What causes lice to appear on eyebrows and eyelashes and how to get rid of them

Lice on eyelashes are a rare but unpleasant disease that is difficult to diagnose on your own. Many people do not even suspect that such a pathology exists. The presence of eyelash lice causes disgust and horror, although in reality anyone can become infected.

Lice on eyelashes are a rare pathological condition accompanied by the appearance of parasites in the eyelid area.

Why do lice live on eyelashes?

Lice prefer to live on those parts of the body where there is hair.

The latter gives them protection and helps them anchor themselves. Parasites leave their eggs on the hair. They feed on blood by sucking on the skin. Insects can live not only on eyelashes, but also on eyebrows, scalp and pubic area.

The direct causes of the appearance of parasites on eyelashes are as follows:

1. Contact with infected people. Most often, transmission of parasites occurs during sexual intercourse. Sometimes it's a handshake. In most cases, lice first appear in the pubic area, then on the eyelashes.
2. Mechanical infection. With pubic lice, severe itching occurs. A person tries to get rid of discomfort by scratching. As a result, parasite eggs end up under the nails, from where they end up on the eyelashes.
3. Using someone else's personal hygiene items. Lice can get onto the human body from towels or bedding. In women, infection often occurs through cosmetics. The most dangerous thing is to use samples in stores.
4. Visiting public places. You can become infected in a swimming pool, bathhouse, sauna or on the beach.

Nits live without a host for a week, so you can even become infected through clothing. Washing does not help remove them from the surface, because... they are firmly attached to the fibers using an adhesive secretion.

Prevention

You can protect yourself from the appearance of eyelash lice in the following ways:

1. wash your hands every time after leaving home, using a public toilet, or contacting strangers.
2. Do not share hygiene items with other people.
3. Carry out standard hygiene measures every day - washing, showering.
4. Avoid any contact with a person with phthiriasis.
5. Change bed linen and towels regularly.
6. After visiting a sauna, swimming pool, bathhouse, beach, or water park, you should take a shower, paying special attention to the most likely areas of infection.
7. People who prefer intimate haircuts are at the least risk of becoming infected, since the main location of phthiriasis is the groin area.

Simple rules and basic precautions, maintaining personal hygiene - all this will help protect against lice infestation.

If infection does occur, there is no need to panic - this disease is highly treatable, although it brings a lot of moral harm and discomfort.

In case of severe suppuration at the bite sites, swelling of the eyelid, or a large number of insects, you should seek help from a doctor.

What they look like

It is possible to notice insects with the naked eye only when there are large concentrations of them. Parasites look like small gray-brown grains.

In some cases, an inflammatory process develops under the influence of parasites.

Their length rarely exceeds 1-1.5 mm. Pubic lice are smaller than head lice. They have a flat body. The larvae look like miniature silvery bubbles stuck to the hair. Nits can be dead or alive. The first ones have a dull color. Living ones burst with a pop when pressing on the capsule.

Characteristic

If parasitic insects appear on the eyelashes, then they say that the person suffers from phthiriasis or lice pubis. It is pubic lice, not head lice, that are able to linger on eyelashes.

The insects attach themselves to the skin near the hair root and suck the person's blood. Such lice can cause palpebral pediculosis, which is dangerous for the eyes.

These parasites vary in size up to three millimeters. They are yellow in color and look like small crabs. These insects move little, but they are able to lay eggs every day. The lifespan of an adult is no more than a month.

What symptoms characterize the presence of parasites?

The following symptoms are observed with pediculosis:

1. Itching in the eyelid area. Patients rate the discomfort as unbearable. Lice are more active at night, so the itching intensifies at this time. Due to unpleasant sensations, a person cannot fall asleep, and there is a high probability of insomnia.
2. Edema. Swollen eyelids make it difficult to open your eyes in the morning. With allergies, swelling can be more pronounced, up to the inability to see.
3. Gluing eyelashes. Lice attach eggs to hairs using a sticky substance.
4. Pimples. Phthiriasis provokes inflammatory foci. The wounds become infected and yellow-white contents are released.
5. Darkening of the eyelids. Visually, the skin looks unhealthy due to the presence of nits. Separate spots are visible near the ciliary edge.
6. The appearance of small nodules. They can be felt with your fingers when palpated. These are insect eggs.

