Are you the kind of person who thinks they know everything about their body? Well, think again. Meet your microscopic eyelash dwellers – the tiny mites residing on your eyelashes.

What are eyelash mites?

Eyelash mites, also known as Demodex, are tiny mites that inhabit the hair follicles on your eyelashes. They are tiny and almost invisible to the naked eye, about 0.2 to 0.4 millimeters in length.

These mites are found in every human, and they are usually harmless. They don’t cause any major concern until they multiply in number, causing uncomfortable or severe symptoms.

How do you get eyelash mites?

The Demodex mites are naturally occurring mites that attach to the hair follicles on your eyelashes and feed on the sebum, dead skin cells, and oils on your skin.

They can quickly overpopulate, leading to clogged hair follicles and irritation of the eyelash follicles.

Symptoms of eyelash mites infestation

Most people do not experience any symptoms of Demodex mite infestation, but when they multiply excessively, it can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms. Some of the common symptoms include:.

Burning sensation in the eyes
Itching and redness around the eyes
Crusty eyelashes
Blurry vision
Eye irritation and sensitivity to light

How to prevent eyelash mites infestation

To keep Demodex mites infestation under control, it is essential to maintain personal hygiene and the cleanliness of your surroundings. Here are some tips to prevent eyelash mites infestation:.

Wash your face with warm water and gentle soap
Avoid rubbing your eyes excessively
Avoid wearing eye makeup for an extended period
Use a tea tree oil-based cleanser or eyelid scrub to keep your eyelashes clean and free of mites
Clean your face towels and pillowcases frequently to avoid mites’ transfer

Microscopic observations of eyelash mites

These eye mites are so small that they are challenging to see with the naked eye. However, with powerful microscopes, scientists have been able to make observations of these tiny creatures.

Check out the photos below to have a better understanding of these microscopic eyelash dwellers!.

Eyelash mites life cycle

The life cycle of Demodex mites starts when the female lays eggs in the hair follicles of the eyelashes. Once the egg hatches, a six-legged larva emerges and eventually molts into an eight-legged nymph.

The adult mite then forms into its final stage, laying more eggs, and the cycle continues.

Treatment for eyelash mites infestation

If you suspect that you have eyelash mite infestation, or if you have been diagnosed with it, your doctor may recommend treatment to eliminate the mites. Some of the commonly used treatments include:.

Prescription medication, such as metronidazole or ivermectin creams
Tea tree oil-based shampoos and cleansers to kill mites
Manual removal of mites using a special tool
Hot compresses to relieve eye inflammation

Conclusion

These tiny creatures living in your eyelashes may sound a bit creepy, but they are an essential part of your body’s natural ecosystem. As long as they are controlled, they won’t cause any significant problems.

However, if you experience any symptoms suggestive of eyelash mites’ infestation, make sure to speak to your doctor about it.