The question of whether mites live on your eyelashes can be answered directly: yes, they do. These microscopic organisms are a common, natural component of the human skin microbiome, particularly in areas rich in hair follicles and sebaceous glands. For the vast majority of people, these mites exist peacefully on the skin without causing any noticeable irritation or symptoms. Their presence is harmless, representing a commensal relationship where the mites benefit from a home and food source without negatively affecting the host.
Identifying the Eyelash Mite
The organisms living on human eyelashes belong to the genus Demodex, with two species being primary residents. These mites are arachnids, related to spiders and ticks, possessing eight short, segmented legs. Measuring only about 0.3 to 0.4 millimeters in length, adult mites are completely invisible to the naked eye.
The two species occupy different niches on the face. Demodex folliculorum is the larger species and prefers to live clustered inside the hair follicles, often around the eyelash root. Demodex brevis is shorter and tends to burrow more deeply into the sebaceous glands. Both species are translucent and elongated with a worm-like appearance.
The Mite Life Cycle and Spread
The life cycle of these mites is short, lasting only a few weeks. Reproduction begins when adult mites emerge from their follicles, usually at night, to mate near the opening of the hair follicle on the skin’s surface. Female mites then lay their eggs inside the hair follicles or sebaceous glands.
Eggs hatch into six-legged larvae within three to four days, which develop through nymph stages before maturing into adults, completing the cycle in about two weeks. These mites feed on the skin cells and oils accumulating in the follicles. Their waste products and decaying bodies accumulate within the confined space of the follicle. Transmission occurs easily through direct skin contact, such as face-to-face proximity or sharing bedding.
When Mites Cause Problems
While a low population is normal, an overgrowth, known as demodicosis, can trigger uncomfortable symptoms and eye disease. An excessive number of mites is often associated with age or with underlying conditions like rosacea or immune suppression. The mites contribute to inflammation by carrying bacteria and physically blocking the glands.
The accumulation of mite waste and dead bodies at the base of the eyelash causes irritation, leading to blepharitis, which is inflammation of the eyelid margin. Symptoms include persistent itching, a foreign body sensation, and crusty, cylindrical debris known as “collarettes” at the base of the lashes. Burrowing by D. brevis into the oil-producing meibomian glands can lead to meibomian gland dysfunction and dry eye syndrome, as the glands become blocked and damaged.
Eradicating and Managing Infestations
Managing a symptomatic Demodex infestation requires reducing the mite population. Diagnosis typically requires a specialized eye doctor to examine the lashes under magnification and sometimes remove an eyelash for microscopic confirmation. Initial management often involves rigorous hygiene, such as using specialized eyelid cleansers or wipes containing tea tree oil derivatives.
Tea tree oil contains terpinen-4-ol, a substance toxic to the mites, which helps kill them and remove the debris they produce. For severe or persistent cases, prescription medication may be necessary, including topical treatments like metronidazole or ivermectin, or a new class of drug designed to paralyze the mites. Preventative measures include maintaining consistent eyelid hygiene, avoiding oil-based makeup near the eyes, and regularly washing pillowcases and bedding in hot water to limit re-infestation.