For every YouTuber, VSCO girl, and coworker who raves about the
life-changing magic of lash extensions, there's an eye doctor listing
off the reasons to lay off the faux hairs. From allergic reactions to
bacterial infections, many pros call lash extensions the riskiest
enhancement option. Now at the top of the list of less-than-sexy side
effects: Lice.
ABC 7 News first reported that optometrists are seeing a rise in
patients with "lash lice," otherwise known as Demodex, on their eyelash
extensions. Similar to head lice, it's commonly spread through direct
contact with hair or lash combs and lives near the follicle to feed off
the host's blood.
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Demodex doesn't discriminate based on real or faux hairs, but there
are more ways to catch it if you're going in for a lash touch-up every
three weeks. Dirty lash combs, towels, and applicators can all
contribute to the spread of lash lice, which is why it's critical to do
your research before your appointment and ask how your lash studio
sanitizes its equipment.
But the risk of infection doesn't stop when you walk out the door.
It's also vital to properly and regularly cleanse the area, something
avid lash extension fans might have previously avoided. "Generally, the
idea when you have eyelash extensions is that people are afraid to touch
them or wash them because they're afraid the eyelash will fall out,"
Dr. Sairah Malik told the news outlet.
Cleansing your extensions won't necessarily prevent lice, but it
will make it much harder for bacteria and mites (sorry) to grow and
thrive. While you'll want to avoid oil and alcohol to keep your faux
lashes in tact, you can use a cotton swab dipped in micellar water to
cleanse them. Jennifer Tsai, OD, a Manhattan-based optometrist of Line
of Sight Vision & Wellness, recommends a diluted tea tree oil
cleanser for your extensions and lids (just be careful not to get it
into your eyes).If your eyelashes are starting to itch just from reading
this article, here's how to know if you're dealing with an actual
issue: "Symptoms of eyelash lice can include lid irritation, scabbing,
redness, itching, tearing, and swelling," says Dr. Tsai.
If you are experiencing any of those symptoms, Dr. Tsai urges you to
see an eye doctor, who will be able to treat the case with an
antibiotic ointment that will help suffocate the lice. If left
untreated, it could potentially lead to lash loss, chronic eyelid
inflammation, or visual changes.
Bottom line: You don't have to stop getting eyelash extensions for
good, but you should stay on top of proper hygiene during the process
and throughout the aftercare — and consider taking a break from the
service whenever possible. In the words of Dr. Tsai: "Cleaning eyelash
extensions and following proper lid hygiene care is really important."
We just never knew this much.
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