everyone has these,' Brissette told The Post, 'an overgrowth of these mites, which feed off of the bacteria that lives on our lashes, can lead to conditions like blepharitis, which causes eyelid inflammation, redness, dry eye, styes, itchy eyes and irritation.' Before you get out the Raid and make things a whole lot worse, Brissette reveals how to combat these small — and mite-y — intruders. Advertisement How do you get eyelash mites? This may come as a surprise, but most people naturally harbor a tiny population of these parasites in their hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Your scaly roommates, which measure up to 0.4 millimeters long, mate on your face as you sleep. 5 Demodex are microscopic organisms living in our eyelashes and eyebrows. They're too small to see but can cause big problems if there are a lot of them. Shutterstock Advertisement That's disrespectful and disgusting, but generally unproblematic, unless there are too many of them. Proliferation can happen with a compromised immune system, certain skin conditions and poor hygiene like sharing towels or cosmetics. What kind of damage can they do? Symptoms of infestation include itchy red eyes or eyelids, crusting on the eyelids, irritation, dry eye, styes and even eyelash loss. 5 Symptoms of Demodex overgrowth include itchy red eyes or eyelids, crusting on the eyelids, irritation, dry eye, styes and even eyelash loss. Shutterstock Advertisement 'The mites can cause distention of the eyelash follicle and cause natural lashes to fall out,' Brissette said. 'This is the most distressing issue for most patients.' Styes, particularly when chronic or recurrent, are also upsetting because they are visible, uncomfortable and can take weeks to go away. How do mites lead to dry eye? Meibomian glands produce the oily layer of the tear film, which helps keep eyes lubricated and comfortable. Mite overgrowth can cause inflammation of the eyelids, disrupting the function of these glands. 'This leads to inflammation on the surface of the eye and a reduced ability to keep the eyes properly lubricated,' Brissette explained. 'The inflammation can also impair tear production and affect the eyelids' ability to spread tears evenly across the eye, further exacerbating dryness.' 5 A stinging or burning feeling, red eyes, a scratching sensation, blurry vision and sensitivity to light are symptoms of dry eye. brizmaker – Advertisement Dry eye sometimes feels worse in the summer due to air conditioning, increased exposure to environmental allergens and poor air quality from things like wildfire smoke. Sufferers often complain of a stinging or burning feeling, red eyes, a scratching sensation, blurry vision and sensitivity to light. What treatments are available? The prescription eye drop Xdemvy can eradicate the mites. It's typically taken twice a day for six weeks. Advertisement 'You also need to be washing the eyelids daily with an eyelid-formulated cleanser,' Brissette said. 'This gets rid of the mites, as well as the bacteria and debris that they feed off of, to prevent them from recurring.' Brissette recommends Purifying Foam Cleanser from Daily Practice by Dr. B. 5 The prescription eye drop Xdemvy can eliminate Demodex, Brissette said. Monstar Studio – Advertisement In fact, it's important to wash your eyelids with a cleanser every day to prevent problems. Yes, daily. It's a mite-y ask, but worth the effort, Brissette said. Other surprising causes of dry eye
Indian Express
09-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Eyelash dandruff: Why it's bad for you
Eyelash dandruff might sound unusual, but it's more common than you think. This condition can cause significant discomfort and potentially harm eye health if left untreated. Dr Chanda Gupta, Senior Consultant at Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals, explains that while often overlooked, eyelash dandruff is a manageable condition that deserves attention. Let's explore what it is, why it matters, and how to treat it effectively. Eyelash dandruff, medically referred to as blepharitis, occurs when dry, flaky skin develops around the eyelashes and eyelids. These flakes can range from white to yellowish and often cling to the eyelashes or fall into the eyes. According to Dr Gupta, 'Eyelash dandruff is commonly associated with underlying issues such as seborrheic dermatitis or an overgrowth of Demodex mites. These tiny, naturally occurring parasites can multiply excessively, exacerbating the condition.' While it may seem like a minor issue, eyelash dandruff can lead to significant eye problems, including: The condition often presents with these symptoms: 'If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to address them early to prevent complications,' advises Dr Gupta. Managing eyelash dandruff requires consistent hygiene practices, home remedies, and medical intervention when needed. Dr Gupta outlines effective treatments: Dr Gupta emphasises that 'maintaining good eyelid hygiene and scheduling regular eye check-ups can prevent eyelash dandruff from becoming a recurring problem.' Early intervention and proper care are crucial to maintaining eye health.
