Eyelashes help keep dirt, dust, and other debris out of our eyes. They also cushion and protect our delicate eyeballs.
For these reasons, it is not uncommon for eyelashes to hurt when there is something wrong with them.
However, sometimes eyelash pain can be caused by things like an infection or an injury to the eye.
The following are some common causes of eyelash pain along with tips on how to treat them. So why do my eyelashes hurt?
Why Do My Eyelashes Hurt?
Eyelash Extensions
Some people who have eyelash extensions experience discomfort, which can be caused by a variety of factors.
The glue that is used to attach the fake lashes extensions can cause pain, as well as the weight of the lashes themselves.
Another source of pain may be simply be the lash extensions, and the glue adhering them to the eyelids, be drying out over time.
If you’ve had your eyelashes glued on for a while, and they’re still causing discomfort, it’s possible that they’re just an older set and need to be replaced.
Eyelash extensions can have a tugging effect on your natural lashes.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is caused by too many bacteria on your eyelids, at the base of the lashes.
It could also be caused by the oil glands within your eyelids being clogged or irritated.
It’s characterized by a redness and scaling of the eyelids, as well as burning or itching sensations in the eyes. It might even feel like you’ve got dry eyes.
In more severe blepharitis cases, you may experience symptoms such as increased sensitivity to light, blurred vision, loss of vision, eye pain, and eye fatigue due to the blocked oil glands.
If you suspect that your condition is blepharitis-related, or you have any of the symptoms I just mentioned, you should visit an eye doctor as soon as possible for examination, accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan.
The sooner this condition is treated, the better off your lashes will be, as you don’t want to end up with eye infections.
The most effective type of treatment for blepharitis is using a medicated eye wash to cleanse out any bacteria that has accumulated on your lashes (or in their hair follicles).
This will decrease irritation and prevent further discomfort.
As long as these steps are taken regularly over time (roughly once per day), eyelash pain should subside within about two weeks’ time without causing any lasting damage whatsoever.
Ingrown Eyelashes
Ingrown eyelashes are a condition in which the lash grow back into the skin of the eyelid instead of outwards.
This can be caused by anything from inflammation to incorrectly removing falsies (or regular lashes, for that matter).
The main symptom of an ingrown eyelash is pain along the lash line, as well as redness, swelling, and tenderness.
You may also notice that the lash is growing in an abnormal direction, or that it’s difficult to remove.
If you have an ingrown eyelash, the best thing you can do is leave it alone and let it grow out on its own.
Do not try to pluck it out, as this will only irritate the area and make the pain worse.
If the ingrown lash is causing a lot of discomfort, you can apply a warm compress to the area for a few minutes at a time.
This will help to soothe any irritation and reduce swelling.
You should also avoid wearing makeup or touching the affected area, as this could further irritate the lash and delay healing.
If you have an infection or if the pain is severe, you may need to see a doctor for treatment. In some cases, antibiotics may be necessary to clear up the infection.
Surgery may also be required to remove the ingrown lash if it does not improve with home treatment.
Styes
If your eyelid is swollen and red, you may have a sty. Styes are small red bumps that appear on the upper eyelid or lower eyelid, and are caused by a bacterial infection.
If you’re experiencing swelling and pain in just one eyelid, it could be a stye.
If the pain is unbearable and there’s no improvement after several days, see a doctor right away to get their opinion on what could be causing it.
Your doctor may take an aspirate sample from the affected area to determine if bacteria are present, and prescribe antibiotic eye drops if so.
Eyelid Inflammation
An inflamed eyelid is usually caused by allergies, infection or other factors. It can also result from an injury to your eye or eyelid.
Some common symptoms of an inflamed eyelid include redness, swelling and itchiness on the surface of your skin.
If you suspect that your eyelids are suffering from inflammation due to an allergic reaction or infection, ensure you see a doctor as soon as possible, so they can diagnose and treat the problem appropriately.
If you’re diagnosed with a severe case of inflammation in your eyes (for example, if you have swollen eyes, or your eyes are swollen closed).
