This happened in Charlotte, N.C. Many women are getting individual eyelash extensions. Some optometrists are seeing a rise in cases of tiny mites, similar to lice on eyelashes. If you get eyelash extensions, you might want to think about the last time you’ve cleaned them. A nurse is advising to clean your new set of lashes because it can become pretty gross if you do not. Optometrist are calling these mire infestations, “Demodex”. This is due to getting individual eyelash extensions.
“People are getting these instructions, don’t rub on them, don’t clean them with harsh remover, but people are completely disregarding cleaning them at all,” Piedmont Medical Center Registered Nurse Lindsey Neal said.
Neal said the lack of cleaning can lead to a build-up of bacteria.
“If you’re not taking care of them, [you] can get an infestation of eyelash mites,” Neal said.
While we all have mites on our bodies naturally, they attract to dirty eyelashes. If they overpopulate, they can cause a serious infection. Symptoms may include itching, redness, and swelling.
More shocking news? Neal said they are contagious. She said it’s critical not to share eye makeup. In addition, she urges people to regularly clean their eyelids and make sure tools used to apply extensions are clean.
Neal also recommends using tea tree oil to clean your lashes.
The condition is treatable but, it can take some time. Doctors say even if you don’t get extensions, you can still get mites if you don’t clean your eyes, or if you don’t change out your eye makeup.
