An infection, inflammation or infestation of the hair follicles surrounding eyelashes or the membrane that covers the inner eyelid can create a sensation of itchy eyelashes. Although annoying and persistent, itchy eyelashes can be treated. Home remedies and topical prescription medications are available, depending on the cause and severity of the problem. Use of eye makeup and contact lenses must sometimes be stopped until the problem is resolved.
Causes
Anterior blepharitis is an inflammatory eye condition that affects the edge of the eyelid where the eyelashes grow. It has several possible causes, including bacterial infection and the same seborrheic condition that causes dandruff. Bacterial, viral or allergic conjunctivitis can also cause itchiness in the eyelash area. Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by diplococcus pneumonia or staphylococcus aureus infection. Viral conjunctivitis is caused by a cold virus or other virus. Allergic conjunctivitis is often associated with hay fever and caused by an allergic reaction to cosmetics, drugs or airborne allergens. Less commonly, body lice appear in many areas of the body, including the eyelashes, causing severe itching.
Features
Blepharitis causes itching and other symptoms, such as dry, red eyes, excessive tearing, and crusty eyelids and eyelashes, especially upon wakening. Dandruff-like flakes of skin sometimes appear on itchy eyelashes, whether or not dandruff appears on the scalp. If the cause is bacteria, the redness, itchiness and tearing of conjunctivitis may be accompanied by yellow discharge from the eye. A lice infestation of the eyelashes results in crusty eyelids, and both lice and their eggs are often visible at the base of the lashes.
Diagnosis
Because several different types of eye conditions have similar symptoms that include itchy eyelashes, it is important to see a general physician or an ophthalmologist for a proper diagnosis. Diagnosis may be made by physical examination of the eye along with patient history, or, in some cases, a tissue sample may be taken. In the case of allergic conjunctivitis, blood tests may determine the allergen. Each condition may require a different type of treatment plan.
Treatment
The recommended home treatment of itchy eyelashes due to blepharitis or conjunctivitis is a cool, damp washcloth held against the eyes for five to 10 minutes at a time, once or twice a day, followed by gentle washing of the eyelid with diluted, nontearing shampoo, such as baby shampoo. If the problem is severe, a physician will often prescribe topical or systemic antibiotics. If lice are the cause of itchy eyelashes, applying petroleum jelly to the eyelashes twice a day for eight days will kill lice and their nits, according to the Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.
Complications
Left untreated, itchy eyelashes that result from blepharitis or conjunctivitis can lead to further problems, such as sties, or small growths on the eyelid, excessive tearing or dry eyes that can worsen infection. Frequent scratching for any reason can lead to broken skin and infection.
References
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center: Ophthalmology -- Blepharitis
- University of California San Diego: Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
- Claremont University Consortium: What Are Lice?
- Children's Mercy Hospital: Head Lice
- University of Illinois Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences: Allergic Conjunctivitis
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