Infections can occur when bacteria build up under the eyelash glue and on the false eyelash itself. If you store and reuse your false eyelashes, or drop them onto a surface before applying them, there is a risk of harmful bacteria and dirt getting into your eye. Conjunctivitis is an eye infection that inflames the conjunctiva of the eye and causes the eye to turn pink or, in some cases, red. Commonly known as conjunctivitis, this contagious infection is easily contagious.
It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies, or even eyelash extensions if not applied correctly. Do not continue with the service until the customer receives treatment and the symptoms are completely gone. Blocked follicles can also form a stye, which can develop into a bacterial infection, Yu says. If your eye is infected, you may experience symptoms similar to those of dry eye, in addition to photosensitivity, swelling of the eyelids, and pus discharge.
Any symptoms that last longer than 24 to 48 hours should be evaluated. If your symptoms are severe, such as extreme swelling, pain, or itching in your eyelid or eye, see your doctor. If a reaction occurs, the person should remove the eyelash extensions and seek treatment as soon as possible. For some people, eyelash extensions can cause an allergic reaction or cause other eye health problems.
Eyelash technicians, who require a license, recommend which extension will work best for you, balancing the desired look with the capacity of your natural lashes and choosing the length, width and degree of curvature accordingly. Eyelash extensions generally replace the use of mascara, so a person can use mascara instead to achieve longer, fuller lashes. But if you opt for the advanced eyelash technique known as “Russian volume”, your technician will apply a range of eyelash extensions to each eyelash. The Barber and Cosmetology Board recommends that people with certain conditions or risk factors avoid wearing eyelash extensions.
If you're not sensitive to any of the ingredients used, your eyelash extensions will feel comfortable. The glues used to adhere eyelash extensions to eyelashes include chemicals and ingredients that may be irritating or harmful. Since eyelashes keep dust and dirt out of the eye, you can reasonably assume that a longer length of eyelashes from extensions would be even better at keeping blemishes away. And while it's not common, sometimes an eyelash extension gets embedded in the clear membrane that covers the eyeball.
An allergic reaction to eyelash extensions is similar to other contact allergies, also known as contact dermatitis. Maintaining eyelash extensions includes touch-ups, which can be costly, in addition to daily maintenance, such as detangling eyelashes. This means that dirt or bacteria that are trapped in eyelash extensions may not be removed as they normally would, allowing them easy access to the eyes. During the procedure, each extension is individually applied to the lash line and is “filled in” once the natural lashes fall out (usually within a few weeks), taking the extension with them.
The following are the most common types of eyelash extension infections you may notice and their symptoms.
