Eyelash pain is caused by irritation, infections, structural issues, or product reactions. Another possible reason is the use of eyelash extensions, where poor application or allergic reactions to the adhesive may lead to discomfort.
Stay connected to the end of this post to learn about the why eyelashes hurt you badly.
Common Causes of Eyelash Pain
Eyelash pain can come from many things, including irritation, infections, and product reactions. Knowing the common causes can help you find solutions. Here are the usual culprits behind eyelash discomfort:
- Injuries
- Infrequent infections
- Ingrown eyelashes
- Inflammation
Infections and irritations can affect the hair follicles and cause pain and discomfort.
For example, poorly applied eyelash extensions or allergic reactions to certain eye makeup ingredients can cause pain and swelling around the eyelashes.
Looking into ingrown eyelashes, blepharitis, and styes will help you pinpoint the exact issue causing eyelash pain.
1. Ingrown Eyelashes
Ingrown eyelashes occur when the eyelashes grow towards the eye instead of outwards and cause irritation and discomfort to the inner eyelid. This can present with:
- mild discomfort
- severe pain depending on how the lashes touch the eye’s surface
- tearing
- sensitivity to light
- corneal damage if left untreated
I recommend you see an eye doctor for proper management, as home treatment can worsen the irritation.
2. Blepharitis
Blepharitis is eyelid inflammation of the eyelid margins, caused by bacteria spreading to the eyelid skin or blocked oil glands.
Symptoms are sore eyelashes, crusty eyelids, and often a burning sensation. This can be very uncomfortable, making activities like reading or watching TV painful.
A high population of Demodex mites can also cause blepharitis and make the condition worse.
Managing blepharitis involves good eyelid hygiene, such as cleaning the eyelids with a mild soapy solution and warm compresses to alleviate discomfort.
In some cases, topical antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the bacterial infection and reduce inflammation.
3. Styes
Styes are painful, red bumps that occur on the eyelid due to bacterial infection of the eyelash follicles. These bumps contain pus and can be very uncomfortable. Symptoms are pain, swelling, and watery eyes, making it hard to do daily activities.
Styes can also cause secondary infections if not treated properly, so timely medical attention is key.
Parasites and Infestations
While rare, parasites and infestations can also cause eyelash pain. Eyelash mites and lice are two of the culprits that can cause a lot of irritation and discomfort.
These tiny creatures feed on the oils and dead skin cells around the eyelashes and cause redness, itchiness, and overall discomfort. Knowing how these parasites affect your eyelashes is key to treatment and prevention.
Looking into eyelash mites and lice will show you how they cause eyelash pain.
Eyelash Mites
Eyelash mites, specifically Demodex mites, live on the eyelashes, outer ears, and chest.
There are two types: Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis.
They generally coexist with humans, but an overpopulation of these mites can cause a condition called demodicosis, which is characterized by irritation and discomfort.
These mites feed on dead skin cells and natural oils; they act as a cleaning mechanism for the eyelashes, but when their numbers increase too much, they can cause inflammation and itching.
Eyelash mites come out at night to feed and reproduce, which can worsen symptoms during sleep.
Eyelash Lice
Eyelash lice are rare but possible parasites that attach themselves to the base of your eyelashes and cause a lot of itching and discomfort.
These lice are contracted by coming into contact with infested hair and then touching your eyelashes.
The discomfort can be severe, and you’ll have the urge to scratch, which can further irritate the eye area and worsen the problem.
Structural Issues
Structural problems with the eyelids can directly cause pain around the eyelashes. Conditions like entropion, eyelash ptosis, and distichiasis are structural abnormalities of the eyelid that cause various forms of eyelash discomfort.
These conditions can cause the eyelashes to grow in directions they shouldn’t and can even damage the cornea if left untreated. Lower eyelid lash ptosis causes the lower eyelashes to curve upwards and irritate the eye.
Upper eyelid lash ptosis causes the upper eyelashes to curve downwards and touch the eye surface, causing irritation.
Entropion
Entropion is a condition where the eyelid folds inwards and the eyelashes rub against the eye surface.
This friction can cause eye and eyelash pain, irritation, and even corneal damage. Symptoms include feeling something in the eye, excessive tearing, and redness.
Eyelash Ptosis
Eyelash ptosis is a condition where the eyelashes droop due to weak upper eyelid muscles, and the drooping eyelids touch the eye surface.
This can cause discomfort, irritation, and even eye infection if not managed properly.
Treatment usually involves addressing the muscle weakness to prevent the lashes from drooping further.
Distichiasis
Distichiasis is a rare condition where there are double eyelashes, usually caused by genetic mutations, trauma, or inflammation.
The extra lashes irritate the eye and cause a lot of discomfort and damage.
