Scratchy, crusty eyelids can come from a few different places, including allergies and dry eye. Another possibility might surprise you, since it lives right on your lashes.
Demodex blepharitis is eyelid inflammation that can develop when tiny mites that normally live on your skin multiply around your lashes. It’s common, and a comprehensive eye exam can help your optometrist figure out whether mites are behind your symptoms.
What Are Eyelash Mites?
Demodex mites are tiny creatures that live on almost everyone’s skin, including your face, eyelids, and lashes. They’re far too small to see. You’d need several of them just to cover the head of a pin.
For most people, these mites cause no trouble at all. Problems can start when they grow too numerous, often for reasons experts haven’t pinned down. Demodex blepharitis can affect people of any age, though adults over 65 tend to deal with it more often.
A few everyday factors can also raise your risk:
- Wearing contact lenses
- Smoking
- Ongoing stress
- A weakened immune system
Signs You May Notice
An overgrowth of mites usually shows up along your lash line first. Watch for signs like these:
- Itchy eyelids, often worse in the morning or late evening
- Red or puffy eyelids
- Crusty flakes at the base of your lashes
- Eyes that feel gritty or dry
- Lashes that fall out or grow in odd directions
Common Questions About Eyelash Mites
Finding out you have mites on your lashes can raise a few questions. Here’s what we hear most often.
How Do You Get Eyelash Mites?
Babies start out without mites and pick them up from the people they live with. Since almost everyone carries them, having an overgrowth isn’t a sign of poor hygiene. The mites themselves can pass between people through close contact.
Do Eyelash Mites Live on Pillows?
Tossing your sheets in a hot wash feels like a smart fix. However, there’s little proof that hot-washed sheets stop mites from returning. Fresh bedding still feels great at bedtime, so keep the habit if you enjoy it.
Can You Wear Eye Makeup with Demodex Blepharitis?
Your makeup bag deserves a little attention too. Try these eye makeup habits:
- Replace mascara and liquid eyeliner about every 3 months
- Remove your eye makeup every night before bed
- Skip shared makeup and store testers
- Ask your optometrist about an eye-safe cleanser if you wear lash extensions
If your eyelids flare up, take a break from eye makeup and toss anything you used recently.
How to Manage Demodex Blepharitis
Treatment often combines care at home with care in our office. Your optometrist can help you build a routine that fits your eyes and your schedule.
Eye Drops and At-Home Care
Your optometrist may prescribe eye drops that target the mites directly. The first FDA-approved drop for this condition goes in twice a day for 6 weeks, so it’s easy to pair with brushing your teeth in the morning and at night.
Lid cleansers with a low concentration of tea tree oil can also help. Stick with products made for eyelids, because homemade tea tree mixes can irritate the skin around your eyes.
In-Office Treatment Options
Stubborn buildup sometimes needs an extra hand. In-office lid cleaning can help clear crusty lash buildup in minutes, leaving your lash line looking fresh and tidy.
Light-based treatments are another option. They usually involve a series of 4 visits, and your optometrist can talk you through whether they suit your eyes.
Why You Need an Eye Exam for Itchy Eyelids
Itchy eyelids don’t always point to mites. Dry eye disease or allergies can bring similar symptoms, so a closer look matters more than a guess at home.
During your exam, your optometrist uses a slit lamp (a microscope with a bright light) to check for waxy, cylinder-shaped flakes at the base of your lashes. These flakes are a key sign of Demodex and can help guide your treatment plan.
Let your optometrist know if you’ve already tried warm compresses or lid scrubs without much change. Symptoms that don’t respond to those basics can point toward mites.
Find Help for Crusty Eyelids
If your eyelids keep itching or your lashes stay crusty, have them checked. Our team can examine your lash line and walk you through treatment options that suit your eyes.
Book an appointment with The Vision Place and give your eyelids the care they need.