Eyelash mites, also known as Demodex, are tiny mites that live in and around the hair follicles of humans. They are found on the face, especially around the eyelashes and eyebrows. While they may occasionally crawl onto pillowcases, they do not actually live or breed there.
What Are Eyelash Mites?
There are two species of eyelash mites that live on humans: Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis. D. folliculorum is found in the hair follicles, while D. brevis lives in the sebaceous glands connected to the follicles.
These mites are microscopic, each being only 0.3-0.4 mm long. They have eight legs and worm-like bodies. Under a microscope, you can see their legs, mouthparts, and body segments.
Eyelash mites spend their entire lives on the human face. They are transferred between people through close contact. Infants often get their first mites from their mother at birth.
Do Eyelash Mites Actually Live in Pillows?
No, eyelash mites do not live in pillows. Here’s why:
- They cannot survive long off the human body. The mites feed on skin oils and need the warmth and humidity provided by skin.
- They cannot reproduce without access to hair follicles. Mites lay their eggs inside follicles.
- Pillowcases do not provide food or the right environment for the mites.
While they may crawl onto pillows if you press your face against it, the mites will soon die from lack of food and proper habitat.
Can Eyelash Mites Transfer to Pillows?
Eyelash mites can crawl onto pillowcases if the fabric is touching your face as you sleep. However, they cannot reproduce or thrive there. At most, a few mites may transfer over and survive for a short time.
One study found that out of 12 test pillowcases belonging to mite-infested patients, only 2 had a small number of live Demodex mites. The number found was very low, likely transferred through accidental contact.
Do Eyelash Mites Bite Humans?
Eyelash mites do not actually bite humans. They do not have mouths or teeth capable of biting. Instead, they use needle-like mouthparts to pierce skin and suck out nutrients from cells and oils.
In normal numbers, these mites do not cause any issues. However, if populations explode, their feeding can irritate skin and cause symptoms:
- Itching and inflammation of the eyelids
- Redness and crusting around lashes
- Greasy tear film on the eyes
- Inflammation and irritation of the cornea
This is called blepharitis or demodicosis. Getting rid of excess mites through eyelid cleansing and tea tree oil can help resolve symptoms.
Do Eyelash Mites Spread Disease?
There is no evidence that eyelash mites can spread infectious disease between humans. They do not seem to carry or transmit bacteria or viruses.
However, having an overgrowth of mites is linked to some skin disorders:
- Rosacea: Mite over-population may exacerbate this inflammatory skin condition. Reducing mites can help improve rosacea.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: This scaly, itchy rash may be aggravated by high mite loads. Lowering mite levels helps control rashes.
Overall, eyelash mites are normal inhabitants of human skin. They only cause issues if their numbers get out of control due to factors like hormonal changes, immune deficiency, and skin inflammation.
Do Eyelash Mites Mean Your Pillow Is Dirty?
Finding a few eyelash mites on your pillow does not necessarily mean it is dirty. These microscopic organisms are normal on the human face.
However, if you suffer from blepharitis or notice crusty buildup on your pillowcases, it may indicate excess mite activity. This buildup is sebum, skin cells, and dirt that feeds the mites.
To keep pillows clean:
- Wash pillowcases in hot water weekly.
- Replace pillows every 1-2 years.
- Use pillow protectors to minimize skin cell transfer.
- Avoid sleeping in makeup to reduce oil and dirt transfer.
How To Get Rid of Eyelash Mites in Pillows
While eyelash mites cannot truly live or breed in your pillows, you may want to take steps to eliminate any that crawl over from your face:
- Wash sheets and pillowcases in very hot, soapy water. High heat helps kill mites.
- Spray pillows lightly between washings with an acaricide spray containing benzyl benzoate.
- Wipe pillowcases thoroughly with a tea tree oil cleansing solution.
- Leave pillows in direct sunlight. The UV radiation helps kill mites.
- Freeze pillows overnight to kill any mites. However, this must be repeated often to have an effect.
Conclusion
In summary, eyelash mites require the warm, moist environment of the human face to survive. They cannot reproduce, thrive, or live independently in pillowcases. While a few mites may transfer from your face to the pillow, they will die quickly once off the skin.
Frequent hot water laundering of pillowcases, along with other hygienic measures, can help reduce transfer and minimize unnecessary exposure. Overall, eyelash mites in your pillows are nothing to worry about!