The main sign of phthiriasis is the presence of dark spots on the skin of the eyelids. They look like traces of cosmetics. When a person tries to wash them off, he fails due to the sticky substance. Since phthiriasis is most often accompanied by pediculosis pubis, its symptoms are also observed in parallel.

For example, the appearance of small bloody spots on underwear.

Question-answer section ‍♀️

When lice and nits appear on eyelashes, you need to learn as much as possible about the intricacies of their removal. This is due to the risk of complications, since during processing the toxic substance can get on the mucous membranes. It is recommended to ask your questions to a specialist online.

How is this possible - lice on eyebrows?

Marina, St. Petersburg, 29 years old “I’ve never heard of lice on the face. But yesterday I saw something in a man’s eyelashes, and later I found out that they were insects. Tell me, how is this even possible?” Expert opinion Valery Aleksandrovich Galanin Acarologist, research institute employee, specializing in arachnids “The reason for the appearance of lice is contact with an infected person. Parasites may end up on the pubic area, then spread to free areas where the living conditions are suitable for them - the hair should have a triangular cross-section, which will allow the parasites to stay securely on it. I wish you not to become infected with phthiriasis!”

Can there be lice in the armpit if it itches constantly?

Olga, Pskov, 39 years old “Recently, armpit itching appeared. I heard this is one of the signs of lice. Is this so?” Expert opinionAnastasia Nikolaevna MikhailovaExpert on garden insect pests, biologist, chemist. “Yes, it’s true. Itching in certain places already suggests a lice infestation, but it is important to find confirmation of your suspicions, otherwise it will simply be a symptom of dry skin or a skin disease. If you see nits on the hairs, you can assume the development of pediculosis. But I hope that it's just skin irritation that manifests itself this way. Do not be ill!"

Where to go if there are lice on your eyelashes? Where did they come from?

Anastasia, Krasnodar, 27 years old “Who should we call if we notice lice on a relative’s face? What are the reasons for this phenomenon? I want to prevent its occurrence in the future.” Expert opinion Evgeniy Igorevich Bragin Entomologist, 19 years of scientific experience. “For all questions regarding infectious diseases, contact the SES, but lice on the eyelashes are not a reason to do this, since they are easier to remove than with head lice. I'm sure you can handle it yourself. And it’s easy to prevent the disease - avoid direct contact with an infected person, and even more so, you should not have sexual intercourse with him.”

Can you get infected from trying mascara in a store?

Irina, Perm, 42 years old “I had to deal with lice on my eyelashes (a relative had insects), and since then I have a phobia - I’m afraid to even use mascara samples in the store, not to mention using eyelash extensions. Is there a risk of catching parasites in this way?” Expert’s opinion Valery Aleksandrovich Galanin Acarologist, research institute employee, specializing in arachnids “Don’t worry, it’s unlikely. For lice to come to you from a tube of mascara, several conditions must be met: an infected woman literally used the product in front of you, the parasites did not have time to die; the louse or nit did not fall into the tube, but lingered on the brush. In addition, extensions do not contribute to the development of pediculosis, since the cross-sectional shape of the hairs is important, and not their length or quantity. Do not be ill."

Lice and nits appeared on eyelash extensions, what to do?

Many people believe that parasites cannot appear on eyelash extensions. However, this situation occurs because the parasite feeds on blood, receiving it through the skin of the eyelid. Artificial material does not protect against parasite infection.

If such an unpleasant situation occurs, it is necessary to remove the eyelash extensions and then continue treatment using standard methods.

Can chronic conjunctivitis develop due to lice on eyelashes?

Vitalina, Nizhny Novgorod, 39 years old “My uncle’s eyes are always inflamed and fester. He says he is treating, but there is no result. Could this be the result of the appearance of insects in the eyelashes?” Expert opinion Evgeniy Igorevich Bragin Entomologist, 19 years of scientific experience. “Of course, conjunctivitis is a consequence of pathogenic particles entering the mucous membranes. As a result, inflammation develops, which leads to complications in the form of eye diseases. Let your uncle see a doctor, don’t get sick!”

Can you get lice from shaking hands?