Managing this condition usually involves removing the extra lashes to alleviate the irritation.
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Reactions to Products and Practices
Beauty practices and products like eyelash extensions and eye makeup can cause discomfort due to allergic reactions or irritation. Improperly applied eyelash extensions or sensitivity to the adhesives can cause a lot of pain and swelling.
Common allergens in eye makeup can cause the same issues. Knowing these reactions will help you keep your eyelashes healthy and pain free.
1. Eyelash Extensions Hurt
Incorrect application of eyelash extensions or sensitivity to the adhesives can cause a lot of pain and irritation.
Many people experience redness and swelling due to allergic reactions to lash adhesives. Having extensions applied by a professional and using high-quality adhesives can minimize these problems.
2. Eye Makeup
Allergic or sensitivity reactions to ingredients in mascara and other eye makeup products can cause eyelash pain. Many people use eye makeup without realizing the health issues related to their eyelashes.
Common allergens found in these products can cause irritation and discomfort, especially for those with sensitive skin. When eyelashes hurt, it can worsen the overall discomfort.
Using hypoallergenic eye makeup can prevent allergic reactions and keep your lashes healthy. Reading the product labels and being aware of the irritants is important.
3. Contact Lenses
Improper handling of contact lenses can irritate the eye area and cause pain in the lashes. Wearing contact lenses for extended periods without proper care can cause soreness around the lash line.
Treatments for Eyelash Pain
There are various treatments for eyelash pain depending on the cause, including professional removal, medications, and natural remedies.
Finding the right treatment depends on the underlying cause of the pain. See an eye doctor for an accurate diagnosis so you can get the right treatment.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the treatments for eyelash pain.
1. Eyelash Removal
Professional removal of ingrown eyelashes is a safe and effective treatment. Ingrown eyelashes can cause a lot of discomfort as they grow towards the eye and can cause irritation and even damage to the cornea if not addressed.
Handling ingrown eyelashes at home can be tricky and may cause more irritation. A professional can remove them safely without damaging the cornea.
Techniques like radiofrequency ablation and laser cauterization are used by professionals to remove ingrown eyelashes, to relieve pain, and to prevent further issues.
These procedures are usually quick and can be done in an eye doctor’s office so you can get it managed safely and effectively.
2. Antibiotics
Antibiotics are prescribed to treat bacterial infections of the eyelashes, such as styes and blepharitis. Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, which reduces inflammation and discomfort.
Follow the prescribed treatment and finish the full course of antibiotics to get rid of the infection.
3. Permethrin
Permethrin is a topical medication. It’s used to treat eyelash mites and lice. It’s applied directly to the affected area to manage the infestation and relieve symptoms like redness and itchiness.
See a doctor before using permethrin.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Diluted tea tree oil can be used to get rid of eyelash mites; it’s a natural remedy. But see a doctor before using tea tree oil on the eyes to avoid adverse reactions.
Dilute and apply tea tree oil under medical guidance to manage mite infestation.
5. Eye Drops
Both steroid and artificial tear eye drops are recommended for inflammation and dryness caused by eyelash pain. Steroid eye drops reduce redness and swelling and give quick relief from discomfort.
Over-the-counter artificial tears can help manage dry eyes by keeping them lubricated and reducing irritation.
Using both steroids and artificial tear drops together can manage inflammation and dryness better and get you full relief from eyelash pain.
Natural Prevention Tips
Preventing eyelash pain is a combination of good hygiene, avoiding irritants, and regular check-ups. Being proactive helps you have healthy and pain-free eyelashes and avoid common issues that cause discomfort.
Here are some prevention tips to keep your eyelashes healthy:
Proper Hygiene
Eyelid cleaning with mild soap and water daily prevents irritation and infection. Daily removal of crusty buildup helps in hygiene and overall eye health and reduces the risk of blepharitis and styes.
- Clean your eyelids daily with mild soap and water.
- Don’t rub your eyes with dirty hands.
- Remove eye makeup before bedtime.
Follow these simple hygiene tips regularly to reduce eyelash pain and discomfort.
Avoiding Irritants
Hypoallergenic makeup minimizes the risk of irritation and allergic reactions and healthy, pain-free eyelashes. Fragrance-free products reduce the risk of irritation around the eyes.
Avoid known irritants like certain eye makeup products and allergens to have healthy eyelashes and no pain.
Handle contact lenses with clean hands and follow proper hygiene to reduce discomfort.
Regular Check-ups
Regular eye doctor check-ups can help identify and treat eyelash pain issues before they become severe.
Bottom Line
Mainly, eyelash pain can be caused by infections, structural issues, infestations, and product reactions. Knowing the common causes and treatments, you can be proactive in having healthy and pain-free eyelashes.
