Eyelash mites are tiny skin parasites that live in skin pores and near the hair follicles of the eyelashes. The mites can be found in humans but can affect the animals as well. There are many different species of skin mites but only three affect humans.
The lash mites live in or near the eyelash hair follicles, it can also go deep inside the skin pores. The size of an adult Eyelash mite is about 0.3 mm - 0.4mm. This skin parasite have good digestive system, feeds on sebum oil and cosmetics that people use on the eyelashes. The mites can not tolerate the sun light, therefore it is more active at night. One of the reasons why, people with eyelash mites experience more eye itching during evening and night hours.
Female eyelash mites are smaller than males, it has short life span - few weeks. In this 3-4 weeks, female eyelash mites lay eggs deep inside the skin pores. New "babies" mites are born in 3-4 days, the old demodex die decomposing in the eyelash follicles. Large number of demodex mites in eyelashes needs treatment. If left without treatment, these parasites will be multiplying without control causing infection and loss of the eyelashes.
The symptoms of eyelash mites can resemble to other skin problems. It is important that you see the doctor first. Eyelash mites are microscopic skin parasites. Only doctor can tell if you have demodex or other skin problems.