Inga, Moscow, 31 years old “I work with different people, not all of them follow the rules of hygiene. Tell me, can I get lice if I shake hands with a person with lice?” Expert opinion Evgeniy Igorevich Bragin Entomologist, 19 years of scientific experience. "This is unlikely. Let me explain: lice are transmitted through direct contact if an infected area has been touched. They live in the hair, so they cannot end up on the smooth skin of the palms. This is only possible if there is a hair with a nit or lice on a person’s hand, and then it gets to you.”

Can pubic lice live on eyelashes?

There are two types of lice that most often live on the human body: head and pubic lice. The former prefer soft hair with a round cut, the latter prefer hard hair with a triangular section. The last type is typical for the groin area, eyebrows and eyelashes. Thus, only pubic lice can settle in the eye area.

Pubic lice are found on the genital hair, eyelashes, eyebrows, and armpits.

Features of the disease

Having discovered lice on the eyelashes, their owners believe that the parasites got into the eyes from the head. However, this statement is erroneous. The appearance of lice on eyelashes is called phthiriasis or lice pubis. Pubic lice in humans also live on the eyebrows, groin, axillary area and on the hairy part of the abdomen. Insects prefer to live on hair, which is rigid and has a triangular cross-section. The hair growing on the head is round in cross-section and is infested with head lice.

The pubic louse is a fairly small (up to 2 mm) insect that has a wide and short body of brown color, which makes the pest inconspicuous. However, detecting a large accumulation of parasites is not difficult. Below is what eyelash lice look like in the photo.

On a note!

Externally resembling small crabs, the insects are inactive. An individual fixed at the base of the hair is capable of sitting in one place for a long time, which is why it is often confused with a mole. Such a measured and calm lifestyle allows insects to reproduce very quickly, increasing their population significantly.

What to do if lice and nits appear on eyelash extensions

Many people believe that lice cannot live on artificial materials. In reality this is not the case. Insects use eyelashes to attach the larvae, and the parasites feed on blood, so synthetic materials do not prevent infection. If lice are found after extensions, you should first inform the specialist so that he can carry out treatment.

This will prevent re-infestation and transmission of insects to other clients in the future. Then you need to remove the artificial eyelashes and begin treatment with standard methods.

What do they represent?

Another name for pubic lice is lice. They usually prefer to live in areas near the anus, as well as on the pubis, which is where their name comes from. Over time, they migrate, moving to the stomach. Then the flies crawl onto the eyelashes.

They have several specific differences from ordinary lice. If you look at such a parasite under a microscope, you can see that it resembles a miniature crab. Its color is yellowish-brown. The size of the insect does not exceed 2 millimeters.

Note! The insects pass to a new owner through sexual intercourse.

It is impossible to protect yourself using special means. A condom, even the best one, is not able to protect a person from infection.

Showering after sex does not protect you from infection either. Lice are tightly attached to the hairs on the genitals, and water cannot wash them away.

Plaster beetles love to parasitize eyebrows; they also often prefer eyelashes. Very often they can be seen on eyelash extensions. The insect feeds on blood, which it receives by making a puncture in the skin of the eyelid. In this place it is thinnest, and it is easier to get food than in some other area.

Therefore, women who believe that eyelash extensions will save them from the progression of this unpleasant disease, phthiriasis, are deeply mistaken.

Treatment Options

It is difficult to treat lice because the parasites multiply quickly and can cause infection in wounds. As a result, secondary symptoms and pathologies appear. The latter includes, for example, conjunctivitis. To prevent such complications, it is necessary to constantly monitor the patient’s condition and change the course of treatment depending on the symptoms. In addition, parasites are able to migrate from one part of the body to another or remain on things, in the seams of clothing, which can lead to re-infection.

Chemical method

Chemical treatment methods include the following:

1. Using Vaseline. This option is suitable for those who have a small affected area and a small number of insects. Apply Vaseline to the roots of the eyelashes daily. The manipulation is repeated up to 3 times. This prevents parasite bites and deprives the lice of food.
2. Using a solution of soap in kerosene. The ingredients are mixed equally. This is not the safest method, because... vapors and liquid irritate mucous membranes. You need to apply the solution with your eyes closed. Keep the mixture on the eyelashes for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
3. Anti-pediculosis drugs. The most popular is Permethrin. Medicinal solutions should be used carefully and only after prescription by a doctor, because they are aggressive. To prevent burns, it is recommended to further dilute the composition with water (up to 50%). Most often, solutions are applied to the eyelash line with a cotton swab, wait for the time specified in the instructions and wash off.
4. Sulfuric ointment. It is applied to areas near the eyelashes. The drug is believed to repel lice, but this is not the most reliable method. It can be used as an auxiliary.

