Madarosis is a medical term that refers to losing one or more eyelashes. Several diseases and conditions, including infection, trauma, and certain medications, can cause it. Here are some causes, diagnoses, and treatment options for madarosis.
What Causes Madarosis?
Many different diseases and conditions can cause madarosis. Some of the most common causes include infection (such as staphylococcus or herpes simplex virus), trauma (such as a physical injury or chemical burn), and medications (such as chemotherapy). It can also be caused by skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, and alopecia areata. Sometimes, madarosis can be caused by an underlying systemic disease like diabetes or HIV. Here are other risk factors:
Age
Age is one of the most critical risk factors for madarosis. As people age, their hair follicles can become damaged, leading to hair loss in both scalp and body hair, such as eyebrows and eyelashes. Studies have found that madarosis is more common in older individuals than younger ones, with the prevalence increasing significantly after age 60.
Gender
Gender is also associated with an increased risk of madarosis. For example, women are more likely to suffer from madarosis than men due to hormonal changes related to pregnancy and menopause and other gender-specific issues such as alopecia areata (an autoimmune disorder).
Skin Diseases
Certain skin diseases can also increase the risk of developing madarosis. Some of these include psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, lichen planus, and atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema). These skin conditions disrupt the normal functioning of the skin’s oil glands which can lead to an increased incidence of eyebrow and eyelash loss or thinning. Medications & Treatments Finally, certain medications used to treat cancer or other diseases can cause a side effect called chemodenervation which results in temporary hair loss in areas such as the face and scalp.
How is Madarosis Diagnosed?
The first step in diagnosing madarosis is to rule out potentially reversible causes. Your doctor may physically examine your eyes or order laboratory tests to determine if any underlying medical conditions are causing the hair loss.
If no reversible reason is found, your doctor may refer you to an ophthalmologist for further testing. The ophthalmologist may then use a microscope to examine the lashes closely for signs of infection or damage. Additionally, your doctor may order blood tests to check for signs of systemic illness that could explain hair loss.
Managing Madarosis
Madarosis is a chronic condition; managing it usually requires a long-term approach. However, here are some ways to deal with it.
Cosmetic Products
There are now cosmetic products that can help improve the way your eyebrows look. Certain products, such as Anastasia dip brow pomade, can help darken the hair and help thicken and condition the eyelashes. This is great if you want to cover the effects of Madarosis on your eyebrows.
Prescription Medications
Your doctor may prescribe topical or oral medications to treat madarosis. Topical drugs such as steroids, minoxidil, or latanoprost can stimulate the growth of new lashes. Oral medications such as finasteride or spironolactone can also be prescribed to treat hormone-related madarosis.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be an option for treating madarosis. Your doctor may recommend a procedure known as lash grafting, which involves transplanting healthy lashes from another area of the body to replace those that have been lost. This procedure is usually done as a last resort and can be expensive.
Alternative Therapies
Some people find alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, helpful in treating madarosis. Acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat various conditions, including hair loss. It involves stimulating points on the body with needles to restore energy flow and balance. There is limited evidence that it may be effective in treating madarosis, but more research is needed to confirm this.
Madarosis is a condition caused by various diseases and conditions that can lead to the loss of eyelashes. It’s essential to seek medical advice if you think you may be affected by madarosis to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. With the right approach, managing the condition and improving your overall appearance is possible.