Ear, Nose & Throat

Home Treatment for Your Ingrown Eyelash

Do you feel like something is irritating your eye or eyelid? It may feel like grit or hair, which refuses to budge. If so, then you may be suffering from a condition called trichiasis(1) or ingrown eyelash, wherein the eyelashes grow inward instead of outward.

In addition to irritation of the eye, the symptoms of ingrown hair on the eyelid are pain or discomfort, watery eye, redness around the eye, foreign body sensation, and blurred vision.

Some of the common causes of an ingrown eyelash can be an eye infection, injury, developmental changes, inverted eyelids, and autoimmune conditions. But do not worry, you can treat this condition with home remedies, foods, and oils that are found in your home.

CURE 1: Home Remedies to Treat Ingrown Eyelash

1. Warm Compress

Image:ShutterStock

Why Does It Work?

A warm compress increases the blood flow(2) to sore areas, thereby reducing pain and speeding up the healing process. Reduce swelling makes it easier and less painful to pluck out the eyelash.

How to Use It?

  • Take a clean and soft cloth and soak it in warm water, wringing out the excess.
  • Apply the warm compress carefully over the affected eyelid.

How Much to Use?

Keep the warm compress on for about 10 minutes. Repeat the application of warm compress twice a day until the ingrown eyelash hair is removed.

[ Read: Thicken Scanty Eyebrows Naturally ]

2. Pressure

Why Does It Work?

Sometimes, applying pressure to the affected area may be sufficient to remove the lash. The pressure causes the hair to shift and lift out of the follicle. However, be careful when you are using this remedy and do not push the hair further in.

How to Use It?

  • Apply gentle pressure on both sides of the hair. It will dislodge the hair slightly. You can now pluck out the eyelash growing inside the eyelid with a tweezer.
  • Be extremely careful while doing this, and try to get someone to help you out.
  • It is better to follow this treatment with the warm compress method to promote quick healing.

How Much to Use?

Use only slight pressure. If the hair doesn’t come out in the first attempt, then repeat again after a few hours.

CURE 2: Foods

1. Cucumber

Image:ShutterStock

Why Does It Work?

Cucumber contains an active natural compound that inhibits pro-inflammatory enzymes and helps to reduce inflammation(3).

The high water content hydrates the skin and cools the region around the eyes. Irritation around the affected eye can be reduced by active natural compounds in cucumbers such as beta carotene and vitamin C.

How to Use It?

  • You can include cucumbers in your diet by adding them to salads, raitas, or having them as a snack.
  • To increase its effectiveness, place a slice of cold cucumber on your eyes for 15 minutes.

How Much to Use?

There are no side-effects of eating too many cucumbers since they are good for health. If you are placing the slices on your eyes, then keep repeating the treatment every two hours.

[ Read: Natural Remedies to Cure Stye ]

2. Aloe Vera

Why Does It Work?

Aloe vera is a plant with great antimicrobial and antibacterial(4) properties. Aloe vera gel can soothe the inflammation in the eyelid, and may even help the lash to release naturally. Aloe vera can soften the area and, therefore, make it easier to pull out the ingrown eyelash.

How to Use It?

  • You can dab a small amount of freshly extracted aloe vera gel on the affected eyelid.
  • Leave it on for 10 minutes before washing the area thoroughly with water.

Note: Aloe vera gel can also be used after refrigeration for increased effectiveness.

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How Much to Use?

You only need a minimal amount of aloe vera gel for each application. You can repeat the treatment a few times a day or whenever there is an irritation.

CURE 3: Essential Oils

1. Tea Tree Oil

Image:ShutterStock

Why Does It Work?

Tea tree oil contains an antibacterial property(5) that helps in fighting the infection caused by ingrown eyelash. Tea tree oil can reduce inflammation and open the pores, which can loosen the ingrown lashes.

How to Use It?

  • Dilute approximately 20 drops of tea tree oil in 8 ounces of warm distilled water.
  • Dip a clean and soft cloth to this mixture and apply it on the affected area.
  • Allow the mixture to soak in for 10 minutes.

How Much to Use?

Repeat this process twice a day, once in the morning and before going to bed

2. Coconut Oil

Why Does It Work?

Coconut oil is rich in vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants. They can fight infections and boost immunity. Coconut oil(6) can reduce inflammation and provide some relief from the itching.

The lauric acid present in coconut oil makes it easier to remove ingrown eyelashes. Applying coconut oil can also cure recurring eye infections that promote ingrown eyelash hair.

[ Read: Coconut Oil for Eyelashes ]

How to Use It?

  • Apply the coconut oil directly into the eyelid along the lash line using a clean q-tip. You can also dip a clean piece of cloth in coconut oil and place it over the eye.
  • Leave it over the eye for 10 minutes and then remove the excess oil around the eyes using a damp cloth.
  • Flush with water immediately if the oil gets in the eyes.

How Much to Use?

You can repeat this twice a day, every day, till you get some relief.

Bottom Line

Eyelash growing in the corner of the eye is a condition with simple cures. However, if left untreated, they can even damage the cornea and result in the loss of vision. Persistent irritation is the biggest indicator of ingrown eyelashes.

The at-home treatments mentioned above should offer considerable relief from the itchiness in the eye and even help you get rid of the ingrown eyelash. If the irritation increases, then you should consult a physician.


FAQs

1. Will an ingrown eyelash fix itself?

Ingrown eyelashes do not resolve themselves. You can try the home treatments mentioned above. Visit an ophthalmologist if the condition persists.

2. How is ingrown eyelash treated?

An ophthalmologist will use electrolysis, epilation, cryoablation, or surgery.

3. How do you tame a wild eyelash?

You can tame a wild eyelash using coconut oil or aloe vera.