From the Guidelines
The term for hair loss in the eyebrows is madarosis. This condition refers specifically to the loss or thinning of eyebrow hair, though it can also apply to eyelash loss. Madarosis can occur for various reasons, including autoimmune disorders like alopecia areata, skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis, endocrine disorders like hypothyroidism, nutritional deficiencies, or as a side effect of certain medications. Treatment depends on identifying and addressing the underlying cause. For example, if caused by thyroid issues, normalizing thyroid hormone levels may restore eyebrow growth. Topical treatments like minoxidil or bimatoprost might help stimulate regrowth in some cases. If inflammation is present, corticosteroids may be prescribed, as seen in studies such as 1 which discusses the use of intralesional corticosteroids for treating patchy hair loss of limited extent, including cosmetically sensitive sites such as the eyebrows. For cosmetic concerns while waiting for regrowth, eyebrow pencils, powders, or microblading can create the appearance of fuller eyebrows. It's essential to consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis since eyebrow hair loss can sometimes signal more serious underlying health conditions, as highlighted in guidelines such as 1 which emphasize the importance of considering the psychological and social disability caused by alopecia areata. Given the potential for madarosis to be associated with conditions like alopecia areata, understanding the role of micronutrients, as discussed in 1 and 1, may also be relevant in managing the condition, though more research is needed to fully understand their impact.
From the Research
Definition of Hair Loss in the Eyebrows
Characteristics of Madarosis
- Madarosis can be either complete or partial loss of eyebrow or eyelash hair 6.
- It can be an isolated finding or a manifestation of a systemic condition 4.
- Madarosis can be caused by various factors, including primary dermatoses, endocrinopathies, autoimmune conditions, infections, neoplasms, trauma, exogenous agents, and genetic diseases 4.
Diagnosis and Trichoscopy Findings
- Trichoscopy of the eyebrow area can be useful in diagnosing patients with isolated eyebrow loss 3.
- The most characteristic trichoscopic features of eyebrow loss in alopecia areata include exclamation mark hairs, tapered hairs, broken hairs, and black dots 3.
- Frontal fibrosing alopecia of the eyebrows is characterized by the presence of dystrophic hairs, white areas, and eyebrow regrowth in distinct directions 3.