Eyelash mite: main symptoms and treatment methods

Eye mite infestation. What is an eye mite? Where does it parasitize and how does it reproduce? What are the symptoms and signs of eye mite infestation? How is infection diagnosed? Use of drug treatment. Folk remedies. Important points during therapy.

There are a large number of types of ticks that can cause great trouble to people. There are ticks that are microscopic in size and parasitize the human body; they do not feed on blood, but despite this they cause harm to health and provoke the development of diseases.

These parasites include eye mites, which cause the development of demodicosis. Next, we will look at this tick in more detail, learn about the danger it poses, and get acquainted with the symptoms of infection and effective treatment.

Danger to humans

It’s worth mentioning right away that the demodex eye mite is part of the microflora of a healthy person. In other words, microscopic parasites can parasitize on human skin and not manifest themselves in any way, do not cause any inconvenience and do not provoke the development of diseases.

But when favorable conditions are created for their reproduction and development, the number of parasites increases significantly, which leads to a negative impact on human health. You can see what the parasite looks like in the photo.

Their diet consists of dead skin particles; they do not feed on blood, so it is difficult to classify them as harmful and dangerous parasites. Their waste products, which in large quantities cause severe allergic reactions in the body, pose a danger to the body. They parasitize the hair follicles of the eyebrows and eyelashes, as well as the sebaceous glands.

Causes of disease development

As already mentioned, the eye mite requires special conditions under which it begins to actively reproduce, which poses a danger to humans. In fact, there are a huge number of such favorable conditions for the parasite and there are no less sources of infection from which the subcutaneous parasite can reach a person. Most often, the cause is a decrease in human immunity, when protective functions are significantly weakened.

In addition, the development of demodicosis is provoked by the presence of diabetes mellitus, hormonal imbalances, hepatitis, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, infectious diseases and even colds. Therefore, it is possible to say with confidence what caused the development of demodicosis only after a complete examination by a doctor.

There are also factors that help create favorable conditions for the proliferation of eye mites. This can happen due to taking medications, which most often affect a decrease in immunity. Also at risk are young children and the elderly, pregnant and breastfeeding women. The cause may be climate change and metabolic disorders. A person’s emotional and psychological state plays a big role, including stressful situations, nervous breakdowns and depression.

Infection with parasites occurs through contact; this can happen from birds, pets, natural feather fillings, and bedding. It is worth remembering that the disease is contagious and is transmitted from person to person.

In addition, the cause may be untreated instruments in beauty salons, through household appliances, in saunas, baths, swimming pools, through cosmetics, towels, and personal hygiene products. In other words, if a person with a disease uses devices and they are not treated, then the parasites spread to the body, which is why infection occurs.

It is very important to diagnose the disease in time, get tested and use the right treatment. If the exacerbation of the disease is not eliminated in time, it becomes chronic, which leads to constant relapses that provoke the slightest changes, both external and related to the state of health.

Symptoms of the ophthalmic form of demodex

The onset of the disease can be judged by the following symptoms:

• redness and swelling of the eyelids;
• severe itching and burning;
• release of viscous liquid;
• feeling of sand in the eyes;
• the appearance of pustules with a yellow crust;
• sticking and subsequent loss of eyelashes;
• eye fatigue.

All these symptoms lead to redness and inflammation of the eyeball.

Important! Since demodicosis is easily transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person, an infected person poses a serious danger to everyone around him. Therefore, if this pathology is discovered in a member of your family, you must strictly observe all precautions.

Previously, we discussed the symptoms of scabies mites in humans.

Symptoms and signs of infection

The first signs of the disease appear in the mucous membranes of the eyes and eyelids, irritation and skin inflammation are observed. This area begins to itch very much and a burning sensation is felt. As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more complicated, redness, swelling, and purulent discharge appear.

Eyelashes begin to fall out, crusts and peeling appear. Conjunctivitis and stye may appear. A person experiences pain when looking at the light. Allergic rashes appear on the skin.

If any symptoms occur, you should immediately consult a doctor. Making a diagnosis on your own is prohibited, as is prescribing treatment on your own. Remember, the sooner the correct treatment is used, the easier it is to control eye mites. In addition, timely therapy will prevent the development of a chronic disease.

What are the symptoms of eyelash mites?

