Introduction
Eyelashes are generally a topic of discussion in terms of beauty. But it has a lot more important in general. First, eyelashes protect the eyes from dust and debris, and it is an important function. Next is its ability to sense nearing objects and warn them to close their eyes.
Besides their essential functions, eyelashes are also subjected to numerous conditions and infections. Moreover, eyelashes can itch for various reasons, like environmental irritants, and this article will explain it in detail.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of an Itchy Eyelash?
Many health conditions and environmental factors can cause itchy eyelashes. But some common signs and symptoms noticed in an itchy eyelash condition are as follows.
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One may experience pain in the eyes.
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Discharge from the eyes is a common sign of itchy eyelashes.
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Loss of vision or blurred vision can be noticed.
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Swollen eyes are common.
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The skin around the eyelids can start flaking.
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The area in and around the eyes can start a burning sensation.
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The skin around the eyelids can become oily.
What Are the Few Common Causes of Itchy Eyelashes?
The following are the potential causes of itchy eyelashes.
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Eyelid dermatitis.
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Conjunctivitis.
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Blepharitis.
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Stye.
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Dry eyes.
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Phthiriasis palpebrarum.
Eyelid Dermatitis
It is also known as periocular dermatitis and periorbital dermatitis. It is characterized by eruptions on the eyelids (both upper and lower), which can be seen in one or both eyes. It is commonly caused by environmental irritants or an underlying medical condition like rosacea, atopic or seborrheic dermatitis.
The most common signs and symptoms of eyelid dermatitis are-
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Pain and redness in the eye.
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Swelling of the eye.
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Eyelids and eyelashes will itch.
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The skin around the region involved will be scaly.
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Burning and stinging sensations can be felt.
The most common allergens that may cause eyelid dermatitis are as follows-
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Allergens from shampoo.
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Allergens from contact lens and contact lens solution.
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Allergens from makeup products (makeup products for the face and eyes).
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Glaucoma curing medications.
It is advisable to test the products on the wrist or hands before applying them on more sensitive parts like the eyes and face. It is impossible to know it immediately, so always use it with caution. Always make sure to know the contents of the contact lens solution before use.
Conjunctivitis
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It is also known as pink eye. It is an inflammatory condition of the clear layer covering the eye's white part.
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The most common causes of conjunctivitis are viruses and bacteria. Other important environmental factors causing conjunctivitis are irritants from soap, shampoo, dirt, and sand, and allergens from dust, smoke, and contact lens and their solution.
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Pink eyes can show signs and symptoms like an itching sensation along the eyelids and eyelashes, redness, swelling, and burning eyes. The eyes can show blurred vision, and they can be highly sensitive to light too.
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Conjunctivitis can be treated effectively. In case of an irritant, washing the eyes with clean running water will help heal. Allergy-induced conjunctivitis can be used to heal. Using warm compresses will ease the pink eye condition.
Blepharitis
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Blepharitis is an inflammatory condition of the eyelid caused by the blockage of the oil glands present along the line of eyelashes. These oil glands get clogged with dust and dirt.
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It shows signs and symptoms like red and watery eyes, itchy eyes, swollen and burning eyes, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light.
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Blepharitis is usually caused by clogged oil glands, as discussed before. Other causes are rosacea, eyelash mites or lice, and dry eyes.
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Blepharitis usually heals with minimal treatment. Warm compresses are the most reliable ones. Topical antibiotic (oral sometimes), topical cyclosporine, and treating the underlying conditions is the line of treatment followed.
Stye
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Stye is usually characterized by a red pimple or a bump along the edges of the eyelid. This is a bacterial infection of the tiny oil glands present along the line of eyelashes.
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It is a painful condition and is often associated with signs and symptoms like swelling and crusting of the eyelids, itching of the eyes and eyelashes, and tearing of the eyes.
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A stye will usually resolve with the cleaning of the eyelids and continuous warm compresses over the stye with a clean and tidy cloth. It is advised not to pop the bump or the pimple and touch the affected area.
Dry Eyes
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A dry eye is a condition in which the tear system is blocked and does not provide enough lubrication to the eyes.
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It causes itchy eyes, dryness, redness, blurred vision, and a feeling of something present in the eyes.
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The major cause of the condition is a blocked tear system. Other conditions causing it are rheumatoid arthritis, medications like antihistamines, Sjogren’s syndrome, and older age, especially after menopause.
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Dry eyes condition can be treated with artificial tears and ointment. Other procedures included punctal occlusion in which the tear duct is punctured, and the contents are drained. This is a temporary procedure. Another method uses a special instrument with pressure and heat to unblock the clogged glands and tear system.
Phthiriasis Palpebrarum
It is an ectoparasitosis condition caused by the infection with Phthirus pubis (lice). It rarely affects the eyelashes, and in case of infection, it causes constant itching.
Conclusion
Various conditions can cause itchy eyelashes; the treatment is usually very effective and rarely severe. Following necessary precautions to keep the eye region clean and tidy will help avoid acquiring an itchy eyelash condition.
