If you’ve noticed hair thinning or missing patches of hair, you might be experiencing hair loss. Eyebrow hair loss or thinning is caused by many factors, including skin conditions, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, or underlying medical conditions. These are just a few of the major causes of hair loss that can be experienced on one or both eyebrows. By narrowing down the root cause, the doctor will be able to help you find the best treatment available and how to prevent it. In this article, we dive into the possible causes, prevention and treatment of hair loss.
Autoimmune Conditions And Skin Problems
An autoimmune condition develops when the body’s immune system attacks its healthy cells. When the hair’s healthy cells are affected, the hair tends to thin, patch and fall out. Thus, leading to eyebrow hair loss. Autoimmune conditions that cause eyebrow hair loss are lupus, alopecia areata, frontal fibrosing alopecia, and alopecia Universalis, to name a few. Aside from autoimmune conditions, certain medical skin conditions can affect healthy hair. If the healthy skin is compromised, the hair that grows from the skin can lead to eyebrow hair loss. These skin conditions can be flaky and itchy, which causes dry skin and inflammation. Those who have atopic dermatitis or eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and contact dermatitis can experience hair loss. Of course, it’s not always necessary to have a medical condition to experience hair loss. As our body ages, we experience hair thinning since the levels of estrogen and testosterone decrease.
Nutritional Deficiencies And Hormonal Imbalances
The food we eat has an impact on the way our skin and hair looks. Our bodies require certain nutrients to keep our hair healthy including vitamins, minerals, energy sources, amino acids, and fatty acids. A deficiency in one of the required nutrients causes hair loss. For instance, a lack of fatty acids and zinc can lead to hair loss. Aside from nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances cause eyebrow hair to fall out, specifically hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Eyebrow Hair Loss Caused By Medications
Taking certain medications have a potential hair loss side effect. If you’re taking acitretin, a retinoid drug for psoriasis, it can lead to hair loss. For those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer treatment, it affects the hair follicles which causes hair to fall out in clumps. Lastly, valproic acid for seizure treatment and bipolar disorder also has an impact on hair loss. If you need to get an eyebrow hair loss treatment, you need to disclose all medications you are taking to determine the exact cause.
Eyebrow Hair Loss Caused By Genetic Conditions
Some genetic conditions such as ectodermal dysplasias and Netherton syndrome can lead to eyebrow hair loss. However, these are less common to happen, unlike other medical conditions. Ectodermal dysplasia is a genetic condition that affects the hair, skin, nails and teeth. You’ll notice hair falling out of the eyebrows, as well as eyelashes and hair from other parts of the body. Netherton syndrome also affects the hair and skin. In this condition, the immune system is weakened, which causes the hair to be weak and brittle like bamboo hair. Genetic conditions tend to be present from birth and it is common to have eyebrow hair loss.
Other Causes Of Eyebrow Hair Loss
Other eyebrow hair loss causes are rare and less common. Eyebrow hair loss can be caused by persistent hair plucking, overuse of makeup, pregnancy and childbirth, radiation, stress and anxiety, Hansen’s disease, amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, Tinea capitis (ringworm), chemical burns, trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder), Telogen effluvium, basal cell carcinoma, syphilis, and leprosy.
When To See A Doctor
If you notice hair thinning or patched hair from your eyebrows, you should book a free consultation with us to determine the cause of your eyebrow hair loss. Our experienced doctors and medical team will help you restore your ideal hair through appropriate treatments like a DHI hair transplant. Once you book a free consultation with us, our specialists will discuss the possible treatments and come up with a personalised treatment plan. It is also the best time to ask all of your questions about hair loss so our team can assist you. Simply book the time and day from our Book a Free Consultation page.
Hair Loss Diagnosis
The exact cause of eyebrow loss is determined by the doctor through several tests. First, our team of experts will ask about your symptoms, family history, diet, and other potential factors. Next, your hair condition is further examined via a trichoscopy, which is used to diagnose frontal fibrosing alopecia and alopecia areata. Additionally, the doctor may issue a blood test for T3 and T4 thyroid hormone levels to determine any hormonal imbalances. It’s important to be completely honest with the initial interview to properly diagnose your condition.
Prevent Eyebrow Hair Loss
It is still possible to prevent eyebrow hair loss or lessen the severity by having proper nutrition. It’s important to have all the right nutrients from fruits and vegetables, and enough protein to build hair. Stay away from products and activities that can cause physical injuries such as plucking, eyebrow tattoos and microblading. Moreover, you can increase the blood flow around your eyebrows by massaging the area. Lastly, try to reduce stress by doing relaxing activities and meditation.
Treatment For Eyebrow Hair Loss
After booking a free consultation with us and determining the cause, the doctor will recommend the most appropriate eyebrow hair loss treatment. You may be given certain medications and supplements to aid in your hair restoration. Medications range from OTC drugs to corticosteroids and topical options. Additionally, castor oil and acupuncture may be recommended, depending on the cause. One of the most common treatments is eyebrow transplant restoration which involves transplanting hair follicles to the affected area.