Eyelash extensions have been popular over the past few years, with celebrities and social media fueling the trend. If you use eyelash extensions and have noticed some eye irritation, it could be a buildup of microscopic organisms eating your skin known as eyelash lice.
Yes, you read that right: eating away your skin.
The tiny lice can survive an eye hair follicles as well as on the scalp. Doctors are encouraging those who use eyelash extensions to be careful of the makeup and other chemicals you put on or around your eyelashes, as well as how long you leave them on there.
Preventing the itching, redness, and other symptoms associated with a mite buildup is simple: Establish a daily routine of washing around the eyes with warm, soapy water.
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Washing is an important — often neglected — part of hygiene for people who wear false eyelashes. But the reports of a rise of eyelash lice are incorrect, doctors say.
Optometrist Dr. Sairah Malik, echoes Belanger's findings, telling ABC stations WXYZ and KTRK, by not cleaning one's lashes, the bacteria will continue to build up, causing infection and lice. Symptoms that would follow include itchiness, redness, and inflammation, among others.
To avoid contracting an infestation, Malik recommends using a tea tree-based cleanser daily.
"Any cleanser that has a diluted form of tea tree. And it is a good idea to use it on a daily basis," she explained, adding that it's also a good idea to give eyelids a break from extensions every now and then.
Dr. Gregory J. Nixon, Associate Dean for Clinical Services at the Ohio State University College of Optometry, says people are confusing the medical term Demodex for lice, when they’re actually mites.
He adds that the confusion between the two organisms needs to be understood.
Lice are parasites that suck blood and are usually the size of a poppy seed, according to Dr. Craig See, an ophthalmologist at Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute. They can usually be seen by the naked eye, he said.
Mites, on the other hand, are microscopic organisms that live on all mammals, See said. They don't suck blood, but instead eat dead skin cells.
According to a 2015 case, a patient with eyelash lice was successfully treated with the following three-day procedure:
1. Petroleum jelly was applied thickly to the lid, two times daily.
2. About two hours after the petroleum jelly application, 1-percent permethrin shampoo was applied to the eyelid.
3. About 10 minutes after the shampoo was applied, the eyelid was thoroughly washed.
Before following any suggested treatment, ask your doctor’s advice. Commercial chemicals and shampoos can cause irritation or damage to the eye if not properly administered.
Your doctor can write a prescription for an ophthalmic-grade petrolatum ointment if they feel that this treatment route is the best for you.
4 Common Toxic Ingredients In Your Everyday Beauty Products & Safer Alternatives
Okay, so here’s the thing. I know we often talk a good game of not consuming harmful ingredients in our everyday foods but have you taken a look at the back of the facial cleanser you use daily? Some of the deadliest ingredients can be found in something so simple as the lip balm you use 5 times a day.
Scary thought, however, it’s not too late to still make a change. Take a look at what’s lurking in your most coveted beauty products and safer alternatives you should consider below:
Coal Tar Dyes
What is it? It’s a common active ingredient in over the counter drug products. It is also known as biocides which are used to kill lice and get rid of dandruff.
Why should you be concerned? It also has allergens, immunotoxicity, carcinogen (cancer-causing), and organ system toxicity
What is this in? This can be found in hair products like hair dyes, shampoos, scalp treatments, lotions, soaps, and other cosmetics.
Alternative: Go for brands that arecertified organic like, Jacq’s Organics. Black-owned, their products are 100% vegan, 100% organic and made for all skin types with people of color in mind.
Formaldehyde
What is it? It’s used to preserve the shelf life of ingredients, aka a preservative.
Why should you be concerned? It can cause immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, skin irritation, and it’s a carcinogen. It is reproductive toxicity.
What is this in? It can be found in bath & body products, eyelash glue, and nail polishes.
Alternative: It can be hard to find a nail polish that is cute, toxic-free, long lasting, and carried at your local nail salon. Zoya is a popular brand that I’ve actually seen at salons. If your salon doesn't carry an alternative option, there's nothing wrong with buying it and bringing it with you to your next medi and pedi!
Heavy Metals
What is it? Heavy metals includemercury which is a preservative and antimicrobial, lead, iron, arsenic, and chromium.
Why should you be concerned? It contributes to organ system toxicity, reproductive toxicity, and irritation. It’s also a carcinogen, endocrine disruptor, and an environmental hazard.
What is this in? You can find these heavy metals in eye drops, cosmetics, whitening toothpaste, sunscreen, and moisturizers.
Alternative: Use natural and organic alternatives with the properties you’re using them for. If you’re looking to whiten teeth, use toothpaste with activated charcoal in them from brands like My Magic Mud.
Mineral Oil
What is it? It’s a colorless and odorless oil made from petroleum. It’s basically a by-product of the distillation of petroleum used to produce gasoline. It's long been used as a common ingredient in lotions, creams, ointments, and cosmetics. It's lightweight and inexpensive and helps reduce water loss from the skin, also known as a skin moisturizer.
Why should you be concerned? It’s an allergen, carcinogen, and contributes to organ toxicity.
What is this in? You can find this in your bath & body products, skin-care products, cosmetics and they actually sell this by the bottle at your local beauty supply stores.
Alternative: Don’t be fooled by a label that says Tea Tree oil. If you look carefully on the back it will include its true ingredients and if petroleum or mineral oil is anywhere indicated, do not trust it. Go for fully organic oils from the food store or an organic brand like the NOW Essential Oils instead.
Tia Muhammad, BS, is an award-winning freelance content & media creative, copywriter, blogger, digital designer, and marketing consultant. She owns the boutique content and digital media company, jackieGLDN|studio.
