What Causes Eyelash Pain?

Discomfort that seems to come from your eyelashes can have several origins. The sensation of pain comes from the skin and tissues beneath and surrounding the lashes, not the hairs themselves.

Your eyelashes cannot detect pain. They are composed of dead cells, primarily keratin, which do not conduct nerve impulses.

Instead, nerve endings at the base of each lash relay pain signals. When these nerves are activated, it can feel as though the lashes themselves are sore.

Continue reading to find out what might cause eyelash pain and how it’s commonly treated.

What can produce the sensation of eyelash pain?

A variety of conditions may create the feeling of eyelash pain, so note any associated symptoms. Potential causes include:

Ingrown eyelashes

One frequent cause is ingrown eyelashes, known as trichiasis. In this condition, lashes grow inward toward the eye and rub against the globe and inner eyelid.

This rubbing can provoke irritation and pain, along with:

• redness
• tearing
• light sensitivity (photophobia)
• a foreign-body sensation

Blepharitis

Blepharitis, or inflammation of the eyelid margin, is another common source of eyelash discomfort.

Typical symptoms include:

• redness
• itchiness
• burning
• watery eyes
• foamy tears
• dryness
• light sensitivity
• crusty eyelids or lash bases

Blepharitis often stems from bacteria colonizing the skin near the eyelashes or from blockage of the eyelid oil glands.

Stye

A stye is a tender, red lump along the eyelid margin. It commonly contains pus and may resemble a pimple or boil.

Styes are painful, so you’ll likely feel soreness around the lashes. Other signs include:

• swelling
• tearing
• redness

Eyelash mites

Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis are mites that inhabit human skin. Large numbers of these mites can cause demodicosis.

Demodex mites may infest hair follicles across the body, including the face and eyelashes.

When present in eyelashes, these mites can cause irritation plus:

• lash dandruff
• crusting
• tearing
• itching
• burning
• a gritty or foreign-body sensation
• blurred vision
• chronic blepharitis

Entropion

Entropion is a condition where the eyelid turns inward, causing lashes to scrape the eye and provoke irritation.

This can cause eye and lash discomfort along with:

• redness
• sensitivity to light and wind
• a foreign-body feeling
• tearing
• crusty eyelids
• mucous discharge

Eyelash lice

When pubic lice (Phthirus pubis) infest the eyelashes, the condition is called phthiriasis ciliaris. These small, crab-like parasites attach to hairs.

Although uncommon, this can occur if you transfer lice from other hair to your lashes.

Eyelash lice mainly cause itching, which can make the lashes feel painful. Other possible signs are:

• burning
• swelling
• redness
• grittiness
• brown or black specks along lash shafts

Eyelash ptosis

Eyelash ptosis occurs when upper lashes tilt downward and contact the eye surface, producing irritation.

The lower eyelid can also be affected; in that case lashes point upward and rub the eye, called lower eyelid lash ptosis.

This contact can be painful. Additional symptoms include:

• redness
• a foreign-body sensation
• floppy or lax eyelids
• mucous discharge

Distichiasis

Distichiasis, or double rows of eyelashes, is an uncommon condition where an extra set of lashes grows. It’s often genetic but can follow trauma or inflammation.

The additional lashes irritate the eye and may feel like eyelash pain. You might also notice:

• dropped eyelids (ptosis)
• stye formation
• conjunctivitis
• light sensitivity

Why do my eyelash extensions cause pain?

Eyelash extensions are synthetic lashes attached to the base of your natural lashes to enhance length and volume.

The adhesive used for extensions can provoke discomfort. Many glues contain chemicals like ammonia and latex that can trigger contact dermatitis or blepharitis.

This may produce eyelid or ocular pain as well as:

• burning
• dry eyes
• redness
• swollen eyelids
• itching

See a clinician if extensions are painful. You might try magnetic eyeliner and lashes instead. Prompt treatment is important to prevent more serious issues.

Why do my eyelashes hurt when I wear mascara?

Mascara and other eye cosmetics contain various chemicals generally considered safe, but some people are allergic or sensitive to certain ingredients.

An allergic or irritant reaction can lead to eyelash discomfort. Discontinue use of the product immediately if you suspect a reaction.

Look for mascaras formulated for sensitive eyes, often labeled “hypoallergenic.”

Why do my eyelashes hurt until I pull them out?

Your hair follicles, including those on the eyelid, are surrounded by nerve endings that convey sensations. Removing a lash eliminates that sensory input.

When you pluck a lash, the follicular nerves register the action as pain. Eyelids are especially sensitive, so pulling lashes can be more painful than removing hairs elsewhere.

Treating the underlying cause

Treatment depends on the root cause. Possible approaches include:

Eyelash removal

An eye specialist can remove a few ingrown lashes with fine tweezers during an office visit.

Antibiotics

Bacterial styes or blepharitis may require antibiotics.

Prescription antibiotics can be given as:

• eye drops
• ointments
• oral tablets

Permethrin

Permethrin is used to treat mites and lice on eyelashes. A doctor may prescribe it in the form of:

• ointment
• cream
• shampoo

Tea tree oil

Diluted tea tree oil is sometimes used to eliminate eyelash mites, but it can irritate the eyes. Check with a clinician first; they can advise on safe use or recommend specific products.

Eye drops

Steroid eye drops reduce inflammation and swelling and are available by prescription.

Over-the-counter artificial tears can help relieve dryness and irritation.

Surgery

Structural problems may require surgical correction. Possible procedures include:

• Eyelid repositioning. A surgeon can restore an abnormally positioned eyelid to its normal location.
• Ablation techniques. Laser or radiofrequency can remove ingrown or extra lashes and redirect problematic hairs.
• Electrolysis. Electrical removal of extra lashes.
• Cryosurgery. Freezing is used to eliminate surplus lashes.
• Stye incision and drainage. A clinician drains pus from a stye during this procedure.

Preventing eyelash pain

To reduce your risk of conditions that cause eyelash discomfort, adopt these habits:

• Gently remove crusts from eyelid margins daily using mild soap and water.
• Wash hands before handling contact lenses and avoid wearing lenses if eyes are irritated.
• Choose hypoallergenic eye cosmetics and stop using any product that causes irritation.
• Never share eye makeup with others.
• Discard eye makeup after about 3 months.
• Remove makeup before sleeping.
• Use artificial tears to relieve dryness and irritation.
• Limit or avoid eyelash extensions when possible.

When to see a doctor

Consult a medical professional if eyelash discomfort persists. Seek care promptly if you experience:

• intense eye pain
• changes in vision
• worsening redness
• ongoing swelling
• difficulty opening your eyes

Takeaway

Most often, sensations of eyelash pain stem from ingrown hairs or eyelid inflammation. Makeup, allergic reactions, and trauma can all provoke irritation, and structural eyelid or lash abnormalities may also be involved.

If the discomfort does not resolve, particularly when accompanied by eye pain or altered vision, see a doctor for evaluation and appropriate treatment.