Recently, health authorities have issued out an alert and warning to the community regarding eyelash extensions and false eyelashes since there is an apparent increase of lice that are found on them. Red Cherry Eyelashes backstage at New York Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion NYFW at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on February 10, 2019 in New York City Eyelash Lice Increase According to experts, eyelash lice are different from the ones that can be found on our head if we ever have them. They’re also different from the microscopic eyelash mites that can’t be seen without the naked eye. Rather, eyelash lice are small organisms that usually feed on sebum in the follicles, as well as fat. While small, they can be seen moving like sand when there’s too many of them walking, according to Daysi Martínez of the Lice Clinic of America. "With mites, hygiene has a lot to do with the issue," said Judy Díaz and Tien Du of Lice Clinic of America. With that in mind, health experts and specialists are reminding everyone to practice good hygiene because it’s the easiest way to avoid having them in the first place, which removes the risk of dealing with them. "All people have them -- they are microorganisms, or mites that live on the skin. They grow there, reproduce and die, but most of us have no consequences. When our defenses go down, these parasites manifest themselves in the follicles where the eyelashes are,” Valeria Camacho of the Armando Romo beauty clinic said. Also called the demodex, eyelash lice usually feed on sebum found around our hair follicles and is actually very contagious due to their small size. They can get transferred without people even being aware. Despite their size, they’re also dangerous because they can cause serious eyesight complications if left to their own devices. Per experts, spread of the lice can happen if the person who last used the extensions didn’t properly disinfect it afterwards. Once transferred, common symptoms include redness, inflammation and of course, itching. If infected, the best prevention method is to establish a daily washing routine using warm and soapy water. This would help stop the oil that fuels mites and lets them thrive. Source
