Alopecia of the eyebrows occurs when the hair of the eyebrows falls out. Eyebrow hair loss can be complete or partial, and can occur due to a number of factors. Eyebrow hair loss can occur as a complication of certain skin conditions, as a side effect of chemotherapy or prescription drug use, or as a result of poisoning with heavy metals or other toxins. However, autoimmune disorders may be among the most common causes of eyebrow alopecia.
Hair loss in the brow region can lead to thinning of the brows, balding of the brow, or alopecia totalis of the brows. Eyebrow hair loss, or thinning of eyebrow hair, is considered relatively common. Both women and men experience this condition. Those who have experienced androgenetic alopecia may be more likely to experience brow thinning or brow hair loss.
The causes of eyebrow hair loss can vary widely. Hormonal imbalances can play a role in body hair loss, including those caused by endocrine disorders and pregnancy. Skin conditions, including skin growths, skin cancers, psoriasis, and dermatitis, can lead to brow alopecia when they affect the skin in the brow region. Several chemotherapy cancer treatments can cause body hair loss, but other types of drugs can also cause hair loss. These may include medications used to treat depression or seizure disorders.
A variety of various diseases, including fungal skin infections, leprosy, and even syphilis can lead to alopecia in the eyebrows. Heavy metal poisoning, such as gold, mercury, thallium, or iodine, can cause brow hair loss. Excessive vitamin intake can contribute to brow hair loss, as can excessive use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxin. Excessive pulling or plucking of brow hairs can also lead to brow alopecia, as plucking hairs can gradually damage the follicles and inhibit hair regrowth.
Most cases of eyebrow alopecia can be traced back to autoimmune disorders. Lupus can cause skin inflammation that leads to follicle damage. Vitiligo, a condition that causes the skin to lose its natural pigmentation, can also lead to follicle damage and hair loss in affected areas. Alopecia areata, a disorder in which the immune system attacks hair follicles, can lead to baldness and loss of eyebrow hair.
Treatment for eyebrow hair loss often depends on its cause. Treatment of the underlying disorder can help restore hair growth in many cases. If this is not possible, follicular serums can help to restimulate brow hair growth.