Itchy eyelashes: what to do?

Our eyes are tested every day. Makeup, eyelash extensions, false eyelashes, etc. can all have consequences. Today we’ll talk about what to do if eyes and eyelashes itch.

Itchy eyes are extremely annoying. Perhaps the worst thing about this is that the more you touch them, the more they itch. Depending on what's causing the itch, the consequences of your desire to rub your lashes range from simply making it more irritated, to spreading germs and causing infection, which can eventually leave you with no lashes at all. In general, the best way to reduce itchy eyes is to first find out what is causing it.

I have prepared for you a list of the most common reasons why eyelashes itch and what can be done to alleviate this condition.

1. Food, animal, or environmental allergy

Itchy eyes are most often the hallmark of an allergy. This condition is also called allergic conjunctivitis. Basically, this is a small reaction to certain allergens - food or the environment. Unfortunately, you can also be allergic to eyelash extensions or rather to the glue that is used during the procedure. Even your pets can provoke itchy eyes!

Taking over-the-counter antihistamines, or using eye drops, can help soothe an allergic reaction and relieve itching.

2. Dry eyes

Dry eye syndrome, a condition in which a person does not have enough quality tears to moisturize and nourish the eye, is a common and often chronic problem, especially in the elderly. Unlike some other causes of itchy eyelashes, dry eye is a chronic disease and needs specific treatment.

Using artificial tears and redness eye drops can help keep your eyes moist and relieve itching.

3. Irritants

Certain chemicals or ingredients in personal care products can lead to contact dermatitis, an irritating and itchy skin rash. This can lead to flaky skin, especially around the eyelid. Eye dermatitis can be caused by other irritants, but makeup and skin care products are the most common culprits that make you want to touch your lashes all the time. Switching to hypoallergenic cosmetics, especially when it comes to products that you apply directly under the eyes, can be a good way to combat itching.

4. Inflammation of the eyelids

The medical term for this disease is blepharitis. The most common causes of blepharitis are staph bacteria, scalp dandruff, and diseases such as rosacea. Blepharitis primarily affects the eyeballs, causing itching, redness, increased tearing, swelling, and dryness. Often, dandruff-like scales form at the site of eyelash growth and of course cause a constant desire to rub your eyes. In more severe cases, blepharitis can lead to blurred vision, inflammation of the eye tissues (especially the cornea), or complete loss of eyelashes.

5. Excessive eye strain

We live in the digital age, and, perhaps, we can no longer imagine our lives without smartphones, tablets, and laptops. But our “mirror of the soul” is not at all enthusiastic about this. Constant digital eye strain can cause fatigue, headaches, difficulty focusing, and potentially affect long-term vision. Of course, this is accompanied by such phenomena as itchy eyelashes and eyelids. So the next time you have a strong urge to rub your eyes, just take a break from your gadgets first.

6. Something got in the eye

Foreign objects in the eye can cause itching, irritation and pain. Whether it's a grain of sand, an eyelash or something else, before rubbing your eyelids vigorously, think about the damage it can do to your eyes. One of my acquaintances was so irritated by an eyelash that got into her eye that, in an attempt to get it, she tore out half of her normally growing eyelashes, and then, with all this “beauty”, she came to me for extensions. So if you think you have something in your eye, the first thing you should try is rinsing it with water or artificial tears (simple eye drops without any additional chemicals).

7. Use of contact lenses

If you wear contact lenses every day, you may experience itching or a burning sensation in the area where your eyelashes grow. This is due to the fact that long-term use of lenses additionally dries out the eyes. Also, allergens can accumulate in the lenses, and thereby aggravate the symptoms. Some people may also develop an allergy to contact lenses, giant papillary conjunctivitis. And of course, simple washing of the eyes with water is not limited here.

See your doctor as soon as possible if you experience frequent or persistent itching at the edge of your eyelids or eyelashes. After all, an accurate diagnosis is essential to determine the best treatment.

I hope my information was useful to you. Be healthy and beautiful! :)