Dandruff can be annoying, especially in winter when it flares up again. Those white flakes gathering conspicuously on your shoulders and standing out against darker winter clothes can feel embarrassing. However, over the past few years, conversations about dandruff have become common, with people being more open to discussing solutions, treatments, and preventive measures to manage it well.

While dandruff is usually associated with the scalp, it can also appear in other areas, such as eyebrows, mustaches, and nose! But did you know that eyelash dandruff is also a thing? Unlike other areas, eyelash dandruff is barely visible to the naked eye and can pose some serious dangers if left untreated. Lens wearers should be especially careful with eyelash dandruff to avoid infection.

“Eyelash dandruff, a term for blepharitis, is a common eye condition that involves scaly, dandruff-like deposits on your eyelashes. This happens when there is too much bacteria at the base of your eyelashes, or if your oil glands become clogged and irritated,” says Dr SN Jha, chairman of ophthalmology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

“This is quite common and is caused by excess oil production or fungal growth. Conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or mite infestation (Demodex) can also cause this problem,” says Dr Digvijay Singh, Senior Consultant and HOD – Ophthalmology, Narayana Hospital, Gurugram.

Experts say it is usually seen during winter or season change.

For your information, your habit of sleeping with eyeliner and mascara can also cause dandruff in your eyelashes.

Although eyelash dandruff is not clearly visible, symptoms include itching, red or swollen eyelashes, gritty or burning eyes, and scaly scales at the base of the eyelashes.

• flaky skin or oily discharge at the edge of the eyelid
• flaky eyelids
• Eyelids stuck together in the morning
• itching or burning sensation
• red, swollen eyelids
• watery eyes
• sensitivity to light

But, why is eyelash dandruff risky?

Having dandruff on your eyelashes isn’t just a cosmetic issue; This can pose a serious threat to the health of your eyes.

“There is a risk of chronic eye irritation and redness, loss of eyelashes, dryness of the eyes, corneal damage and inflammatory conditions like stye and chalazion,” says Dr. Jha.

“If left untreated, eyelash dandruff can increase the risk of long-term eye infections such as conjunctivitis or keratitis (inflammation of the cornea). Excessive rubbing of the eyes due to irritation can weaken the cornea, potentially leading to conditions such as keratoconus (an eye disease that causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone shape), says Dr. Singh. Give warning.

Lens wearers should pay extra attention to maintaining eye hygiene.

“Contact lens wearers are more susceptible to eye infections if they have dandruff on their eyelids. These dandruff flakes and bacteria can accumulate on the lenses and become a breeding ground for infection. Proper contact lens hygiene , regular cleaning, and management of blepharitis (eyelashes) “Gently condition eyelashes with dandruff,” explains Dr Vishal Arora, senior consultant, ophthalmology and dry eyes specialist, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Gurugram. “Rubbing can help reduce the risk and maintain eye health.”

Prevention and Management of Eyelash Dandruff

Maintaining proper eyelid hygiene is the most important step in preventing and managing blepharitis.

Here are some things you can do to keep it away:

• Clean eyelashes regularly with a gentle cleanser
• Avoid using expired makeup products
• Remove eye makeup before sleeping
• Scalp dandruff can lead to dandruff in the eyelashes (so, treat scalp dandruff first)
• Avoid Sharing Makeup Applicators

If you notice or have any symptoms of eyelash dandruff, see an eye specialist. The specialist may also prescribe medicines (eye drops) or creams, or steroids according to the severity of the condition.

“To treat it effectively, we also use lid scrubs and lid wipes that contain tea tree oil,” says Dr. Arora.

But what about dandruff in the eyebrows?

Eyebrow dandruff, often a hair growth or scalp dandruff, can also pose a threat to your eyes. Although it may bring a feeling of embarrassment, it remains just a meaningless issue.

“Dandruff in the eyebrows can occur as a result of dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis), contact dermatitis (allergic reaction), psoriasis or dry skin,” says Dr. Jha.

Pieces of eyebrow dandruff can get into the eyes, causing irritation, redness, and infection. Experts say that if dandruff is present along with inflammation of the eyelids, it can worsen dry eye symptoms or contribute to blepharitis (eyelash dandruff).

Maintaining good eyebrow hygiene and addressing dandruff before it develops fully can help prevent it.

Here are some expert-approved tips to prevent and manage eyebrow dandruff:

• Treat dandruff with medicated shampoo
• Avoid washing your face, eyebrows and scalp too much and use gentle cleansers only.
• Use moisturizers and anti-itch creams with natural ingredients like tea tree oil and aloe vera
• Avoid products and ingredients that can irritate the skin
• Avoid plucking around your eyebrow area
• Cold compresses can reduce burning and itching