Several medical conditions can cause permanent eyebrow hair loss. Madarosis refers to complete or partial loss of eyebrow or eyelash hair. Also known as eyebrow or eyelash alopecia, this condition may make individuals feel self-conscious about their appearance. Madarosis may cause significant distress because of the eyelid and eyebrow functions it affects.
Eyebrows and eyelashes help keep contaminants and debris from penetrating the eyes. Those without eyebrows may experience more eye-related issues because they lack the protection eyebrows provide. Eyebrow hair transplant results can help improve the look of those who lack hair in the area.
Benefits of Eyebrows
Eyebrows are an important part of facial expression, adding emotion and emphasis to speech. Eyebrows also protect the eye. Eyebrows and eyelashes protect the eye from rain, dust, sweat, and other particulate matter.
Scalp hair follicles last 2-8 years while eyebrows last for 2-3 months. Because of this difference, eyebrow hairs are lost faster. In people without alopecia, eyebrow and eyelash thinning can occur simply due to aging.
Causes of Eyebrow Hair Loss
According to the National Library of Medicine, numerous causes may lead to eyebrow hair loss. Eyebrow hair loss can be caused by any of the following:
- Autoimmune disorders: Various autoimmune disorders can cause patchy eyebrow hair loss, such as alopecia areata (AA). Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) can cause frontoparietal hair loss, whereas localized scleroderma is a disorder of excess collagen above the eyebrow. Additionally, discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) may cause eyelash or eyebrow loss.
- Hypothyroidism: Those suffering from hypothyroidism may experience a loss of the outside tips of the eyebrow.
- Genetics: Certain genetic conditions, such as keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans (KFSD), can cause loss of eyebrows, eyelashes, and scalp hair. Scarring is possible.
- Infections: Infections such as lepromatous leprosy or cutaneous syphilis may cause hair loss. Viral infections can also cause eyelid scarring and eyebrow hair loss.
- Neoplastic conditions: People with neoplastic conditions, or those undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy, may lose eyebrow hair.
- Nutrient deficiency: Those with a zinc deficiency may experience eyelash alopecia.
- Trauma: People may have a lack of eyebrow hair due to trauma such as blunt force trauma or trichotillomania.
Thankfully, treatment options are available for individuals who experience eyebrow hair loss.
Treatment for Eyebrow Hair Loss
Treatment for eyebrow hair loss depends on the type of condition a person has. Treatments considered include the following:
- Autoimmune disorders: Injections, laser therapy, hair transplantation, eyebrow reconstruction
- Hypothyroidism: medication
- Genetic: no specific treatments are available
- Infections: medications, topical or oral antifungals
- Neoplastic conditions: topical medication
- Nutrient deficiency: supplements such as zinc
- Trauma: medications, hair transplantation
- Primary dermatoses: types of dermatitis require topical corticosteroids and antifungal agents
Additional treatments include eyebrow tattooing, a process in which tattoo artists create natural-looking eyebrows. Microblading is another semi-permanent tattoo technique
Cosmetic treatments can also help, including topical treatments to regrow hair, such as copper peptides.
Although eyebrow hair loss can result from various conditions, there are many treatment options to consider. People with eyebrow hair loss or other forms of hair loss can find treatment options.
Find Treatment Today
At Denver Hair Surgery, we can help those struggling with alopecia and other forms of hair loss. Our experts are familiar with the many forms of hair loss and can help by offering treatments and information about the condition.
Visit our hair transplant center to speak with our experts and learn about how we can help those suffering from hair loss. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment and hair transplant options.
