Eyelash loss can be a concerning experience. While shedding a few lashes daily is normal, excessive thinning or gaps along the lash line can raise questions. Various factors, from everyday habits to health issues, can contribute to accelerated eyelash shedding. Understanding these influences helps determine when loss is typical and when it warrants attention.
The Eyelash Growth Cycle
Eyelashes, like other body hairs, follow a distinct growth cycle. This cycle consists of three primary phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. The anagen phase is the active growth period, typically lasting 30 to 45 days. Approximately 40% of upper eyelashes are in this phase at any given time.
The catagen phase is a short transitional period of two to three weeks where the eyelash stops growing and the hair follicle shrinks. If a lash is lost during this phase, growth will not restart until the phase is complete. The final stage is the telogen phase, the resting and shedding phase, lasting several months, often around 100 days. During this time, the old lash rests before it falls out, making way for a new lash. It is normal to lose one to five eyelashes daily as part of this continuous cycle.
Common Everyday Factors
Many instances of increased eyelash loss stem from common daily habits and environmental exposures. Improper use and removal of eye makeup are frequent contributors. Leaving mascara on overnight or aggressively rubbing the eyes during makeup removal can cause friction and pulling, leading to premature lash shedding. Using old or contaminated cosmetic products can also introduce bacteria, irritating the lash line and causing loss.
Eyelash extensions, while enhancing appearance, can contribute to damage if not applied or maintained correctly. Extensions that are too heavy or improperly glued can cause strain, leading to premature shedding or breakage. Physical trauma, such as habitually rubbing the eyes due to tiredness or allergies, or pressing the face into a pillow during sleep, creates friction that can dislodge lashes.
Stress can also manifest as hair loss, including eyelashes, a condition known as telogen effluvium. When the body experiences significant stress, more hair follicles prematurely enter the resting (telogen) phase, leading to increased shedding later. Nutritional deficiencies can impact hair health; insufficient intake of nutrients like biotin, iron, and protein can hinder healthy hair growth. Poor eyelid hygiene, allowing dust, mites, or bacteria to accumulate, can lead to irritation and inflammation, damaging lash follicles and causing loss.
Underlying Medical Conditions
While many causes of eyelash loss relate to daily habits, some instances signal an underlying medical condition. Thyroid disorders, including both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, can affect hair growth. Thyroid hormones play a role in hair follicle function, and imbalances can cause hair to enter the resting phase too soon, leading to shedding.
Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease, causes the immune system to attack hair follicles, resulting in patchy hair loss on the body, including eyelashes. Some individuals may experience alopecia areata that exclusively affects the eyelashes. Blepharitis involves inflammation of the eyelids, often due to clogged oil glands or bacterial overgrowth. This inflammation can lead to itching, redness, crusting, and eyelash loss.
Certain skin conditions affecting the eyelid, such as eczema or psoriasis, can cause inflammation and irritation that disrupt the lash growth cycle. In rare cases, localized skin cancers on the eyelid can manifest as eyelash loss, often with other visible changes like discolored growths. Some medications can also have eyelash loss as a side effect. Chemotherapy drugs are a known cause, but other medications, including certain blood thinners and antidepressants, may contribute to lash thinning.
When to Seek Professional Guidance
Consult a healthcare professional if eyelash loss becomes persistent or severe. This includes significant thinning, bald patches along the lash line, or if loss occurs alongside other concerning symptoms. If eyelids exhibit redness, itching, pain, or swelling, medical evaluation is recommended, as these can indicate an infection or inflammatory condition like blepharitis.
Seeking guidance is also important if eyelash loss is accompanied by hair loss on other body parts, such as eyebrows or scalp. This pattern could suggest a systemic health issue requiring diagnosis and treatment. A doctor can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate interventions.