On this episode of American Horror Story: BeautyI’m sorry to report that, on a tiny level, some weird, crawly characters are surviving on your face. Nearly everybody has a kind of mite called demodex near their hair roots (i.e., their lashes and eyebrows) that feed upon oils, skin cells, and hormonal agents. The large bulk of the time, you will not even observe they’re there– these small animals hang out on your skin symbiotically and gladly. In some cases, however, demodex termites get a little too comfy and trigger problems– particularly if you have lash extensions and do not constantly keep them as tidy as you should.
If demodex termites multiply excessive around the eye location, they can result in demodicosis (face mite overgrowth) of a kind particularly called demodex blepharitis (a swelling of the eyelid from the face termites) and skin problems like itching and flaking. Those are particularly typical amongst individuals with eyelash extensions, because those can be magnets for accumulation of the things these termites like to consume.
Why do these little freaks penalize us for glamour, and how does it look when they’re triggering problem around your eyes? Here’s what to learn about these face invaders if you’re discovering some strange skin signs after getting your lashes done.
Termites grow when there’s an accumulation of oil or makeup around your lashes.
The factor that demodex termites thrive on some individuals’s skin more so than others’ is rather easy: access to food. Phony eyelashes can often lead termites to come and feast since (a) individuals in some cases prevent cleaning their eyes to lengthen the life of their extensions and (b) additional adhesive around the lash line can trap germs and particles.
Dendy Engelman, MD, FAAD, a board-certified skin doctor in New York City, informs SELF that a signature early indication you have a lot of demodex termites is “dry and inflamed eyes that can seem like burning, stinging, or itching.” If the issue goes unattended from there, you may likewise have signs like “inflammation, dry or rough flaky spots, or crustiness around the eyes,” she states. The waste that forms there is a by-product of round dandruff– a waxy, flaky compound that develops at the hair follicle base around specific lashes– and collarettes, a.k.a., uh, mite poop. The more termites on your face, the more crusting you’re most likely to experience.
How to keep your lashes tidy to prevent mite overgrowth
When you get lash extensions, your service technician generally asks you to basically raise your right-hand man and repeat after them: “No extreme cleansers.” That does not indicate you should not utilize cleansers at all— rather the opposite.
In order to keep termites at bay and your lashes undamaged, simply be selective. “Wash with a mild, non-soap cleanser by running a Q-Tip along the lash line,” states Dr. Gohara. “Also clean in between the eyebrows, where [Demodex mites] like to conceal in the roots.” (If you have an active invasion,