Have you ever considered the possibility of tiny creatures residing on your face? It might sound like a plot from a science fiction movie, but it's a reality for almost everyone on Earth. These microscopic inhabitants are called Demodex mites, and they live in the pores and hair follicles of your face, including your eyelashes. While the thought of these critters might be unsettling, understanding their nature and potential impact on your eyes is crucial for maintaining eye health.
Demodex mites are tiny, eight-legged arachnids that reside in the hair follicles and pores of the face. These microscopic mites, measuring only about 0.4 mm long, are invisible to the naked eye. There are two main types of Demodex mites that live on humans: Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis.
Both types of Demodex mites can be found all over the face, but Demodex folliculorum mites tend to concentrate around the eyelash area. These mites live inside hair follicles, where they feed on dead skin cells and oily sebum secreted onto the hair shaft. Demodex mites are responsible for eating the dead skin cells and oils that our body sheds daily. That’s why they’re found in higher numbers around greasier areas of the body, like the eyes and nose. The mites come out of the hair follicle at night to mate and then return in the morning. For this reason, symptoms of a Demodex infestation may be worse in the morning.
Demodex mites can be transferred from one host to another through facial skin or hair contact. They can also be introduced to a new host through shared makeup and cosmetics. Having a small amount of Demodex mites seems to be harmless, but an overgrowth of mites - called “demodicosis” - can cause a host of symptoms affecting the eyes and other areas of the face. A Demodex infestation can also exacerbate pre-existing skin conditions like rosacea and acne.
While a small number of Demodex mites are generally harmless, an overpopulation can lead to a condition called demodicosis, triggering various uncomfortable symptoms that affect the eyes and other areas of the face.
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Too many Demodex mites can cause uncomfortable symptoms that may include:
If you experience a yellowish discharge on your eyelashes mainly in the mornings, this could be a sign of a Demodex mite infestation. Severe cases of demodicosis can lead to blepharitis - an inflammation of the eyelids. Blepharitis often leads to an inflammation of the cornea called keratitis, a serious condition that can lead to blindness if left untreated.
Several factors can increase the likelihood of a Demodex mite outbreak. You’re more likely to have a Demodex mite outbreak if you:
Some pre-existing conditions that increase the possibility of a Demodex outbreak include:
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.
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Because Demodex mites are so small, they’re impossible to diagnose on your own. Only a comprehensive eye exam can determine the source of your symptoms.
If your doctor thinks eyelash mites are causing those problems, they will ask about your symptoms and look for redness or swelling around the edges of your eyelids. They will also want to rule out other conditions that can irritate your eyes. Your doctor has several ways to find out if eyelash mites are causing your symptoms. A special microscope with a bright light called a slit lamp can show if:
Before eyelash mite treatment can begin, you’ll first need to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis. This is done with a small biopsy where your eyelashes are lightly scraped to collect a sample of oils, tissues, and possible mite exoskeletons. The sample is then looked at with a microscope, since mites can’t be seen with the naked eye.
Eyelash mites don’t need to be treated if they’re not causing problems. And sometimes getting rid of eyelash mites can be tough. Eyelid scrubs you can buy over the counter at the drugstore may not do the trick.
Fortunately, there are several effective ways of treating and managing issues like itching, crusting or redness that are caused by mite overgrowth. Treatment for a Demodex mite infestation typically involves a medicated ointment that can prevent the mites from reproducing. In severe cases, oral medication may be prescribed. Your eye doctor may also manually clean the margins of your eyelids or recommend over-the-counter products that can help soothe irritation and promote healing.
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What treatments usually work? Your doctor might recommend:
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.
The best thing to do is keep yourself and your surroundings clean. To do that, you can lather up your hair and entire body with soap or shampoo each day. You can help prevent eyelash mites with the following methods:
Demodex also appears to have strong connections with rosacea. According to the National Rosacea Society, people with rosacea have about 18 times more D. folliculorum mites compared with those who don’t have rosacea. The mites are even considered by some experts to be a direct cause of rosacea. In any case, Demodex can lead to worsening rosacea symptoms in those who are affected.
Other potential causes for eyelash mite outbreaks include other skin conditions, such as dermatitis, inflammatory acne, and alopecia. Skin infections, weakened immune systems, and HIV are also linked to Demodex mites.
A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Demodex spp. A total of 290 individuals were studied for the presence of D. folliculorum and D. brevis within the eyelash follicles. Participants belonged to one of four groups: inpatients, drug abusers, health professionals, and medical students. Ten eyelashes were epilated from each subject, placed on microscope slides and examined for parasites. The sample was defined as positive if at least one parasite or parasite's ova were present.
The prevalence of Demodex spp. infestation among all studied subjects was 41%, with the highest infestation rate among inpatients (p < 0.01) and elderly people (p < 0.001). No difference regarding the presence of Demodex was found between women and men (p = 0.76). Demodex folliculorum was about 2.4 times more frequent than D. brevis. The prevalence of Demodex spp. in subjects with and without eye complaints suggesting blepharitis was similar (41.6% vs. 40.2%, respectively, p = 0.9). On the other hand, wearing glasses was linked to Demodex infestation (48.4% vs.
If you’re not seeing any improvements despite medical treatments and home remedies, then it may be time to see your doctor for further evaluation. You can book an appointment with a doctor in your area using our Healthline FindCare tool.
You should also make an appointment if your rosacea or eczema worsens. Call your doctor right away if your symptoms are affecting your overall quality of life.
When left untreated, eyelash mites can cause vision problems. They may also lead to dry eye. You should see your doctor if you have any changes in your eyes or vision. Eyelash mites may be just one of the causes to rule out.
tags: #eyelash #mites #Demodex
