The idea of having mites living on your eyelashes and areas around your eyes can be horrifying right? But turns out that there are tiny creatures that reside on your eyelashes and crawl around forming union right on your eyelids. But don’t touch your tweezers your or alcohol yet, these creatures typically do not cause any problems and you probably have them all your life. Here is everything you need to know about eye mites.

What Exactly Are Eyelash Mites?

Your face can play host to two types of microscopic mites – Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis – which live in the hair follicles feasting on your body’s oily secretions, mucous and sebum secreted from your facial pores and glands. They are passed on from person to person and live on the face near the eyelash follicles. What Are Those Strange Worm Like Lines, Sparkles and Dots That Appear In Front of Our Eyes? Know Everything About Floaters and Their Cause.

Are Eyelash Mites Common In Everyone?

Research suggests that Demodex mites become increasingly common with age. So while the mites rarely appear on babies, they are common in teens and adults. However, you are more likely to have mites if you have especially oily skin or sleep with your makeup on. Eyelash extensions or mascara can also be breeding ground for mites. 11 Wriggling Worms Pulled Out of Baby’s Eyeball After the Infant Catches Infection From Neighbour’s Dog.

Are They Harmful?

Before you use a sanitiser or pluck your eyelash one by one, know that while the mites can eat, crawl and reproduce, they won’t cause any harm. That said, they surely have the ability to buildup on your eyelash and cause eye irritation and inflammation. Demodex mites have also been linked to rosacea. This happens when the mites flock to your skin because your skin produces extra mucus.

How Do You Know If You Have Mites?

While you just can see the microscopic mites with your naked eyes, there is a good chance that you have a troop of eyelash mites. However certain, inflammation of the eyelids or allergies that causes redness, dryness and watery eyes can make you more prone to eye mites. Also, your sebum secretion increases as you age, so if you have crossed 50, you are likely to have more mites. Besides, women are more prone to mites than men because of hormonal secretions.

How to Get Rid Of Eye Mites?

While you may not have a problem with the creepy mite, if you have been diagnosed with an eyelash mite infection, you can take measures to clean the area well. Tea tree oil wipes are excellent to disinfect your eyelashes. If you have an eye infection, you can use a warm compress to clean the area. The warm moisture will make it easier to clean the crusty buildup around your eyes and also reduce secretions that allow the bacteria to thrive.

So if you have irritation in your eyes that just won’t go, you should see a doctor. While the mites are not a problem, the crusty buildup can be a sign of a more serious issue.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 07, 2019 11:50 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).