Losing eyelashes can be confusing and even concerning, but it’s often something that can be addressed. Many causes of eyelash loss are treatable, and seeking medical advice can help identify what’s behind the thinning. A healthcare provider can evaluate potential underlying issues and guide you toward the right steps to support healthy lash growth.
Eyelashes Falling Out
Many factors, like eyelid irritation, cosmetic lash procedures and underlying health conditions, can affect your eyelashes
We humans love the look of lush lashes. We’ll use mascara, lash growth products and falsies to achieve a fabulous fringe. But eyelashes aren’t just about aesthetics — they’re also little bodyguards for your eyes, helping to keep dust and debris out.
So, it’s understandably stressful when your eyelashes seem to fall out faster than usual. Maybe you’re seeing a lot of lashes when you remove makeup or you’re just noticing that you seem to have less overall.
What causes eyelash loss, and what can you do to stop it? Ophthalmologist Nicole Bajic, MD, has answers.
On average, people lose 1 to 5 eyelashes per day, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. It’s normal to occasionally find an eyelash on your face or pillowcase because lashes, like all body hair, go through natural cycles of growth, transition, resting, and shedding.
A few lost lashes here and there are normal. However, eyelashes that are thinning or falling out in clusters are not. When eyelashes are lost more quickly than the body can replace them, this is known as ciliary madarosis.
Ciliary madarosis is not a disease itself, but a result of something affecting eyelash growth. The cause can be as simple as irritation from eye makeup, or it may indicate an underlying health issue that requires attention.
The most common reasons for eyelash loss include:
1. Blepharitis
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid, and it’s a pretty common issue.
Many different skin conditions, from rosacea to seborrheic dermatitis, as well as demodex infestation, can cause blepharitis. Inflammation from these skin conditions can affect your eyelash follicles, leading to lost lashes.
Treating the underlying skin issue is the best way to manage blepharitis.
At-home lid scrubs and warm compresses can help manage the symptoms. But if it’s severe, you may need to see an ophthalmologist or dermatologist for further treatment.
2. Health conditions
It’s not just skin conditions that can affect your lashes. Systemic (whole body) health issues can also cause your lashes to fall out.
Eyelash growth is a nonessential body function. So, if your body is busy fighting an illness, it may not have the resources for maintaining healthy lashes. Humans are attracted to thick lashes because they’re a sign of overall health.
Many conditions can cause eyelash loss, including:
- Autoimmune diseases like alopecia. areata, lupus and scleroderma.
- Hormonal conditions like hypothyroidism.
- Infections like herpes simplex virus (HSV), HIV and AIDS, syphilis and tuberculosis (TB).
- Menopause.
- Skin cancer.
3. Irritation and trauma from lash products
We do a lot of things to get a pretty fringe, from lash lifts to tinting. Sadly, all of these things could thin your lashes instead of plumping them up.
Your eyelash follicles are delicate, and chemicals and lash extensions can damage them. The weight from false lashes can pull on your natural lashes, causing traction alopecia, which is hair loss caused by pressure or pulling. Also, chemicals in lash lift procedures and eyelash glue can trigger an allergic reaction that makes your lashes fall out.
If you opt for one of these treatments, Advises being choosy about your doctor and reserving them for special occasions, but don’t plan on doing it for the first time right before a big event.
Go to a reputable, experienced salon that uses sterile equipment. You can try falsies for a big event if you like, but then, give your lashes a break for a few months.
Finally, consider getting a patch test before going all-in with lash lifts and falsies.
Ask to have a small sample of the glue or lash lift chemical applied inside your elbow. Its better to find out that you’re allergic to an ingredient before you put it on your eyelids.
4. Medications
Eyelash loss is a possible side effect of some drugs, such as blood thinners and certain depression meds.
If you recently started a new medicine and notice fewer lashes, talk with your doctor. Don’t stop taking your meds unless your physician says it’s OK.
If you’re receiving cancer treatment, chemotherapy and radiation therapy can also thin out your lashes.
Fortunately, eyelashes usually start to grow back after your treatment is complete.
5. Vitamin deficiencies
If you’re deficient in certain vitamins, your lashes may take a hit. Specifically, biotin, zinc and iron deficiency have been shown to have a role in lash growth. But don’t start taking vitamin megadoses in hopes that they’ll be a magic fix.
Taking high doses of anything can be potentially toxic. And excess biotin can cause side effects and interfere with blood test results.
Instead of running to the store for supplements, talk with a doctor or healthcare provider to determine if you need certain vitamins or minerals.
You may need blood tests to confirm or rule out a deficiency.
The first step to addressing eyelash loss is to identify and treat any underlying health conditions that may be contributing to it. Regular checkups with a healthcare provider can help manage issues such as autoimmune disorders or skin conditions that affect lash growth.
After that, several at-home habits can support healthier eyelashes:
• Go easy on eyelash curlers.
Curlers can bend or break lashes, especially with frequent use. Heated curlers can be even more damaging. It’s best to use them sparingly.
• Remove mascara gently.
Eye makeup should be removed every night, but the process should be gentle. Rubbing or tugging at the lashes can cause breakage. It’s recommended to use a mild, fragrance-free makeup remover or micellar water, followed by a gentle facial cleanser, while avoiding harsh scrubs near the eyes.
• Sleep on silk or satin.
Cotton pillowcases create friction that can contribute to lash breakage, especially for people who sleep on their side or stomach. Silk or satin pillowcases allow the lashes, hair, and skin to glide smoothly. A silk eye mask adds an extra layer of protection.
About bimatoprost :
Bimatoprost is a medication that helps extend the eyelash growth cycle, making lashes grow longer. It does not increase thickness. While many people can use it safely, potential side effects include dry eyes, increased risk of styes, undereye hollowing, and irreversible darkening of the iris.
References
Why Are My Eyelashes Falling Out? (cleveland clinic) (https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-are-my-eyelashes-falling-out)
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