Then treatment may involve taking antihistamines and/or steroid eye drops in order to reduce swelling, tears, and pain while healing occurs at the same time.
Allergic Reaction
There are a variety of reasons your lashes could be hurting. Allergic reactions are very common, and our eyes are often affected whenever we have an allergic reaction.
The reaction could be because of an airborne allergen, or you’ve perhaps applied eye makeup, like a mascara or eyeliner, which you’ve reacted to.
Some people find themselves having an allergic reaction to lash extensions, or false lashes, and the glue used for adhering them to your natural lashes.
One of the most common side effects from getting them done is irritation to the eye area, and natural lash line where they were applied.
When applying lash growth serum or other types of eyelash growth serums to your eyelashes, so ensure you do not get any product into your eyes (unless instructed by a licensed professional).
This is because these products contain chemicals that may irritate sensitive eye areas.
As for lash glue or lash extensions themselves causing pain when applied.
This can occur if either isn’t removed properly at the end of an appointment or if there was an allergic reaction from one ingredient used during installation (such as synthetic adhesive), for your eye socket.
Left Over Eye Makeup
If you forget to remove your makeup before going to bed, it can cause your eyelashes to feel tender and painful, and that leads to pain, and may cause irritation.
This is because the mascara and other products contain chemicals that irritate the delicate skin around your eyes.
To avoid this, always make sure to properly remove all eye makeup before sleeping, with a high-quality makeup remover.
Alternative Eyelash Pain Causes
Eyelash pain is a common problem, and it can be very painful.
If you feel like something is wrong with your eyes, and they are sore, red or swollen, it could be caused by a number of things.
The first thing to do is see a doctor or an eye specialist to rule out any serious conditions that can cause eyelid pain.
Eyelid pain can also be caused by problems with your lashes.
There are many reasons for lashes to hurt, including but not limited to:
- Trauma from when you rub your eyes too hard
- Irritation from lash eye care treatments like lash growth serum
- Infection from bacteria or fungi in the air (for example: dust mites)
- Dryness due to lack of moisture in the air, such as during winter months when windows are closed tight against cold weather coming inside your home
- Foreign object in your eye (like an eyelash)
Why Do My Eyelashes Hurt At The Root?
Many people experience pain at the root of their eyelashes, which can be disconcerting.
There are a few possible explanations for this.
Eyelash mites, tiny bugs that inhabit the lashes and are undetectable to the naked eye, can sometimes cause irritation leading to discomfort.
This sensation may be caused by sensitivity from certain ingredients found in makeup or other eye products, and is causing you pain, and making your lashes hurt.
Some people suffer from an auto-immune disorder called Blepharitis which can cause pain and irritation, inflammation, dryness and soreness around the eyes and eyelids.
Should You Get Your Eyelash Extensions Removed, If Your Eyelids Hurt?
If your eyelids are sore and tender, it’s important to remember that ultimately, your health and wellbeing come first.
Sometimes, minor discomforts like this can be easily remedied with over-the-counter medications and home remedies.
But if the pain persists or worsens, getting your eyelash extensions removed may be a smart choice.
The risk is just not worth it; if you feel that your eye discomfort warrants removing the extension, then don’t hesitate to do so.
A medical exam or consultation with an expert may help give you peace of mind by identifying any underlying eye conditions that may be causing irritation.
Summary
So, the next time you find yourself asking “Why do my eyelashes hurt?”, think about which of these common causes may be causing your sore eyelids pain, and uncomfortable eye condition, and cause irritation.
For many people, the good news is that it’s probably not a serious concern and something as simple as removing your contact lenses or using an over-the-counter allergy medication will help alleviate the discomfort for your sensitive skin.
If you have been using eyelash treatments or eyelid treatments, it would be a good idea to stop using them too, while your eyelids recover.
Hi, my name is Gemma, and I’m the owner of MakeupMuddle.com. I’m a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty – I have been a beauty writer since 2012.
As well as owning Makeup Muddle, I also own GemmaEtc.com, and love sharing my thoughts and feelings about the greatest (and not so great) beauty products!