Losing eyelashes can be a surprising and unsettling experience. While some daily shedding is natural, a significant increase in loss or thinning can be concerning. Many factors, from everyday habits to underlying health conditions, can contribute to changes in your lash line. Understanding these potential explanations can help determine next steps.
Understanding Eyelash Growth and Normal Shedding
Eyelashes, like other body hairs, follow a natural three-phase growth cycle. The anagen (growth) phase lasts 30 to 45 days, with about 40% of upper lashes in this stage. The catagen, a short transitional phase of two to three weeks, follows as the follicle shrinks and detaches, stopping growth.
The final telogen (resting and shedding) phase lasts about 100 days. During this time, a new lash grows beneath the old one, eventually pushing it out. It is normal to lose between one and five eyelashes daily as part of this continuous cycle, ensuring new lashes replace old ones. Finding a few stray lashes is typically not a cause for alarm.
Common Reasons for Excessive Eyelash Loss
Excessive eyelash loss, or ciliary madarosis, can stem from various factors, including physical damage, medical conditions, medications, and nutritional status. These causes can disrupt the lash growth cycle, leading to noticeable thinning or shedding.
Physical or Mechanical Factors
Daily habits can significantly impact eyelash health. Aggressive rubbing of the eyes, often due to irritation or allergies, can weaken and dislodge lashes. Improper removal of eye makeup, especially mascara or waterproof products, can also cause lashes to break or be pulled out. Repeated use of eyelash curlers, particularly heated ones, can bend and break lashes. Furthermore, ill-fitting or improperly applied eyelash extensions, or an allergic reaction to the adhesive, can put undue stress on natural lashes, leading to traction alopecia, a form of hair loss caused by pulling or pressure.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Several medical conditions can manifest as eyelash loss. Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), can disrupt the body’s hormone levels, prematurely pushing hair follicles into the resting phase. This can result in thinning, brittle, or slow-growing lashes. Autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata cause the immune system to mistakenly attack hair follicles, leading to patchy or complete hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes.
Skin conditions affecting the eyelids can also contribute to lash loss. Blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelid, occurs when tiny oil glands near the lash base become clogged, causing irritation, redness, crusting, and sometimes eyelash shedding or abnormal growth. Eczema on the eyelids, often characterized by red, itchy, dry, and scaly skin, can also lead to lash loss, especially if accompanied by rubbing. Infections, whether bacterial, fungal, or parasitic (like Demodex mites), can cause inflammation around the lash follicles, leading to their loss.
Medications and Treatments
Certain medications and medical treatments can have eyelash loss as a side effect. Chemotherapy drugs, often used in cancer treatment, are well-known for causing widespread hair loss, including eyelashes, though lashes typically regrow after treatment concludes. Some blood thinners and certain antidepressant medications, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like escitalopram, have also been linked to eyelash thinning or loss. If a new medication coincides with lash loss, discussing it with a healthcare provider is appropriate.
Nutritional Deficiencies
A balanced diet supports overall hair health, including eyelashes. Deficiencies in specific vitamins and minerals can sometimes contribute to lash loss. For example, low levels of biotin (Vitamin B7), zinc, and iron have been associated with impaired hair growth and increased shedding. Vitamin D deficiency has also been suggested to play a role in stimulating hair follicles. While less common as a primary cause, ensuring adequate nutrient intake is generally beneficial for healthy lashes.
Stress
Significant emotional or physical stress can impact the hair growth cycle, including that of eyelashes. Stress can increase cortisol levels in the body, which may push hair follicles prematurely into the telogen (resting and shedding) phase. This can lead to a temporary increase in lash shedding, often noticeable a few months after a stressful event. Managing stress through various techniques can help mitigate its effects on hair health.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
While some daily eyelash shedding is normal, certain signs indicate it is time to seek medical advice. You should consult a healthcare provider if you experience sudden or rapid eyelash loss, especially if it affects both eyes. Noticing patchy areas along your lash line or if your eyelashes are thinning significantly should prompt a professional evaluation.
It is also appropriate to seek medical attention if eyelash loss is accompanied by other symptoms. These can include itching, redness, swelling, or scaling of the eyelids, which may suggest an underlying skin condition. If you experience pain, changes in vision, or if the lash loss occurs alongside hair loss on your eyebrows or scalp, these could indicate a more systemic health problem. A healthcare provider can help diagnose the specific cause and recommend appropriate treatment.