Eyebrows and eyelashes do more than frame your face- they protect your eyes and play a key role in facial expression. So when they start thinning or falling out, it can be both worrying and confusing. This condition is known as madarosis, a term used to describe the loss of eyebrow or eyelash hair.
Madarosis is often dismissed as a cosmetic issue, but in many cases, it can signal an underlying medical or nutritional concern. From hormonal imbalances and skin conditions to infections and autoimmune disorders, the causes of madarosis can vary widely.
In this blog, we’ll help you understand what madarosis is, why it happens, and when brow or lash loss may need medical attention, so you can take informed steps toward healthier hair and eye care.
Madarosis: What is it?
Madarosis is a condition that leads to the loss of eyelash or eyebrow hair. The condition can take place on one side of the face or on both sides. It might cause partial thinning or a complete absence of hair in those areas. The primary madarosis meaning is that the hair loss does not damage the hair follicle (non-scarring madarosis), so that it can grow back. However, when the hair follicle gets damaged, the loss might be permanent.
The Symptoms of Madarosis
The actual madarosis symptoms are the noticeable loss of hair from the eyelash or eyebrow. However, there can be several other signs depending heavily on the cause:
- Changes in the skin texture or colour around the brow area.
- Eyebrow hair thinning or bald patches.
- Eyelashes reduce in density or fall out.
- Burning sensation, redness, or itching around the eyelid.
- Scaling or thick crust on the eyelid margins in several cases.
When hair loss is accompanied by discomfort or sudden onset, it is essential to seek medical advice as early as possible.
What are the Causes of Madarosis?
When it comes to the madarosis causes, it does not happen on its own. It is known as a symptom of a different ailment. Here are some of the common causes:
Eyelid and Skin Conditions
Based on the clinical dermatology studies, inflammatory conditions, such as eyelid inflammation (Blepharitis) or Seborrheic Dermatitis, can irritate the hair follicles and skin, which leads to eyelash or eyebrow loss (madarosis).
Autoimmune Diseases
Conditions, such as alopecia areata, in which the immune system inaccurately attacks the hair follicles, can lead to the loss of eyelash and eyebrow hair.
Trichotillomania (Habitual Pulling)
In many psychological conditions, individuals might pull their own hair. This also includes their eyelashes and eyebrows. Research on trichotillomania has found a pooled prevalence of roughly 1.14% (95%CI 0.66 to 1.96%).
Medications and Medical Treatments
Certain medications, including chemotherapy drugs, retinoids, and some psychiatric or hormonal treatments, may cause temporary or permanent madarosis as a side effect.
Ageing
As part of the natural aging process, hair growth slows down, and eyebrow or eyelash hair may become thinner or sparse over time.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Deficiencies in iron, zinc, biotin, protein, or vitamin B12 can weaken hair shafts and contribute to eyebrow and eyelash loss.
Hormonal Imbalances
Conditions such as thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism) can disrupt hair growth cycles, leading to thinning or loss of brows and lashes.
DID YOU KNOW: Based on the clinical review, eyelash and eyebrow hair loss can be part of multiple health conditions, right from infections to autoimmune diseases, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies and more.
How is Madarosis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing this condition involves identifying the underlying cause of eyebrow or eyelash hair loss rather than just confirming hair loss itself. A healthcare professional usually follows a step-by-step approach.
1. Medical History Review
The doctor will ask about the duration and pattern of hair loss, associated symptoms (such as itching, redness, or pain), medical conditions, medications, and recent stress or illness.
2. Physical Examination
A close examination of the eyelids, eyebrows, and surrounding skin helps detect signs of inflammation, infection, scarring, or skin conditions that may be contributing to madarosis.
3. Blood Tests
Blood tests may be recommended to check for thyroid disorders, nutritional deficiencies (iron, vitamin B12), hormonal imbalances, or autoimmune conditions.
4. Skin or Hair Follicle Tests
In some cases, a skin biopsy or microscopic examination of hair follicles may be done to rule out scarring alopecia, infections, or autoimmune causes.
5. Review of Medications and Lifestyle Factors
The doctor may assess current medications, cosmetic use, and grooming habits, as certain products or treatments can damage hair follicles over time.
Diagnosis can help determine the cause, so the correct madarosis cure or treatment can be suggested.
Treatment Options Available
The treatment of madarosis relies completely on what is causing the hair loss. Here is what you should know:
- Treat the Cause: If the cause is an infection or inflammation, treating that illness is the main priority. For mild or early cases, the hair regrows within 4 to 8 weeks. But for long-standing and severe cases, it can take 2 to 4 months for the hair to regrow.
- Medicines and Therapies: For autoimmune causes, topical or injected treatments may help hair regrow. Hair might start to regrow in 6 to 12 weeks, and for the visible cosmetic improvements, it can take 3 to 6 months to regrow.
- Cosmetic Options: False eyelashes or eyebrow tattoos are options if hair doesn’t return and offer immediate visual improvement.
- Transplants: In some cases, hair transplant or grafting may be used to recreate eyebrows. The initial shedding takes place during the first 2 to 4 weeks, and in 3 to 4 months, new hair starts to grow.
- Nutritional Support: Supplements like biotin or iron may help if deficiency plays a role. Taking the supplements can lower the shedding within 4 to 6 weeks after correction. Hair starts to regrow within 2 to 3 months.
Conclusion
Madarosis of the eye is more than just the loss of eyebrows or eyelashes- it can signal an underlying health concern. If you notice certain changes in the eyelashes or eyebrows, do not ignore them. It is important to understand what is causing the hair loss so that you can opt for the right treatment sooner and enhance your well-being and eye health. Apart from that, before you opt for diagnosis or treatment for madarosis in hypothyroidism, make sure to tell the physician about the sort of symptoms you are experiencing apart from hair loss.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Madarosis
What is the cause of madarosis?
Madarosis occurs due to infections, autoimmune diseases, skin disorders, hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiencies, medications, trauma, or chronic eyelid inflammation conditions.
Is madarosis permanent?
It depends on the cause; temporary conditions allow regrowth, while scarring, autoimmune damage, or untreated disease may cause permanent loss.
Can stress cause madarosis?
Clinical observations indicate that stress alone rarely causes madarosis, but long-term stress can worsen autoimmune disorders, trigger hair shedding, and delay eyebrow regrowth cycles.
Is madarosis contagious?
Madarosis is not contagious; it cannot spread through touch, sharing cosmetics, or close contact with affected individuals or family members.
How do I know if I have madarosis?
You may have madarosis if you notice unusual eyebrow or eyelash thinning, patchy loss, irritation, or persistent eyelid changes.
What are the causes of madarosis in child?
Madarosis in children can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, skin conditions, eyelid infections, autoimmune disorders, or frequent eye rubbing. In rare cases, genetic or congenital conditions may also lead to eyebrow or eyelash loss.
