Those annoying, unsightly bumps that appear at the base of your eyelashes are commonly called comedones. Comedones form when a widened hair follicle fills with a mixture of skin debris, bacteria and oils known as sebum. There are two primary types of comedones, both of which are preventable and treatable.
Two Types of Eyelash Comedones
The two types of comedones are open and closed comedones.
Closed comedones appear as small, white, pimple-like bumps at the base of your eyelashes or eyelids and are commonly called whiteheads. Closed comedones are the most prevalent form of eyelash comedo. They form from an obstruction to the skin pore, under which an infection occurs. The skin closes over the infection, creating a noticeable small, white bulge on the eyelash base.
Open comedones are commonly called blackheads and appear when oil breaks through the pore and oxidizes, darkening in the process. This blackened sebaceous oil, along with dark-colored skin debris, can cover an open eyelash follicle, creating an unattractive blemish with a black-colored tip.
Related LeafTv Articles
The Differences Between Eyelash Comodones, Styes and Blepharitis
A comedo in your eyelashes may appear similar to a stye or blepharitis. Styes are characterized by redness, watery eyes, itching and eye pain. Sometimes a dark pink bump appears on the eyelash base. In some cases, the infected eye develops a sensitivity to light. There are several causes of styes, including eye infection. Stress contributes to the development of styes, and often they appear as a result of a condition called blepharitis.
Blepharitis is a chronic condition that manifests as flakiness and redness around the eye. Primarily caused by microscopic lice, contaminated eye makeup, or lack of proper hygiene, there is no known cure for blepharitis. However, this condition can be controlled through antibiotics.
Unlike blepharitis and styes, eyelash comedones, although often irritating, are generally not painful, and are rarely anything more than common "pimples" that emerge on the eyelash base.
Preventing Eyelash Comedones
Prevention is the best way to deal with eyelash comedones. There are several ways to help ensure you do not contract blackheads or whiteheads on the base of your eyelashes.
Clean your face daily with a non-drying soap, taking care not to get soap in your eyes and remove all makeup.
Do not borrow anyone else’s eye makeup, and never allow anyone to borrow yours.
Replace your mascara and eyeliner frequently.
Do not touch your eye makeup with your fingers. Use only a clean applicator designated for the sole purpose of applying your eye makeup.
Important Consideration
When a comedone appears on your eyelash base, or anywhere near your eyes, always consult a licensed dermatologist for removal. Attempting by yourself to remove any kind of blemish or pimple near your eyes can result in scarring or other damage to delicate eyelids and may even permanently injure your eyes.