Different infections can affect the eyelashes; while many of these conditions are uncomfortable, most are not sight-threatening. The infections may cause the eyelashes to fall out or may spread to the eye itself and cause a secondary conjunctivitis. Keeping the eyelids clean and removing makeup can help prevent the development of many eyelash infections.
Lice
Lice are tiny parasitic insects that can infest the hair, eyelashes or body. The lice also attach their eggs or nits to hair and these eggs hatch in 8 to 10 days to produce more lice. An infestation of lice causes intense itching. There are medications to get rid of lice; however, lice present in eyelashes may need to be removed by hand. According to the Merck Manual, petroleum ointment or fluorescein eye drops can also be used to remove lice from the eyelashes.
Blepharitis
The condition blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids and eyelashes. Symptoms include redness and crusting of the eyelids and scaling or dandruff of the eyelashes. According to the University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago website, a bacterial infection of the eyelid with Staphylococcus may be a common cause of blepharitis. Keeping the eyelids and lashes clean can prevent this condition.
Stye
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a stye is an infection in an eyelash follicle. This infection causes a swollen and red bump on the edge of the eyelid; the infection can be caused by bacteria that are present on the eyelids. Styes can develop in people who have other types of conditions of the eyelids and lashes such as those people who have blepharitis. Antibiotic ointment, warm compresses or surgical drainage are also options in the treatment of styes.
Demodicosis
Demodex is a tiny mite that resides in the eyelash follicle. According to the New Zealand Dermatological Society, these mites are rare in children under the age of 5 and are usually found in older children and adults. Increased numbers of the mite or demodicosis can cause eye irritation, eyelid scaling and eyelash loss over time. Treatment involves eyelid cleaning and use of insecticide ointments. Increased numbers of these mites may be found in rosacea or blepharitis as well.