Fighting lice on eyebrows and eyelashes is not an easy task.

Mechanical method

This method of treatment involves manual removal of parasites and their larvae. This can be achieved in 3 methods:

1. Combing with a comb. To do this, you will need a special comb with fine, frequent teeth. You should not carry out the procedure yourself due to the small area of ​​infection and the close location of the eyeball. In the process, excrement, larvae or adults may enter the mucous membrane, causing inflammation.
2. Removal using tweezers. The manipulation is carried out by an assistant or doctor. It removes adults and larvae from hairs. For beginners this can be difficult, because... lice are difficult to notice, and they attach eggs firmly. Removal with tweezers takes a relatively long time.
3. Trimming eyelashes. The most reliable method of the above. Eyelashes are shortened to a minimum length. This method is more often used when treating children, so as not to use toxic drugs and a comb.

Mechanical methods are less reliable because often a few individuals remain in the eyelashes, which quickly restore the population. Insects may get on the surface of clothing, bedding or skin.

A few signs about the causes of lice

The appearance of lice is often associated with certain actions of the person himself. For example, it is believed that lice are acquired by those who enjoyed eating cherry “glue” in childhood. In fact, there are, of course, no substances in cherry glue that could somehow cause the problem.

Since ancient times, it was believed that a person who has absolutely no lice will be unhappy, since even insects avoid him. Some signs said that the presence of lice prophesies happiness and wealth, although the insect itself was considered “unclean.”

Also in ancient times there was a popular saying: “Lousy means lucky.” People who did not have lice on them were considered very suspicious.

And if a louse ran over the body of a deceased person, and this was seen by relatives, it means that a righteous person has died and his soul is heading straight to heaven. There are also quite frequent references to lice as symbols of successful work. It was assumed that a hospitable owner must have lice in his house, as a symbol of prosperity.

Good omens about these blood-sucking insects are most likely associated with the state of hygiene in past centuries. Russian people have always loved to wash in the bathhouse and did not disdain it (unlike foreigners), but most often the “washing” took place once a week. The rest of the time there was no hygiene except washing and washing hands.

At the same time, large families lived in the village huts, whose members often slept literally “in bed” or on neighboring benches. Moreover, all the girls had long hair, while the men had beards and shoulder-length curls. Naturally, if at least one person (for example, a child) had lice, then lice would quickly spread throughout the family.

They were in no hurry to get rid of lice and often coexisted with them for many years, finding nothing wrong with it. Only at the beginning of the 20th century did hygiene and medicine develop so much that they were able to stop the total infestation of lice.

Most folk superstitions about lice date back to ancient times, which is why they reflect the opinion of people of those years. Here, for example, are a few more interesting signs:

• If you kill lice and do not wash your hands afterwards, you will die in agony.
• You can't shake crumbs onto the floor - lice will appear.
• There is no need to count lice found on someone else - they will spread to you.

The information indicated in folk signs is quite contradictory. You can use it and make predictions for your own future, or you can be skeptical about it.

In any case, lice are found even in the modern developed world, and you can become infected with them in any public place. The only thing that can be said with certainty: the appearance of head lice definitely promises financial expenses for visiting a doctor or purchasing a quality shampoo or comb.

Be healthy!

Interesting video: what is lice and all kinds of myths about lice

Many victims of lice are not completely clear about the path from which lice appear in humans, especially if there are no problems with hygiene. In fact, cleanliness does not play a leading role in the appearance of lice - people from any social strata can become infected.

In reality, lice can only appear from a single source - through a person who is himself infected with lice, focusing on the smell of blood that comes from the capillaries under the skin. But the routes of lice penetration can be varied, and we will consider them in detail.

Indeed, sometimes it is difficult to figure out why exactly lice appear in wealthy people - sometimes incredible theories are used about lice larvae living under the skin, about lice infesting basements and attics, about the fact that they can be caused by animals, dampness or unwashed hair. Let's dispel ridiculous myths and tell everything about these bloodsuckers - prehistoric companions of man.

