Hands off: no eyelash extensions for these eye diseases

As eyelash stylists, we work on a very sensitive sensory organ: the human eye. That is why it is always our job to take a close look at the customer before we carry out an application such as eyelash extensions. That's why it's important for us to talk about eye diseases and provide some information.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, also known as conjunctivitis, can have various causes. As eyelash stylists, we can easily recognize it by a few symptoms. Conjunctivitis causes increased blood flow and therefore reddening of the conjunctiva. There is also a narrowing of the palpebral fissure and increased lacrimation. The affected person is photophobic, often squints their eyes, complains of itching and a foreign body sensation. The eyes burn. In some cases, conjunctivitis can also cause severe pain. If you notice any of these symptoms in your customers, you should refer them to a doctor and never carry out an application.

The sty

A sty is easy to detect as it is usually a purulent inflammation of the glands of the eyelids in the form of an abscess. Although a stye is usually harmless, it should be examined by a doctor. Until then, the eye should not be touched, especially not to make an application. The eyes reveal a lot about a person's state of health. For example, a chronic course may indicate other diseases, such as previously undetected diabetes or a disease of the gastrointestinal tract. To protect our customers, we therefore advise them to consult a doctor, even for something as seemingly minor as a sty.

Inflammation of the eyelid margin

The medical term blepharitis refers to inflammation of the eyelid margin, which often occurs together with conjunctivitis. The eyelids and eyelashes are then stuck together, usually after sleeping, and there is a foreign body sensation. The edge of the eyelid is red and burns, itches and is swollen. It is particularly important to maintain good eyelid hygiene and keep the eye clean. Contact lenses and any kind of eye cosmetics should be avoided. In this case, we also refer you to your family doctor or an ophthalmologist, under no circumstances do we carry out treatment ourselves or make a diagnosis.

Demodex mites

Blepharitis, inflammation of the eyelid margins, can also be caused by a mite infestation. In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, this can lead to permanent damage to the eyelashes. This is because eye mites feed on the cells of the hair follicle, causing it to become loose or displaced. They can also cause micro-injuries, causing the skin cells around the follicle to keratinize. This keratinization can then be seen as a visible deposit on the lash line. If the follicle suffers from a permanent infestation, eyelash growth may be impaired. In this case, the eyelashes grow in the wrong direction, causing additional irritation to the cornea due to constant friction.

Herpes viruses

These viruses are highly contagious. They are transmitted through saliva contact, smear infection and contact with mucous membranes. In this case, the customer should not be treated.

The only thing we as eyelash stylists can do in such cases is to recommend a visit to the doctor. Treatment should never be carried out on an ailing eye. Once the doctor has clarified the situation and we can welcome our customers back to the studio, we draw attention to eyelash hygiene. This is at our discretion and can protect the customer from further eye diseases in the long term. Because many, if not all, eye diseases can be avoided with the right hygiene.

Your CFB Cosmetics® Team