Recentmedia reports have labeled these creatures eyelash lice, but doctors tell USA TODAY that they're actually mites. And while mites live
on all animals, eyelash extensions create risk for an irritating
buildup of the tiny creatures.Preventing the itching, redness and other
symptoms associated with a mite buildup is simple: Establish a daily
routine of washing around the eyes with warm, soapy water.
Washing is an important — often neglected — part of hygiene for people who wear false eyelashes. But the reports of a rise of eyelash
lice are incorrect, doctors say.Associate Dean for Clinical Services at
the Ohio State University College of Optometry, say people are confusing
the medical term demodex for lice, when they’re actually mites.
He adds that the confusion between the two organisms is problematic because it's a very important distinction.Lice are a parasites that
suck blood and are usually the size of a poppy seed, according to Dr.
Craig See, an ophthalmologist at Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute.
They can usually be seen by the naked eye, he said. Mites, on the other
hand, are microscopic organisms that that live on all mammals, See said.
They don't suck blood, but instead eat dead skin cells.
Lice can be transferred from one person to another, but Nixon doubts that they can be transmitted through fake eyelashes or eyelash
extensions. Eyelash extensions are synthetic, it’s not natural,” he
said. “The extensions are not transmitting anything or serving as a
vector for people to get infected.”
See says that if lice were somehow transferred to the eyelashes, one would be able to see them. Lice cause irritation and require immediate
treatment.
Nixon says mites don't normally cause any issues. However, problems can arise if a buildup of mites is concentrated around the eye. Nixon
says this is a common issue among people who practice poor hygiene and
don't wash around their eyes. A buildup of mites can cause itching,
irritation, redness, scaling and flaking.
He says the best prevention method is to establish a daily routine of washing around the eyes with warm, soapy water. This helps break up
the oils that fuel the mites. Nixon says people who wear false lashes or
eyelash extensions are more likely to neglect this daily routine.
“When you get eyelash extensions, a lot of patients neglect the normal hygiene that go into taking care of your normal eyelash,” Nixon
said.See says that irritation from false lashes or eyelash extensions is
also commonly a result from the adhesive and usually goes away after
the lashes are removed.