Affecting the eyelashes and the edges of the eyelids, the eyelash mite occupies the meibomian glands, which are related to the sebaceous glands and similarly secrete fatty lubricant to protect the eyelids from friction and tears. The parasitic tick population feeds on this fat.

Symptoms of eyelash mite

Signs of tick-borne lesions on the eyelids and eyes resemble classic chalazion, blepharitis or conjunctivitis, more often a combination of both. But the treatment of demodectic manifestations on the eyelids and eyes will differ in many ways from bacterial ones.

• Demodicosis symptoms begin with redness of the corners of the eyes and the edges of the eyelids, as well as a persistent sensation of a foreign body inside the eye.
• After sleep, the eyelashes turn out to be stuck together, and their base is covered with scales.
• In the mornings, traces of a pus-like liquid are noticeable in the corners of the eyes and on the surface of the pillowcase.
• The feeling of dryness in the eye intensifies, not only the conjunctiva is affected, but also the cornea.
• The vascular network becomes intensely hyperemic, the eye looks sick, the eyelids become swollen and significantly reddened.
• Sometimes several eyelashes may fall out.
• In a neglected state, trophic processes occur in the cells of the cornea with loss of its sensitivity.

Symptoms of eyelash mites may affect areas on the face, or may be limited solely to the eyelids and eyeball.

Symptoms of subcutaneous mites in humans

For your information! For persons with signs of conjunctivitis and blepharitis, it is important not to delay a visit to the doctor and begin treatment so that the mite does not harm vision functions. Treating the eyelids and eyes with favorite folk remedies like tea and urine will not help, but will aggravate and make the sore worse!

Diagnostics

Most often, an initial examination is enough for a specialist to make sure that the damage is caused by an eye mite. But despite this, diagnosis requires the use of optical equipment, which allows you to confirm suspicion and establish the correct diagnosis.

In order to conduct research, you need to take a sample, in this case the sample is eyelashes.

Next, they are placed on glass and covered with a solution of glycerin and water. The specialist covers them with another piece of glass and examines them magnified under a special light. The diagnosis is confirmed when the doctor finds two or more individuals.

Next, treatment is prescribed taking into account the individual indications of the patient and the stage of development of the disease. Often, it does not take much time to establish a diagnosis, and it is carried out immediately after visiting a doctor.

Treatment

As already mentioned, treatment is used individually, since the patient’s condition, the degree of damage, and other parameters are always taken into account. Most often, modern treatment includes taking antibacterial and antiparasitic drugs. But besides taking medications, there are other recommendations, the implementation of which directly affects the effectiveness of treatment.

It is necessary to regularly disinfect clothes, bed linen, and towels to prevent re-infections. It is very important to follow a diet; you should not eat fatty foods, fried, salted, or smoked. Minimize intake of sweet foods and baked goods. Introduce more fruits and vegetables into your diet. Avoid drinking alcohol during treatment.

Also, during therapy, visiting saunas and baths is prohibited. Use sunglasses outdoors. You need to be as calm as possible and avoid stressful situations. The body's protective functions should be restored and the immune system strengthened. Maintain eyelid hygiene as much as possible and do massages. You should also not use cosmetics during treatment, so as not to aggravate the situation.

Demodex mite on eyelashes: treatment

The area where the mite is located on the eyelashes. How to deal with it? This is a very long and complex process. We present to your attention an article about drugs for the treatment of demodicosis here.

So, treatment for demodex:

1. First, you will need to prevent this tick from doing anything, and then direct the energy to restore the defenses of the entire body.
2. The treatment takes a very long time. In order for it to be as effective as possible, it is necessary to observe personal hygiene standards and follow all doctor’s recommendations.
3. It is necessary to get rid of the symptoms with the help of a specialist.
4. Follow a diet. Do not eat spicy or salty foods.
5. You cannot use creams that contain honey.
6. You should avoid thermal procedures (bath, sauna, etc.).
7. It is necessary to use vasoconstrictor creams with chamomile, mint or menthol.
8. The eyelids need to be treated with an alcohol solution.
9. Drop an alkaline solution against demodex into the eyes.

Use of medications

Remember that you can use medications prescribed by your doctor; it is also important to follow medication regimens and adhere to dosages. Most often, therapy includes taking drugs such as Trichopolum, which is an antibiotic, the action is aimed at destroying parasites and harmful microbes.

