Why are My Eyelashes Falling Out?

Common Causes of Eyelash Loss

Below are some common causes of eyelash loss. These may or may not apply to your particular situation, but may give you some insight into the direction you might take to resolve the problem. It's also a good idea to consult your doctor.

Trichotillomania

A psychiatric condition in which the sufferer pulls or rubs the lashes causing them to fall out. More evident at times of stress.

Alopecia Areata (AA)

An autoimmune disease characterized by areas of hair loss involving any hair bearing part of the body. AA confined solely to the eye lashes is extremely rare.

Blepharitis

A chronic disease with no known cure but can be kept under control with regular long term treatment. Symptoms include any combination of redness, excessive watering, burning, itching, light sensitivity and a gritty irritation.

These symptoms can cause the sufferer to excessively rub the eyelids resulting in damage to the eyelash follicles and consequent lash loss.

Some forms of treatment particularly those that are recommended to remove the occurrence of crusting of the eyelids in severe cases can also damage the lashes unless carried out with extreme care.

Contact Allergic Dermatitis

A condition caused by an allergic reaction to a substance most likely of which is one or more of the products used in eye make up.

This condition should not be confused with blepharitis as it easy to remove the cause of the discomfort.

Eyelash Loss Treatment and Prognosis

Trichtillomania

Psychiatric help should be sought as soon as possible. The eyelash follicles will recover and growth should become evident unless the pulling of the lashes is continued over a long period of time.

There may be some thinning. The sooner the problem is recognized and treatment is started the less damage is likely to occur.

Alopecia Areata (AA)

Seek the advice of a dermatologist as soon as any areas of hair loss on the body are observed

If the diagnosis is AA then the condition is treatable possibly with systematic steroids.

If the eyelashes have become affected then regrowth can usually be expected within three months.

Blepharitis

The bacteria causing this common eye problem can be hard to treat.

There are three different forms of this condition so it is important that your medical advisor investigates which type you are suffering from in order to prescribe the best possible treatment to control the problem and alleviate the symptoms.

Contact Allergic Dermatitis

Although it is possible for the sufferer to discover the source of the allergy by trial and error it is better by far to seek the advice of a qualified dermatologist as soon as the problem becomes evident.

Changing your make up may simply prolong the discomfort as the same ingredient which is causing the allergic reaction may be present in other make up products.

The longer the condition persists the more damage you may be doing to the follicles, which may result in noticeable thinning of the lashes.

The US Foods and Drug Administration recommend these these safety tips when using eye cosmetics.