Tick on eyelashes — what is it called? - briefly
The tiny parasite that resembles a tick on a lash is a Demodex mite, most often «Demodex folliculorum». These mites inhabit the hair follicles and sebaceous glands surrounding the eye.
Tick on eyelashes — what is it called? - in detail
The organism that attaches to the rim of the eye and resembles a small tick is medically identified as a parasitic mite belonging to the genus Demodex, most frequently Demodex folliculorum. This ectoparasite colonises hair follicles and sebaceous glands of the eyelid margin, producing a condition commonly referred to as Demodex‑induced blepharitis. In rare cases, a true arthropod such as the crab louse Pthirus pubis may infest the eyelashes, a situation termed phthiriasis palpebrarum.
Typical manifestations include:
- Fine, moving specks at the base of the lashes, often mistaken for debris.
- Irritation, itching, or a gritty sensation on the ocular surface.
- Redness and swelling of the eyelid margin.
- Formation of cylindrical dandruff (collarettes) around individual lashes.
Diagnosis relies on microscopic examination of epilated lashes. A single‑cell slide prepared from a collected hair reveals the characteristic elongated, worm‑like body of the mite, measuring 0.2–0.4 mm. In the case of crab louse infestation, the adult louse is visible to the naked eye, measuring approximately 1 mm and exhibiting a crab‑shaped thorax.
Management strategies differ according to the identified parasite:
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Mite infestation
• Topical tea‑tree oil preparations (0.5 % concentration) applied twice daily reduce mite density.
• Prescription‑grade ointments containing ivermectin or metronidazole provide anti‑parasitic action.
• Regular lid hygiene with warm compresses and diluted baby shampoo assists in mechanical removal of debris. -
Louse infestation
• Mechanical removal of lice and nits using fine forceps under magnification.
• Application of a 1 % permethrin lotion to the eyelid margin, avoiding direct contact with the globe.
• Follow‑up cleaning of bedding and clothing to prevent reinfestation.
Prognosis is favourable when treatment is initiated promptly; mite populations decline within two weeks, and eyelid inflammation resolves within a month. Persistent symptoms warrant reassessment for secondary bacterial infection or underlying dermatologic disorders such as rosacea, which may predispose to mite overgrowth.