Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentCopingFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Coping
Frequently Asked Questions
Eyelash mites are microscopic arthropods that live on or near hair follicles. On human beings, two types of mites—calledDemodex folliculorumandDemodex brevis—commonly exist on the face and, particularly, the eyelashes.
Most of the time, humans andDemodexmites coexist with no problem. But on occasion, the mites can multiply exponentially, resulting in an infestation that can manifest with red, irritated eyes and itchy, crusty eyelids, known as demodicosis.
When a mite infestation is diagnosed, it can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription medications in combination with good hygiene.
DemodicosisAn infestation of eyelash mites is calleddemodicosis.
Demodicosis
An infestation of eyelash mites is calleddemodicosis.
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Symptoms of Eyelash Mites
When demodicosis occurs, it can lead toblepharitis(inflammation of the eyelids), which in turn leads tokeratitis(inflammation of thecornea). Common symptoms of demodicosis include:
Demodicosis is most commonly bilateral (affecting both eyes), although roughly a third of all cases will only affect one eye.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoDermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
What Are the 3 Types of Blepharitis?
Complications
Demodicosis is often uncomplicated but can sometimes lead to additional symptoms, especially if the infestation is severe and left untreated. These include:
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Demodexmites are most prevalent on the face and are easily transmitted from person to person with close physical contact. The mites are usually benign and go about their normal life cycle, laying eggs near the ducts of thesebaceous glands, without any notice.
Demodexmites often are first passed from mothers to newborns, particularly those who are breastfed. But because the mites subsist on skin cells and sebum (skin oil)—both of which babies and young children produce in low quantities—infestations are uncommon until the child gets older.
Demodexmites become more prevalent during puberty as the number of sebaceous glands increases. The risk is further increased if the eyelids are not part of daily hygiene practices.
There are several risk factors for demodicosis:
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The healthcare provider may also obtain an eyelash for examination under the microscope. A fluorescent dye, called fluorescein, can provide greater contrast and help identifyDemodexeggs, larvae, and adult mites.
Demodicosis is often missed in the initial diagnosis because it mimics other common eye conditions such as conjunctivitis, infectious keratitis, anddry eye syndrome. In some cases, it may not be diagnosed until the symptoms fail to respond to a prescribed treatment.
What to Expect With an Eye Exam
The goal of demodicosis treatment is to reduce the number ofDemodexmites and prevent the recurrence of infestation. The treatment may include topical or oral medications, used alone or in combination.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Therapies
There are several OTC topical medications commonly used in the treatment of mild demodicosis:
Speak to your healthcare provider before trying any home or OTC remedy to ensure it is safe to use around your eyes.
A 2020 study in theEuropean Journal of Ophthalmologyfound that topical T40 was safe and effective in resolving aDemodexinfestation, although relapse within 12 months was common.
Prescriptions
Because relapse is common in people with moderate to severe demodicosis, prescription drugs may be needed. These include:
In addition to medications, there are other things you can do to ease symptoms of demodicosis and make the treatments more effective. Among them:
To avoid relapse after treatment, avoid greasy eye makeup and oil-based cleansers that can promoteDemodexovergrowth. Never use someone else’s eye makeup.
How Blepharitis Is Treated
A Word From Verywell
As off-putting as it may sound, an infestation of eyelash mites is common and relatively easy to treat.
One of the best ways to prevent demodicosis is to wash your eyelids regularly (something that men often miss when washing their faces). By taking an extra second or two to gently wipe the eyes with a moist facecloth, you can avoid the buildup of sebum or skin cells thatDemodexmites feed on.
Yes, everyone has eyelash mites. Most people have a small amount of them that cause no issues. People with certain skin disorders, such as eczema and dandruff, may have more eyelash mites since they have an increased amount of flaky, dead skin.
To use tea tree oil for eyelash mites, place a small amount of the oil solution on a cotton swab and dab it on the eyelashes, eyelids, and base of the eyelash follicles. Be sure to remove any excess oil. Before using tea tree oil, make sure that it is a 50 percent solution. 100 percent concentrations of tea tree oil can cause swelling and redness. If necessary, the oil can be diluted even further with walnut oil and still be effective.
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Fromstein S, Harthan J, Patel J, Opitz D.Demodex blepharitis: Clinical perspectives. Clin Optom (Auckl). 2018;10:57-63. doi:10.2147/opto.s142708
Rather P, Hassan I.Human Demodex mite: The versatile mite of dermatological importance.Indian J Dermatol. 2014;59(1):60. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.123498
Luo X, Li J, Chen C, Tseng S, Liang L.Ocular demodicosis as a potential cause of ocular surface inflammation. Cornea. 2017;36:S9-S14. doi:10.1097/ICO.0000000000001361
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Demodex Infestation.
Horváth A, Neubrandt DM, Ghidán Á, Nagy K.Risk factors and prevalence of Demodex mites in young adults.Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung.2011;58(2):145-55. doi:10.1556/AMicr.58.2011.2.7
Kosik-Bogacka DI, Łanocha N, Łanocha A, et al.Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis in healthy and immunocompromised patients.Ophthalmic Epidemiol.2013;20(3):159-63. doi:10.3109/09286586.2013.789532
Fromstein SR, Harthan JS, Patel J, Opitz DL.Demodexblepharitis: clinical perspectives.Clin Optom (Auckl). 2018;10:57-63. doi:10.2147/OPTO.S142708
Jacob S, Vandaele MA, Brown JN.Treatment of Demodex-associated inflammatory skin conditions: A systematic review.Dermatol Ther. 2019;32(6):e13103. doi:10.1111/dth.13103
National Eye Institute.Blepharitis.
Vision Center. Eyelash Mites:What Are Eyelash Mites (Demodex)?
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