Eyelash mites are tiny parasites that live in or virtually the pilus follicles of mammals. Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis are two species of eyelash mite nowadays on human eyelashes.

Demodex infestations may occur on the face, including the cheeks, the nose, the chin, the forehead, the temples, the eyelashes, and the brows.

Other areas of infestation include the balding scalp, the neck, the ears, the penis, and the buttocks. Demodex folliculorum more commonly occur on the face.

This article covers the causes, symptoms, and treatments associated with eyelash mites.

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People tin can acquire eyelash mites by coming into contact with some other person who has them or dust containing the mite'due south eggs.

Demodex mites are parasites that live on the skin of their human hosts.

People tin can acquire eyelash mites by coming into close or directly contact with another person who has them. The afflicted person may have larvae or developed mites that can spread to other people.

People can besides larn eyelash mites from dust that contains eggs.

According to one 2014 study, Demodex mites are not limited to any ethnic group. That said, they ordinarily occur on the skin of:

  • Aboriginal people
  • Caucasian people
  • Inuit people
  • Maori people
  • Nigerian people

Yet, experts do not fully understand the prevalence of Demodex infestations, especially that of eyelash mites.

Some populations may have a higher risk of infestation, including medical staff and students who take frequent contact with the public.

People with eyelash mites may not experience any symptoms. Eyelash mites occur in good for you people, and so the infestation may become unnoticed unless the mites multiply rapidly.

Some researchers suggest that Demodex infestations tin develop due to an imbalance in the allowed mechanism.

Peel conditions that develop due to Demodex mites are grouped nether the terms demodicosis or demodicidosis.

Experts have demonstrated that eyelash mites may cause a diverseness of conditions affecting the front of the middle, including:

  • blepharitis
  • changes to the eyelashes, such as loss and misalignment
  • conjunctivitis
  • keratitis
  • basal cell carcinoma of the lid

Blepharitis refers to inflammation of the eyelids. People with blepharitis may experience:

  • itching
  • burning
  • dryness
  • irritation
  • watering
  • blurred vision
  • a feeling of heavy eyelids

Conjunctivitis refers to inflammation of the membrane that covers the eyeball, which is called the conjunctiva.

Keratitis refers to inflammation of the cornea.

According to one report, an infestation of Demodex mites on the eyelashes and sebaceous glands of the eyelids can cause madarosis, or eyelash loss.

Eyelash mites cause inflammation of the hair follicle, which leads to edema and eventual like shooting fish in a barrel epilation of the eyelashes. Eyelashes may likewise become breakable and autumn off.

Since eyelash mite infestations are ofttimes asymptomatic, many people volition only seek handling when the mites multiply in greater numbers. Demodex infestations are underdiagnosed and undertreated.

The handling goal with Demodex blepharitis is to exterminate the mites. To practice this, a medico may suggest:

  • meliorate eyelid hygiene
  • 1% sulfur ointment
  • 1% mercury oxide ointment
  • pilocarpine gel
  • iodized solutions
  • warm compresses
  • intense pulsed light
  • ivermectin
  • tea tree oil

Co-ordinate to some research, tea tree oil might be the merely amanuensis for killing Demodex mites. It may accept antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects that assistance treat the issue.

Inflammation of the eyelids can lead to inflammation of the conjunctiva. This is known as blepharoconjunctivitis.

Typical treatments for conjunctivitis — including antibiotics, antivirals, and lubrication — may be ineffective in treating blepharoconjunctivitis due to Demodex.

In a small study of 12 participants with blepharoconjunctivitis, unresolved infections responded after a short course of tea tree oil.

Eyelash mites may likewise impact the cornea and cause Demodex keratitis. Some research has shown that tea tree oil can eradicate eyelash mites and reduce eye surface inflammation.

In this report, the participants applied tea tree oil at 50% concentration for lid scrubs and 5% concentration for hat massages.

Other treatment options may include:

  • crotamiton foam
  • permethrin cream
  • topical metronidazole
  • oral metronidazole

In severe cases, such as in people with HIV, oral ivermectin may be constructive.

Eyelash mites only alive on the human being hair follicle. They practice non cause problems when nowadays in low numbers.

To prevent blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, Demodex keratitis, and other conditions associated with eyelash mites, researchers recommend the following preventive measures:

  • Cleanse the face twice per day with a non-lather cleanser.
  • Avoid using oil-based or greasy facial products, such as cleansers and makeup.
  • Remove expressionless skin cells on the face with periodic exfoliation.

To preclude acquiring eyelash mites, people should avoid close contact with others who have them. Eyelash mites laissez passer from host to host through contact with hair, eyebrows, and the sebaceous glands on the nose.

This measure may be challenging, however, equally infestations are ofttimes underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Therefore, a person may not know that they have caused the mites.

Eyelash mite infestations usually affect the eyelid. They typically go unnoticed.

If the mites brainstorm to multiply, however, people may experience symptoms of infestation. Blepharitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis, and other eye conditions may be associated with the presence of eyelash mites.

Experts recommend hygiene tips to prevent the multiplication of eyelash mites.

If symptoms practice occur, several treatments may assist. However, according to some research, the most constructive treatment for eyelash mites may exist tea tree oil.

People who think that they might have eyelash mites should speak with a md before using tea tree oil on their eyelids.