How long will it take to get rid of lice?

The treatment time depends on the measures taken and the initial condition of the patient. With mechanical methods, therapy can take months, because... after incomplete removal of lice, short-term relief occurs, then the parasite population is restored. When using chemicals, the duration of therapy is reduced. On average it takes 3-5 days. For a small area of ​​infection, treatment will take several days. In advanced cases, it may take 2-3 weeks to eliminate parasites.

You should not rely entirely on mechanical methods, since getting rid of parasites will take a long time.

General information about the parasite and the disease it causes

The causative agents of demodicosis are representatives of the genus Demodex. The genus includes about 65 species. Man is the host of 2 representatives: Demodex Folliculorum and Demodex brevis. They are called eyelash mites according to their location on the host’s body. These arachnids are included in the group of opportunistic pathogens. This means that long-term carriage develops into ophthalmodemodecosis (eye demodicosis) when the state of the body changes (for example, with a decrease in immunity) or environmental conditions.

Few people will be able to describe the appearance of the Demodex eyelash mite, since it is not visible to the naked eye. Adults have an elongated shape, due to which they resemble worms. Animals have 4 pairs of limbs and move quite quickly. The translucent body of the eye mite consists of 2 sections that are not separated from each other. There is a small shield on the back. The integument is scaly, and each paw is equipped with a pair of claws. These devices help the mites to attach themselves inside the hair follicle.

The size of the parasites is small: the length of the female is up to 0.4 mm, and the male is 0.3 mm. Representatives of Demodex brevis differ from Demodex Folliculorum only in their smaller size. The mouthparts of a spoke-shaped tick are adapted to feeding on the secretions of the sebaceous glands and skin cells.

This is interesting: The lifespan of eyelash mites is about 4 weeks. Most of this time they are under the skin. On the surface, the parasites only mate or stay for a short time, moving into new hair follicles.

The life cycle consists of 4 stages: egg, larva, nymph, adult insect. After fertilization, female eyelash mites lay about 20 eggs in the cavity of the follicles, and male individuals die. After a few days, the larvae hatch, and after another week they develop into sexually mature individuals. Old mites die and decompose in the follicles.

Ironwort acne prefers to settle on the skin of the face, eyelids, head, and less often - chest, back. Eyelash mites do not like sunlight. Therefore, it is active at night. This explains the occurrence of unpleasant symptoms in the late afternoon.

Demodicosis is an infectious disease whose source is humans. The transmission mechanism of eyelash mites is contact. Infection is promoted by:

• close contact with a sick person or a tick carrier;
• using only hygiene products, creams;
• insufficiently processed bed linen (in a hotel, train);
• careless handling of cosmetic instruments in a beauty salon.

Demodex eyelash mites are not adapted to live independently, but can remain outside the human body for a long time. So, at home, at a temperature of about 20 degrees, parasites remain viable in creams, water, and skin flakes for about 20 days.

Representatives of the genus Demodex also parasitize domestic animals (cats, dogs). But four-legged friends cannot infect humans, since demodicosis in them is caused by another type of pathogen.

Eye mites are present on the skin of almost most people. For a disease to occur, a number of circumstances must coincide:

• violation of the skin structure;
• change in skin pH (towards the acidic side);
• decreased local immunity;
• increased sebum production.

Infection can also develop when typical prerequisites for it have not been identified.

The eyelash mite is activated under the influence of the following factors:

• prolonged severe stress;
• working conditions (exposure to high or low temperatures);
• hormone therapy;
• long-term insolation;
• frequent visits to the sauna, bathhouse;
• skin diseases, allergies;
• chronic pathology of the gastrointestinal tract;
• diseases of the organs of vision;
• endocrine diseases;
• periods of hormonal changes in the body (pregnancy; menopause, teenage changes);
• alcoholism;
• consumption of large amounts of seasonings, coffee, hot dishes.

Can there be complications?

Pubic lice feed on human blood and are therefore capable of transmitting some diseases. Also, the development of complications may be associated with permanent mechanical damage to the skin and its infection.

