• Skin Care
• Rosacea

Can You Get Lice in Your Eyelashes?

Published: March 07, 2025
Updated: March 07, 2025
4 mins

Lice is more than just an infestation that occurs in the hair on top of your head. It can also occur on your eyelashes (Phthiriasis palpebrarum) and other body parts with hair follicles. 

Lice are tiny, wingless insects or mites on hair follicles that feed on dead skin cells and oil glands. The insects are so small, it can be difficult to see them with the naked eye. 

Most people remember when they’ve had lice because of how hard it is to get rid of it. They can live on bed sheets and other surfaces in your home. Even faux eyelashes can develop lice if not properly cleaned.

What are the Symptoms of Lice in Eyelashes?

The sticky, dandruff-like substance appearing on eyelashes with lice helps mites stay attached to hair follicles. While it’s normal to have small mites on the eyelashes, too many of them can lead to uncomfortable symptoms.

Symptoms may not show up right away. They typically last for a couple of days or weeks depending on severity. However, many of the symptoms from lice can be seen on the surface of the eyelashes. Common symptoms of lice on the eyelashes:

• Redness

• Itchiness

• Crust on the eyelashes

• Blurry vision

• Swelling

• Stinging

• Eyelashes growing in the opposite direction

Don’t hesitate to contact a healthcare provider if you experience discomfort in your eyelashes for days. The faster you treat symptoms, the quicker you can prevent a potential severe lice infestation. 

What Causes Lice in the Eyelashes?

Dirt and debris can clog oil glands on the eyelids and eyelashes, leading to bacterial infections and lice. Different kinds of lice can show up on the body, head, and genitals (pubic lice). Lice can spread through skin-to-skin contact, pets, and surfaces. 

Over time, a buildup of dirt and debris may increase your risk of lice on the eyelashes. When appropriate, consider wearing protective eyewear when being in high-dust environments. 

While rare, crab lice (Phthirus pubis) can infect the eyelashes and eyelids from direct skin-to-skin contact. Also known as pubic lice, this type of lice can show up on the genitals, armpits, eyebrows, and facial hair.

How is Lice in the Eyelashes Diagnosed?

Most healthcare providers specializing in eye conditions (optometrists) can see the signs of lice by looking closely at the eyelashes. They may look at the eyelashes under a microscopic lens or slit lamp to get a better view. 

Who is Most at Risk for Eyelash Lice?

It’s not uncommon for young children to experience head lice. While lice on the eyelashes is rare, it can still occur in some kids. Adults with a weakened immune system and elderly people may also have an increased risk of lice on the eyelashes.

People who wear false eyelashes may be more likely to experience lice on the eyelashes. In recent years, lice on the eyelashes from “falsies” (synthetic eyelash extensions) have increased. Many people may hesitate to clean synthetic lashes frequently to maintain the quality of extensions. However, this can lead to a buildup of oil and bacteria on the eyelashes over time.

Those with certain conditions that affect the eyes and skin have an increased risk of lice on the eyelashes. The following health conditions may lead to lice on the eyelashes:

• Blepharitis 

• Rosacea 

• Dermatitis

• Alopecia

• Keratitis

• Inflammatory acne

It’s important to be honest with healthcare providers about your health history. In some cases, a healthcare provider may mistakenly diagnose blepharitis symptoms as lice or eczema.

How Do You Treat Lice in Eyelashes?

Lice is treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medication. Once lice have been diagnosed, a healthcare provider may recommend an OTC lotion like Permethrin for several days. How long you take the medication depends on advice from your healthcare provider.

Other topical prescription medications a healthcare provider may recommend for head lice include:

• Benzyl (Ulesfia) alcohol lotion 

• Ivermectin (Sklice)

• Malathion (Ovide)

• Spinosad (Natroba)

Be sure to only take the dosage recommended by your healthcare provider. Taking more than the recommended dosage may reduce the effectiveness of the medication. Using medication for longer than recommended or too much of it may also lead to resistance to the treatment. 

Home Remedies for Lice in the Eyelashes

Health experts continue to study options for treating lice on your own. Some research suggests the following home remedies may help get rid of lice over several days to weeks:

• Applying hydrogen peroxide to the eyelashes

• Using a small brush to apply tea tree oil to the eyelashes

• Carefully cleansing the eyelashes with warm water

Many of these remedies may not completely get rid of lice. The best way to get rid of lice quickly and efficiently is to get guidance from a licensed healthcare provider.

Where Can I Learn More About Preventing Lice?

Lice can be prevented with careful care for the skin and hair around the face. At LifeMD, a licensed healthcare provider can give you tips and recommendations for protecting yourself from lice. 

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