What medical conditions are associated with changes in the eyebrows?

From the Guidelines

Several medical conditions can cause changes in the eyebrows, with thyroid disorders, autoimmune conditions, and dermatological conditions being among the most common causes. These conditions can lead to changes in eyebrow appearance, thickness, or movement, often serving as important diagnostic clues for underlying systemic conditions. Some of the medical conditions associated with changes in the eyebrows include:

• Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism, which can cause eyebrow thinning, particularly in the outer third, while hyperthyroidism can lead to fine, brittle eyebrow hair 1
• Autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata, which can cause patchy eyebrow loss
• Dermatological conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema, which may affect eyebrow appearance through inflammation, scaling, and redness 1
• Hormonal imbalances, including those in menopause, pregnancy, or polycystic ovary syndrome, which can alter eyebrow thickness and growth patterns
• Nutritional deficiencies, particularly of biotin, zinc, and iron, which may lead to eyebrow thinning
• Frontal fibrosing alopecia, a scarring hair loss condition, which often begins with eyebrow loss
• Neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease, which can reduce facial expressions, affecting eyebrow movement, while facial nerve palsy may cause drooping of one eyebrow
• Certain medications, including chemotherapy drugs, anticoagulants, and some psychiatric medications, which can cause eyebrow thinning as a side effect
• Cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, which can cause sparse or absent eyebrows with hyperkeratosis (ulerythema ophryogenes) 1 It is essential to note that these changes in eyebrow appearance, thickness, or movement can be indicative of underlying systemic conditions, and a thorough medical evaluation is necessary to determine the underlying cause. In particular, seborrheic blepharitis has been associated with greasy scaling of the anterior eyelid, and patients with this condition frequently have seborrheic dermatitis of the eyebrows and scalp as well 1. Additionally, cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome has been linked to sparse, curly, and friable hair, with sparse or absent eyebrows with hyperkeratosis (ulerythema ophryogenes) 1. These conditions highlight the importance of considering the eyebrows as a potential indicator of underlying systemic conditions.

From the Research

Medical Conditions Associated with Eyebrows

• Alopecia areata: a condition characterized by patchy, non-scarring loss of hair follicles, including those in the eyebrows 2, 3
• Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE): a chronic form of cutaneous lupus that can cause scarring and hair loss, including in the eyebrows 2, 4
• Thyroid-associated orbitopathy: a condition that can cause brow enlargement and changes in brow fat, potentially affecting the eyebrows 5
• Hypothyroidism: a condition that can cause hair loss, including loss of eyebrows, as well as other dermatological symptoms 3, 6
• Hashimoto's thyroiditis: an autoimmune disorder that can be associated with alopecia areata and other conditions that affect the eyebrows 3

Symptoms and Manifestations

• Hair loss or thinning in the eyebrows
• Scarring or inflammation in the eyebrow area
• Brow enlargement or changes in brow fat
• Periorbital edema or swelling around the eyes
• Other dermatological symptoms such as dry skin, brittle nails, or hair loss on other parts of the body

Treatment and Management

• Treatment of underlying conditions such as alopecia areata, DLE, or hypothyroidism
• Use of topical or oral medications to manage symptoms and promote hair regrowth
• In some cases, surgical or cosmetic procedures may be necessary to address scarring or hair loss in the eyebrows 4, 6