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.
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.
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.
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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.
Use only slight pressure. If the hair doesn’t come out in the first attempt, then repeat again after a few hours.
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.
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.
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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.
Note: Aloe vera gel can also be used after refrigeration for increased effectiveness.
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.
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.
Repeat this process twice a day, once in the morning and before going to bed
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 ]
You can repeat this twice a day, every day, till you get some relief.
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.
Ingrown eyelashes do not resolve themselves. You can try the home treatments mentioned above. Visit an ophthalmologist if the condition persists.
An ophthalmologist will use electrolysis, epilation, cryoablation, or surgery.
You can tame a wild eyelash using coconut oil or aloe vera.