Lice infestation is dangerous due to the development of the following conditions:

1. The presence of parasites often accompanies sexually transmitted diseases. This includes gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, etc. If lice are found on your eyelashes, you should undergo additional tests to check whether an infestation has occurred.
2. Insects can be carriers of the causative agent of Volyn fever and other infectious diseases. They are characterized by fever and severe pain in the legs. Excessive rashes appear.
3. Development of secondary pyoderma. First, wounds and scratches on the skin of the eyelids become infected, then the process spreads. Vesicles appear on the surface, which can then fester.
4. The appearance of allergies. When the reaction is severe, swelling occurs and the person cannot open the eyelids. With severe allergies, the tissues of the nasopharynx can be affected, which leads to breathing problems. Rarely, death is possible.

Gallery

Now that you are more or less familiar with lice on eyelashes, a photo of their appearance is the next important question that worries many:

Preventive measures

Preventive measures are related to maintaining hygiene and preventing contacts with unfamiliar people. It is advisable to avoid shaking hands and touching. You should not use samples in stores. If you go to a bathhouse or sauna, take your own set of towels with you. You should not visit public establishments with a dubious reputation.

It is recommended to avoid casual sex. It is better to prefer a reliable permanent partner. Contraceptives do not protect a person from infection because they do not prevent skin contact. It is advisable to get rid of excess hair in the groin area, because... this will deprive insects of an acceptable habitat.

Methods of transmission of demodex

Hypoallergenic mascara

Eyelash mites are transmitted in different ways:

• going to the sauna and steam bath;
• using someone else's cosmetics and hygiene items: pastels, towels;
• undisinfected instruments in beauty salons;
• communication with a sick animal or person.

Important! Demodex shows increased activity in the autumn-spring period. Demodicosis is found in the nasolabial folds, on the chin, in the eyebrows, and ears.

Diagnostics

The main traditional method of diagnosis is a thorough examination of the hairy parts of the body with the naked eye or using a magnifying glass. Once saturated with blood, lice on the pubis become more noticeable, as their bodies increase in size and acquire a reddish tint.

Pubic lice can be identified using modern methods:

1. Using a Wood's lamp - live groin lice, when illuminated with a Wood's lamp, glow like white pearls, and empty dead nits look like gray shells.
2. Using the videodermatoscopy method , the doctor uses a digital video camera to film the affected areas, which can then be examined in detail on a computer in an enlarged form.

If parasites are detected, all family members must be examined and treated.

Ointments

In addition to aggressive medications, mercury and sulfur ointments can be effective in the fight against eyelash lice.

Before applying medicinal ointments, you need to pre-treat the hair with Vaseline. Next, using a cotton swab, the ointment is applied to the eyelid. To achieve the effect, this procedure must be carried out up to 5 times a day. The duration of treatment is 1 month. The use of products containing vinegar or kerosene is prohibited due to the danger they pose to the eye area. To speed up the healing process, other areas of the hair where parasites live should also be treated.

Folk remedies

These are the same products that are used to kill hair or body lice and nits. The affected areas are lubricated with the following means:

• vinegar solution;
• pulp of crushed cranberries;
• Castor oil;
• geranium oil

All these options are quite gentle. They do not cause harm to health, but require long-term use for the effect to occur. If they are severely infested with pubic lice, they are powerless. In addition, you will have to leave the product on the affected areas for some time to work. This is not always convenient or appropriate.

More aggressive options can be used:

• 3% hydrogen peroxide;
• boric or sulfur ointments;
• kerosene.

They must be used with great caution, as these products may be toxic or cause burns to the mucous membranes. In addition, they may not be effective against nits.

Additional measures

During the period of treatment of lice on the eyelashes, the photo of which is presented above, it is necessary to treat the underwear of the infected person: both bedding and underwear. Soak it in hot water for 1-2 hours before washing. Subsequent washing should be done at maximum temperature with the addition of washing powder or detergent. When the washed laundry is dry, you should perform heat treatment using an iron, ironing the laundry on both sides. Personal items that are used by an infected person in daily use should be treated with antiseptic agents. After the bed linen and clothes have been washed and ironed, they can be additionally treated with any preparation whose action is aimed at destroying insect larvae (A-steam aerosol, etc.). In addition to treatment for the problem of lice on eyelashes and eyebrows, preventive measures should also be taken.