Lice can infest eyelashes, a condition known as phthiriasis palpebrarum. This typically involves a specific type of louse, different from common head lice, and can cause discomfort and irritation around the eyes.
Understanding Eyelash Lice
Eyelash lice are typically Phthirus pubis, known as pubic lice or “crabs,” rather than head lice. Uniquely adapted to coarser hair, they are found in the pubic area, but also in eyelashes, eyebrows, armpits, and beards. Unlike head lice, Phthirus pubis has a crab-like, broad, and flattened shape, measuring about 1.5 to 2.0 mm long. They are smaller than head and body lice, making them harder to spot.
Eyelash lice primarily spread through close personal contact with an infested individual. Sexual contact is the most common way these lice are transmitted among adults. Transmission can also occur by sharing personal items like bedding, towels, or clothing. Individuals may also transfer lice from the genital area to their eyes by hand contact. In children, pubic lice on eyelashes or eyebrows may indicate sexual contact or abuse, warranting medical attention.
Identifying an Eyelash Lice Infestation
The most common symptom of an eyelash lice infestation is persistent itching around the affected area, particularly at the root of the lash on the eyelid margin. This itching often intensifies at night when the lice are more active. Beyond itching, individuals may experience irritation and inflammation of the eyelids, excessive tearing, and a burning or gritty sensation in the eyes.
Visual signs of an infestation include eyelashes that appear clumped or stuck together. Small, dark spots might be visible at the base of the lashes, which can be either the lice themselves or their waste products. The lice eggs, known as nits, are tiny, oval-shaped, and typically white or yellowish, firmly attached to the hair shaft near the skin. These nits are often difficult to see with the naked eye, but a magnifying glass can aid in their detection.
Managing and Preventing Eyelash Lice
Managing an eyelash lice infestation requires careful attention due to the sensitive eye area. Consulting a healthcare professional, such as an ophthalmologist or dermatologist, is recommended for accurate diagnosis and treatment. They can examine the eyelashes using specialized tools like a slit lamp biomicroscope to confirm the presence of lice and nits.
Manual removal of lice and nits using fine-tipped tweezers or a fine-toothed comb is a key step in treatment, especially if only a few are present. This meticulous process involves carefully plucking each louse and egg from the lash. Common head lice shampoos are not safe for direct application to the eyes, as they can irritate or damage them. Instead, healthcare providers may recommend specific ophthalmic ointments.
Petroleum jelly is a common home-based approach, applied thickly to the eyelids and lashes two to three times daily for up to 10 days. This method works by suffocating the lice and their eggs. While over-the-counter petroleum jelly can be used, a doctor might prescribe an ophthalmic-grade petrolatum ointment, formulated for safe eye use. For more persistent or severe cases, prescription topical anti-parasitic ointments or oral medications like Ivermectin may be prescribed.
Preventing eyelash lice focuses on avoiding contact with infested individuals and their personal items. Practicing good hygiene, such as regular cleaning of the face and eye area, helps. Avoid sharing personal items like makeup brushes, towels, bedding, and clothing, as these can harbor lice or their eggs. Washing contaminated items in hot water (at least 130°F/54°C) and drying them on high heat eliminates remaining lice or nits. Items that cannot be washed can be sealed in airtight plastic bags for at least two weeks to ensure the parasites die.