To get rid of unbearable itching, as well as relieve inflammation, the medicine calcium pangamat is prescribed. For external use, use Streptocide, which is rubbed into the affected areas of the skin. Doxycycline is quite effective in helping to get rid of eyelash parasites. Vitamin complexes are used to restore the body's protective functions.

You should use ointments that allow you to get rid of symptoms and at the same time eliminate the cause of demodicosis. Most often, doctors prescribe ichthyol ointment, amitrazine, benzyl benzoate, yam. Kang, rozamet, and sinshen creams have a fairly good therapeutic effect. The gels pilocarpine, blepharogel, and metrogil are no less effective.

Therapy also includes taking eye drops, for example, Torbex, carbachol, levomecithin, phosphacol. Remember that the use of drugs is only possible as prescribed by a doctor.

Diet for demodicosis

For effective treatment, it is important to adhere to healthy eating rules and follow a strict diet. A balanced diet and avoidance of:

• Fatty meat and flour products;
• Smoked and fried foods;
• Desserts and sugar;
• Alcohol products;
• Carbonated drinks;
• Harmful products.

Preference should be given to:

• Lean meat and fish;
• Fermented milk products;
• Vegetables and fruits, except citruses;
• Coarse bread;
• Cereals;
• Herbal teas and freshly squeezed juices;
• Nuts.

Folk remedies

Remember that folk remedies are not the main treatment and cannot replace medications; they can act as auxiliaries in general therapy prescribed by a doctor.

Among the most popular and effective recipes:

• Oak bark. An infusion is prepared from it, which helps relieve swelling, reduce inflammation and get rid of itching. To prepare, you need to take 1 teaspoon of bark and pour 1 glass of boiling water, let it brew well, and strain through cheesecloth before use.

• Linden flowers. It also has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin. A decoction is prepared from the color; you need to take 2 tablespoons of the color and pour a glass of boiling water, bring to a boil over low heat and stir for 3 minutes. Next, strain the broth through cheesecloth. Use as a compress, moisten cotton pads and apply for 10 minutes.

• Sagebrush. This herb is used for tincture, which is taken orally. You need to take 3 teaspoons of the herb and pour three liters of boiling water, leave for 3 hours. Then apply 50 ml.

Important!

Before using traditional recipes, you should consult a doctor so as not to aggravate the condition and harm your health.

The use of folk remedies has a positive effect on the human condition. Their regular and correct use will quickly eliminate demodicosis.

Eyelid massage

Experts recommend using massage, which helps speed up recovery. The fact is that when massaging the eyelids, more fat is released from the sebaceous glands, thereby helping to remove parasites. Also, during massage, the blood circulation process is maximally activated, which promotes rapid healing and restoration of the skin.

Before the massage, you need to clean your eyelids. Next, take a cream or gel and apply it to the fingertip and massage with very gentle, circular movements. The duration of the procedure is about 1-2 minutes.

To restore eyelash growth, you can use castor oil. This is an inexpensive product that is highly effective. Use twice a day, apply a thin layer to the eyelashes using a clean cotton swab.

Let's sum it up

Regarding the timing of treatment, it is individual for everyone. Much depends on the degree of development, age of the person, and general health. As reviews from those who have experienced the disease show, treatment can take from 3 months and up to 1.5 years.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to completely get rid of the tick, but eliminating the symptoms is quite simple if the correct treatment is used in a timely manner.

Do not forget about simple preventive actions, which include maintaining good hygiene and protecting your eyelids from external influences, namely direct sunlight.

Remember the importance of proper nutrition, maintain your immune system, which will protect your body.
Use only your own cosmetics and personal care products. Be careful when choosing a beauty salon. Source

Prevention

To prevent eye mite infection, it is necessary to take preventive measures, which include:

• Maintaining hygiene.
• Use of individual cosmetics.
• Following a healthy diet.
• Protection of eyelids from direct sun rays.
• Use of sunscreens.
• Frequent change of bed linen.
• Reducing the number of close contacts with pets.
• Immune support.

Even if demodicosis has been detected and cured, there is a risk of re-infection. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the condition of your eyes, as well as adhere to preventive measures. It should be borne in mind that demodicosis cannot be cured without a doctor. Therefore, the help of an ophthalmologist is required, who will provide recommendations for therapy.