The use of eyelash extensions and its relationship with the proliferation of Demodex mites

Small mites called Demodex live on our skin. They are commonly found in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands of many people without causing any problems. These microscopic beings are part of the ecosystem of microorganisms that accompany us in our lives.

The problem arises when the number of them increases uncontrollably; Thus, if the population density exceeds five mites per square centimeter of skin, diseases arise in the eye area, specifically, due to the increase in members of the Demodex folliculorum family, which are those that reside in the eyelash growth area.

As a result, points out Trinidad Montero, dermatologist at the Contact Dermatitis and Cutaneous Allergy Group (GEIDAC), "inflammation of the eyelid edge occurs, which we know as Demodex blepharitis." Or even a painful skin reaction known as demodicosis, as revealed by a recent study presented at the Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.

This research also reveals that many women present symptoms of eye irritation and tear duct obstruction, since most have problems in the tiny glands located near the eyelashes (called meibomian glands), which produce an oily substance that prevents the eyes from drying out.

What causes the alteration of the ecosystem of the small mite?

The abuse of glues (even with inappropriate components) for false eyelashes and the inappropriate use of mascaras (also water-resistant or waterproof), which are not removed at night and whose remains remain for days, by not carrying out deep and exhaustive cleanings.

Tetiana Zhmud, from the Department of Ophthalmology at the Pirogov National Medical University in Vinnitsa (Ukraine), presented the work data at the medical meeting. "Eyelash extensions are an extremely popular cosmetic procedure among young women, as they offer the appearance of longer and fuller eyelashes without the need to use mascara," she explains about their use in a statement.

At the same time, Zhmud makes it clear that “there are increasing indications that this procedure can cause problems on the ocular surface, such as irritation, dry eye symptoms, and meibomian gland dysfunction. However, the relationship between eyelash extensions and demodicosis is still not well understood.”

Zhmud and his team conducted a survey of 345 women between 16 and 28 years old. They found that almost a quarter of them had had eyelash extensions at some point. More than half (58%) put them in every three or four weeks. Almost half of the women who used extensions (47.6%) reported feeling discomfort, redness, tearing or itching after the procedure.

Among women who had undergone eyelash extensions at least 10 times, the researchers found that the majority (85%) had signs of meibomian gland dysfunction. This was because these organs were clogged or did not produce adequate oil to keep the eyes hydrated.

How do infection problems originate?

The spokesperson for the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) details the damage of the glue in the ocular area: "In the case of eyelash extensions, one of the mechanisms that could favor this proliferation is precisely the difficulty in carrying out adequate hygiene of the eyelid edge."

The glue, for its part, “can cause other independent problems, mainly irritation. The cyanoacrylates present in some adhesives act as sensitizers and cause allergic contact dermatitis," adds the dermatologist.

Montero emphasizes that cleanliness is the key: "Some users avoid rubbing the area for fear that the extensions will last less or come off. This causes the accumulation of sebum, dead cells and traces of makeup around it, creating favorable conditions for the excessive growth of Demodex.

Regarding waterproof mascaras, the dermatologist warns that since they are more difficult to remove, they may require greater friction or specific makeup remover products. "It does not mean that they are necessarily more dangerous, but an incomplete or excessively aggressive removal can cause irritation of the eyelid and ocular surface," says Montero.