Eyelash Lice vs Mites: What to look out for

A few months ago, stories circulated the news media cycle warning women who have eyelash extensions of “eyelash lice”. If you’re like us, you probably haven’t thought about lice since the weird kid in your second grade class got it, so this is scary stuff! If you’re having itching and irritation with your extensions, a buildup of microscopic organisms may be eating your skin… but there is some good news! Doctors tell USA TODAY that they're actually mites, not lice. Still kinda gross.. but at least it sounds a little better! 

Dr. Gregory J. Nixon is the Associate Dean for Clinical Services at the Ohio State University College of Optometry. He says that people are confusing mites and lice in their extensions, but that there is actually an important distinction between the two. 

Lice are parasites that suck blood and are usually the size of a poppy seed. They can usually be seen by the naked eye, he said. While lice are highly contagious and can be transferred from one person to another, Dr. Nixon says he doubts that they would be able to be transferred through eyelash extensions. 

Mites, on the other hand, are microscopic organisms that live on all mammals. They don't suck blood, but instead eat dead skin cells. 

“Eyelash extensions are synthetic, it’s not natural,” he said. “The extensions are not transmitting anything or serving as a vector for people to get infected by something like lice.” Says Dr. Nixon. He also says that mites don't normally cause any issues, but irritation or infection could occur if they are left untreated or if there is a build up of these mites around the eye.

Healthline.com describes the symptoms of lash mites as:

• itching or a “tickling” feeling
• tearing
• redness
• “sticky” lashes
• brown or black spots at the base of the eyelashes