Are you having an Irritation, Inflammation, Allergies or an Allergic Reaction?

Got itchy, red, watery, crusty or swollen eyes? Know the difference between irritation, inflammation, allergies or an allergic reaction and figure out whether it is the extensions that are causing the discomfort or other outside factors. Some of these points will overlap in to other categories.




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​Irritation: “discomfort in a body part caused by a reaction to an irritant substance.”
There are several things that can cause an irritation pre and post appointment

1. Fumes : Eyelash adhesives can cause red eyes, burning and watery eyes. The feeling is like as if your’e chopping an onion and feeling that burn. The more it is exposed to moisture, the stronger you will feel the fumes. So avoid steamy showers or tearing up post-appointment. But don’t worry, once the adhesive is fully cured it won’t release the fumes anymore.
2. Eyelash poking :  Sometimes an eyelash may not be attached correctly, its hanging lower than other lashes or its outgrown and drooping, causing it to poke you in the eye. How to prevent this? Get a fill sooner so that they don’t grow out too far to where it reaches to this point. Or if its right after an appointment, let the lash tech know! A simple removal of one lash can fix this discomfort.
3. Tape scratching :  Sometimes a lash tech may have taped the tape/ under-eye gel pads too close to the edge of the eye. Or when the client closes their eyes it might cause a shift. Whatever it may be the tape or gel pad can scratch the eyes. As a result the eye may be red and maybe even sore for several days. How to avoid this? If you feel discomfort from the tape at any point during the appointment, let the lash tech know! We don’t know how you’re feeling so you have to speak up!.
4. Unable to fully close eyelids : There are many people out there that are unable to fully close their eyelids shut and are unaware of this happening. When this happens, fumes can seep in. Once there is constant exposure to the fumes for a long period of time (especially for 1-2 hour appointments) this can cause a chemical burn and the eyes will become red and sore for several days. It may even result in temporary blurry vision. How to avoid this? Lash techs can sometimes tape the eyelids down (may not work all the time though).  Clients can clench their eyes a little more tighter to avoid this.
5. Allergies ( will be explained in the allergies section)

Inflammation: “your body's process of fighting against things that harm it, such as infections, injuries, and toxins, in an attempt to heal itself”

1. Blepharitis : “An inflammation of the eyelid that affects the eyelashes or tear production” Blepharitis in this situation is usually caused by uncleaned lashes. It is recommended to wash your extensions at least once a day. Throughout the day,  dust, dead skin, oils, bacteria and other unwanted particles are settled on your lashes. It is a breeding ground for bacteria if not cleaned properly! This will lead to blepharitis and it happens when there is too much bacteria around the eyes. Your eyes will become red, irritated, itchy, swollen and crusty. (Note: Blepharitis does not usually occur immediately after an appointment, it occurs over time due to build up of bacteria.)
2. Pink-eye  or Conjunctivitis : “An irritation or inflammation of the conjunctiva, which covers the white part of the eyeball. It can be caused by allergies or a bacterial or viral infection” . Similar to blepharitis uncleaned lashes and bacteria can cause this.  Your eyes will be red, itchy and crusty. The only difference is that pink-eye is contagious.
3. Stye: “A red, painful lump near the edge of the eyelid that may look like a boil or pimple.” Once again, unclean lashes can cause this type of inflammation. Remember the importance of clean lashes. You can avoid many of these issues if you clean your lashes thoroughly, properly and consistently!
4. Allergic reaction ( This will be discussed in the allergic reaction section). An allergic reaction can cause an inflammation.

Allergies: “A condition in which the immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance.”

1. Pollen, Dust, Pet dander : These substances can irritate and cause your eyes to itch and water but for the most part harmless.
2. Weather change: Just like the skin, when the weather changes your eyes are affected as well. Especially during the winter months when the air is cold and there is a drop in humidity causing the air to become dry, your eyes will dry out as well causing itching.
3. Eyelash Glue Allergy ( Will be discussed in the allergic reaction portion)

Allergic Reaction: “The hypersensitive response of the immune system of an allergic individual to a substance..”

1. Eyelash Extension Adhesive : The most common allergic reaction to eyelash extensions is a reaction to the adhesive used. The 3 most common ingredients used in typical lash adhesives are: Cyanoacrylates, Black Carbon and Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Through my own personal experience, allergic reactions are rare but can and does happen from time to time. The reaction does not occur almost immediately right after the appointment but usually occurs the next day after having them done. The eyes will be red, itchy, watery and the most noticeable way to tell that it’s a reaction is if the eyes are puffy and swollen.  What to do when this happens? Get it removed!! Sometimes the longer you leave it on the worse it will become and may even cause respiratory problems. How to prevent this from happening? Get a patch test! A patch test is a quick and simple test to check if a client is allergic to a certain product. Let your lash tech know.  (Note: Although an allergic reaction to the adhesive and blepharitis are similar in symptoms, the difference between them is when the reaction occurs. Blepharitis does not usually occur immediately and it occurs over time from built up. Whereas an allergic reaction to the adhesive occurs usually within several hours to 3 days post appointment)
2. Sensitization/ Over-exposure : From personal experience, the people who commonly gets allergic reactions are recurring clients who have been getting eyelash extensions for years. Now, this does not happen to every client but over-exposure to the eyelash adhesive over time can cause sensitization and some clients who have been getting their lashes done for years will all of a sudden become allergic to the adhesive for no reason, thus causing an allergic reaction.

Some of these issues can be easily relieved with eye drops and anti-histamine products. I am by no means a doctor of any kind so please consult a doctor and make sure that using these products are ok for you. Although most of these are minor issues, if you are unsure and the condition becomes exceptionally uncomfortable and unbearable, please do not brush it off and seek medical attention immediately.