What is the name of the tick in the eyelashes? - briefly
The eyelash parasite is the Demodex mite, most commonly Demodex folliculorum (with Demodex brevis also present). These microscopic arthropods inhabit the hair follicles and sebaceous glands of the eyelid margin.
What is the name of the tick in the eyelashes? - in detail
The organism that inhabits the base of human eyelashes is a microscopic ectoparasite belonging to the genus Demodex. It is commonly called the eyelash mite rather than a true tick.
Two species are regularly found on the face: Demodex folliculorum, which resides in hair follicles, and Demodex brevis, which occupies sebaceous glands associated with the follicles. Both species are obligate parasites of humans and are present in the majority of adults, often without causing symptoms.
Adult mites measure 0.2–0.4 mm in length, possess an elongated, cigar‑shaped body, and have eight short legs positioned near the posterior end. Their transparent cuticle allows internal structures to be seen under light microscopy. Mites feed on epithelial cells and sebum, using a rasping mouthpart to scrape material from the follicular wall.
The life cycle proceeds through egg, larva (four stages), nymph (two stages), and adult. Development from egg to mature adult requires approximately 2–3 weeks under normal skin conditions. Reproduction occurs within the follicle, where females lay up to 30 eggs before dying.
Incidence increases with age; prevalence exceeds 80 % in individuals over 60 years. Overpopulation of Demodex can contribute to ocular surface disorders such as blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, and rosacea‑related eye irritation. Diagnosis relies on direct microscopic examination of epilated lashes or skin scrapings, revealing characteristic mite morphology.
Treatment strategies focus on reducing mite density and restoring ocular surface health:
- Topical acaricides: tea tree oil (5 % concentration) applied to lid margins, clove oil, or ivermectin cream.
- Oral ivermectin: single‑dose or short‑course regimens for severe infestations.
- Lid hygiene: warm compresses followed by gentle cleansing with diluted baby shampoo or commercial lid scrub solutions.
- Environmental control: regular washing of pillowcases, towels, and cosmetics to limit reinfestation.
Monitoring response involves repeat lash sampling after 4–6 weeks of therapy; a significant decline in mite count correlates with symptomatic improvement. Persistent cases may require combined topical and systemic regimens under ophthalmologic supervision.