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Lash Extension Health and Safety

Do's & Don'ts

  1. Your lash stylist should be certified in eyelash extensions.
  2. Ask to see their “work” with before and after pictures. 
  3. Eyelash extensions should be applied with your eyes closed.
  4. No glue should ever touch your skin.
  5. Clusters or strips glued to your lashes are NOT eyelash extensions. They will cause damage to your natural lash which may be permanent. 
  6. Each single eyelash extension should be attached to single natural eyelashes. There should never be an extension attached to more than one natural eyelash.
  7. Only an eyelash extension should be attached to your eyelash. Rhinestones and other “jewels” attached to eyelashes may cause damage to your natural eyelashes and damage can be permanent.
  8. Do not drink coffee or any drinks that contain caffeine as this causes the eye to twitch ( Also so medication may also have this effect)

Please see below for examples of how eyelash extension should NOT look.

Important Fact:

We have been hearing stories that some technicians out there are instructing their clients to completely leave their eyelash alone - including not washing them! If your lash extensions specialist has not been properly trained then he or she has probably not been made aware of lash mites (pictured right) that can infest the eyelash follicles if the eyelashes are not properly cleaned.  While we agree that eyelash extensions should not be picked, pulled or played with,  we do not agree that one should avoid cleaning them altogether! When you receive a full set of eyelash extensions from the Lash Bar, you will also receive an after care card with specific instruction on how to care for (and clean!) your lashes, a free gift, as well as recommended products to use.


Blepharitis

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelash follicles, along the edge of the eyelid. The cause is overgrowth of the bacteria that is normally found on the skin.

Blepharitis inflammation cause red, irritated, itchy eyelids, and the formation of dandruff-like scales on the eyelashes. It is a very common eye disorder with a wide variety of causes.

It affects people of all ages. Although it may be uncomfortable, annoying, or unattractive, blepharitis is not contagious and generally does not cause any permanent damage to eyesight.

The condition can be difficult to manage because it tends to recur. Another term for blepharitis is granulated eyelids. Angular blepharitis is a term used to describe blepharitis which primarily affects the outer corners of the eyelids.

Eyelash extensions do not cause Blepharitis.  If a client does not clean / wash their lashes this can contribute due to poor hygiene.

It is imperative that lash extensions are removed if a client has blepharitis so that the condition can be treated.  Also advise you client that all contaminated make up must be disposed of

What does Blepharitis look like?

Blepharitis has a grainy , crusty appearance the eyelash follicles become itchy and the eyelid  is red and inflamed.(Those with eyelash extension this will appear between the extensions/natural lashes).

The crusty, grainy, or scaly appearance at the base of the eyelashes is the most common finding in blepharitis.

Causes

Blepharitis is usually caused by seborrheic dermatitis or a bacterial infection, and sometimes it is a combination of both.

There are some types of blepharitis that are due to disorders of the lid margin around the lashes. These include seborrheic blepharitis, which is similar to dandruff of the scalp, and infection of the lash base by Staphylococcal bacteria.

Allergies can also cause blepharitis. These include sensitivities to substances coming into direct contact with the lid margins, including mascara and contact lens solutions. Various sprays, exposure to animals, environmental chemicals, or airborne allergens can also cause blepharitis.

Less commonly, inflammation of the lids can be caused by a primary infection of the eyelids by bacteria or infestation of the lashes by tiny mites or head lice.

Blepharitis may also be caused by systemic (affecting areas throughout the body) medical conditions or skin cancers of various types.

This condition is characterized by excess oil production in the glands near the eyelid. Too much oil creates an environment where the normal bacteria found on the skin can overgrow. The eyelids appear red and irritated, with scales that cling to the base of the eyelashes.

Blepharitis may be connected to repeated styes and chalazia. Risk factors are seborrheic dermatitis of the face or scalp, rosacea, lice, and allergies.

Symptoms

  • Eyelids have the following symptoms:
    • Crusty
    • Reddened
    • Swollen
    • Itching
    • Burning
  • Blinking causes a granular sensation (like sand or dust in the eye)
  • Loss of eyelashes may occur

Exams and Tests

An examination of the eyelids during an eye examination is usually enough to diagnose blepharitis.

Treatment

The primary treatment is careful daily cleansing of the edges of the eyelids, to remove the skin oils that the bacteria feed on. Your health care provider might recommend using baby shampoo or special cleansers. Antibiotic ointments may also be helpful in controlling bacteria on the lids.

If seborrheic dermatitis or rosaceas are causing the problem, seek treatment for those conditions.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The likely outcome is good with treatment. Continued attention to lid cleanliness may be required to prevent repeated problems. Continued treatment will typically make the eyes less red and more comfortable.

Possible Complications

  • Styes
  • Chalazia
  • Injury to the eye tissue (corneal ulcer) from irritation
  • Inflammation of the surface of the eye (conjunctivitis)
  • Loss of eyelashes
  • Scarring of the eyelids

Eyelid Hygiene Relieves Blepharitis Symptoms

Use a cotton-tipped swab to apply cleaning solution recommended by your eye doctor. Rub gently around the edges of your upper and lower eyelids, but do not get cleaning solution in your eye.

Blepharitis can be difficult to manage because it is often chronic, meaning that it never goes away completely. Your eye doctor may recommend one or more of these steps involving good eyelid hygiene and massage:

  • Apply a warm compress such as a washcloth to the outer eyelids.
  • Cleanse the eyelids with a commercial lid scrub or other recommended product.
  • Gently massage the outer eyelids.

A warm compress loosens the crust on your eyelids and eyelashes before you clean them. The warmth also can loosen any blocked residue in the oil-secreting meibomian glands in your eyelids.

To use a warm compress:

  • Wash your hands, then dampen a clean washcloth with warm water.
  • Place the washcloth over your closed eyes for several minutes.
  • Open your eyes, and then use fingers to rub gently around the outer eyelids in a circular motion. Don't press too hard on the eyeball.
  • Follow your doctor's recommendations on how often to use a compress and how long it should be kept in place.

When you first begin treatment, your eye doctor may suggest that you do this several times daily, for about five minutes each time. Later on, you might apply the compress once daily for a few minutes.

Cleaning the eyelids is essential to blepharitis treatment. Your doctor will recommend what cleansing agent to use, such as warm water only, baby shampoo diluted with warm water or a special over-the-counter product made specifically for cleansing the lids.

To clean eyelids:

  • Wash your hands, then dip a clean washcloth, cotton swab or gauze pad into your cleaning solution.
  • Make sure you squeeze out any excess moisture.
  • Gently wipe across your lashes and lid margin.
  • Rinse with cool water.
  • Repeat the process for your other eye, but use a different washcloth, swab or pad.

What products can I buy to  treat blepharitis?

TheraTears Sterilid Eye Cleaner is a foaming cleanser which can be used on surface of the eyes. It contains a plant oil, linolol, which is antibacterial.

The underlying dry eye condition, which is usually present, also needs to be treated, or the blepharitis will recur.
This is best achieved with the use of regular

TheraTears eye drops, which dilute the salty tears, lubricate the eye and help the surface regenerate and

Tears again spray, which coats the tear film with a fatty layer, stabilising the tears and reducing evaporation. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Note: Never use baby shampoo
 

Last update: Jul 12, 2013
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