How To Treat EyeLid Mites

The facial hairs are not an exemption when it comes to Demodex mite infestation. The eyebrows and eyelashes also may have small organisms that live in the hair follicles and these are called Eyelid mites. The common symptoms are the appearance of dandruff like flakes and some hair fall from the facial hair areas such as the eyebrows, the eyelashes and even from the moustache and the beard. This case does not necessarily require treatment, but there are ways to reduce the infestation of Demodex mites, especially when the condition gets out of control.

There are cases of an increase of the Eyelid mites in the eyelashes in cases called blepharitis, which causes an inflammation of edges of the eyelid. This condition is very irritating due to itchiness of the area and the feeling of having something in your eye all the time. If not treated, that eye itself may get infected because the patient cannot help but rub it causing the dirt from their hands to contaminate the eye.

Demodex mites feed on dead skin cells. Having dry skin, over exposure to the sun, wearing heavy makeup or sharing sponges and make up brushes with other people are the usual source of Demodex mites. These conditions make the face a feeding ground for these mites and encourage them to thrive.

To treat the condition, regularly wash your face with a light cleanser. Strong soaps can dry your skin and add to the dead skin cells which are the main source of food of Eyelid mites. A once or twice a week of gentle exfoliation can help prevent these mites from thriving since you are taking away their source of food. Also, a gentle moisturizer after every wash will lessen the drying of your skin. This will dramatically reduce the amount of dead skin cells on your face. When going out in the sun, put on some sun screen to protect your skin from damage.

If cleansing and exfoliating prove to be ineffective, it is best to consult your doctor since the infestation of Demodex mites or eyelid mites may have developed to a much more serious condition. Your doctor may prescribe you with insecticides like permethrin or crotamiton. These are ointments that are applied directly on the infected area.