Eyelashes serve as a protective barrier for the eyes, guarding against dust, debris, and sweat. They also regulate moisture and trigger the blink reflex when something approaches the eye. While some daily lash loss is a natural part of the hair growth cycle, significant or sudden thinning can indicate underlying issues. Losing eyelashes can be a source of concern when shedding appears more than usual. This article explores various reasons behind eyelash loss, from common daily habits to medical conditions.
Understanding Normal Eyelash Shedding
Eyelashes, like all hair on the body, undergo a natural growth cycle consisting of three main phases. The anagen phase is the active growth period where the lash grows to its full length, typically lasting one to two months.
Following the anagen phase is the catagen phase, a transitional period where the hair follicle shrinks and growth stops. Finally, the telogen phase is the resting period before the old lash sheds, making way for a new lash to begin its growth cycle. This entire cycle for an individual lash usually takes about six to ten weeks. It is normal to lose between one and five eyelashes each day as part of this continuous process, and this shedding is not a cause for concern.
Everyday Habits Affecting Eyelash Health
Many common daily routines and product uses can significantly impact eyelash health, leading to increased shedding. Improper makeup removal is a frequent culprit; rough rubbing or failing to thoroughly remove eye makeup, particularly heavy mascara, can weaken lashes and cause them to break or fall out prematurely. Sleeping with eye makeup still on can also lead to bacterial infections and lash loss.
Using expired or irritating eye makeup products can introduce bacteria and allergens to the delicate lash line, resulting in inflammation or infection that contributes to shedding. Mascara should generally be replaced every six months to prevent bacterial buildup. The overuse or incorrect application of eyelash curlers, especially heated ones, can also damage and weaken lashes, leading to breakage.
Eyelash extensions can contribute to lash loss through tension on the natural lashes, adverse reactions to adhesives, or damage during the removal process. Constantly rubbing the eyes due to habit or irritation can physically dislodge lashes or weaken their follicles over time. A lack of proper eye hygiene, such as not cleaning the lash line, allows dust, mites, and bacteria to accumulate, potentially causing inflammation or clogged glands that harm lash follicles.
Medical Conditions and Eyelash Loss
Beyond daily habits, several medical conditions can manifest as significant eyelash loss, often requiring professional diagnosis and treatment. Blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids, is a common condition where clogged oil glands near the lash base cause chronic inflammation and issues with hair follicles. Symptoms often include itchiness, burning, redness, and crusting of the eyelids, which can disrupt normal lash growth and retention.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own hair follicles, leading to hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows, and sometimes eyelashes. This condition can cause partial or complete lash loss and may occur suddenly. Thyroid disorders, both an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), can disrupt hormone levels crucial for hair growth, leading to widespread hair thinning, including eyelashes.
Skin conditions affecting the eyelids, such as eczema, psoriasis, or contact dermatitis, can cause inflammation and irritation that damage lash follicles and lead to shedding. Infections, including styes, fungal infections, or infestations with Demodex mites, can also compromise lash health and contribute to their loss. Trichotillomania is a psychological condition characterized by a compulsive urge to pull out one’s own hair, including eyelashes, often in response to emotional distress. Rarely, localized lash loss can be a symptom of skin cancer on the eyelid, where cancerous cells interfere with eyelash growth.
Lifestyle and Environmental Influences
Various lifestyle factors and environmental exposures can also play a role in eyelash thinning and loss. Chronic physical or emotional stress can impact the hair growth cycle by elevating cortisol levels, potentially pushing more hair follicles into the resting (telogen) phase, leading to increased shedding. This stress-induced loss typically occurs after weeks or months of sustained stress.
Nutritional deficiencies can significantly affect hair health, including eyelashes. Insufficient intake of essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, biotin, zinc, and vitamin D can weaken hair follicles and impede healthy growth. A balanced diet rich in these nutrients supports robust eyelash development.
Certain medications can have side effects that include hair loss. Chemotherapy drugs are well-known for causing widespread hair loss, but other medications, such as some blood thinners or acne treatments, can also contribute to eyelash thinning. Aging naturally causes hair to become finer and less dense, and eyelashes are no exception; they may thin and shorten over time as part of the aging process. Exposure to environmental irritants or allergens, like smoke, pollution, or certain airborne chemicals, can also cause irritation and inflammation around the eyes, potentially leading to lash damage and loss.
When to Consult a Doctor and What to Expect
While some eyelash shedding is normal, certain signs indicate that it is time to seek professional medical advice. You should consult a doctor if you experience sudden or severe eyelash loss, especially if it affects both eyes or is accompanied by other symptoms. Accompanying symptoms that warrant a medical visit include redness, itching, pain, swelling, or crusting of the eyelids. If you notice hair loss not only on your eyelashes but also on your eyebrows or scalp, it could signal a systemic health problem that requires attention.
During a medical consultation, a doctor will typically begin by taking a detailed medical history to understand your symptoms and any relevant health conditions. They will then perform a physical examination of your eyes and eyelids to look for signs of inflammation, infection, or other abnormalities. Depending on their initial findings, the doctor may recommend blood tests to check for underlying conditions such as thyroid disorders or nutritional deficiencies. In some cases, a referral to a dermatologist or ophthalmologist may be necessary for a more specialized evaluation and diagnosis.