What is Madarosis?

The loss of eyebrows and eyelashes is clinically termed madarosis. Madarosis can not only affect brow and lash health but can also have a major impact on external appearance and personality. This, in turn, will affect your confidence and self-esteem. 

This blog provides you with complete information on causes, symptoms, and solutions to prevent madarosis.

All you need to know about Madarosis

Madarosis is the medical term for the loss of eyebrow or eyelash hair. It results mainly due to an underlying eye, skin, or health condition. It is important to address the root cause of the problem in madarosis to treat and prevent it. 

The term “Madarosis” originates from the Greek word madao, meaning to fall off.

Types of Madarosis

There are two types of madarosis which are as follows- 

• Ciliary madarosis also called milphosis, refers to the loss of eyelashes only.
• Superciliary madarosis indicates loss of eyebrow.

Functions of eyebrows and eyelashes

The functions of eyebrows and eyelashes are as follows- 

Protection

Eyebrows and eyelashes are protective in function. The main function of eyebrows and eyelashes is to protect our eyes from airborne particles like dust and pollution. Eyebrows protect the bone above our eye socket and prevent sweat and dust from trickling into our eyes.

Conveying emotions

Eyebrows and eyelashes enhance beauty and face aesthetics. It helps in conveying strong emotion and gives meaning to your conversation. 

When there is thinning or loss of eyebrows or lashes, not only the form or function is affected, but it also has a major impact on an individual’s appearance.

Growth of eyebrows and eyelashes

The growth cycle of eyebrows and eyelashes is as follows-

Eyebrows

Eyebrows have a growth cycle of about 3-4 months. Eyebrows have faster growth as compared to lashes.

Eyelashes

Eyelashes have slow growth as compared to brows which is about 0.15 mm a day. They last for about 6 months before they naturally fall out. 

Let us not forget that each hair sprouts from the hair follicle and this takes around 2-3 months to show growth. This is true for lashes and brows too. It is noted that in some people, the brow or lash growth cycle is very slow and has a shorter phase. 

However, the good news is that you can accelerate the growth cycle of your lashes and brows by practicing a daily brow routine and maintaining good brow health. It is important to take note of the causes of madarosis to prevent it for healthy brows.

Causes of Madarosis

There are many causes of madarosis. It can be categorically divided into 

1. Non-scarring Madarosis 

In non-scarring madarosis, the hair follicles have the potential to show regrowth with a good brow routine and healthy lifestyle practices. The hair follicle is not completely damaged in this case. In such cases, the eyebrow hair falls out without damaging the follicle. This is mainly caused in cases of - 

• Blepharitis
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis
• Alopecia areata of eyebrows
• Ocular rosacea
• Thyroid disorders
• Long termed medications or drug-induced madarosis
• Toxicity
• Nutritional deficient like iron deficiency
• Protein deficiency
• Compulsive pulling of eyelashes or eyebrows
• Using the wrong quality of eyebrow or eyelash products 

2. Scarring Madarosis

In scarring madarosis, the hair follicles may be damaged and there is no potential for hair growth. The conditions include- 

1. Trauma to brows and lashes
2. Burn injury
3. Severe Chronic Autoimmune disorders
4. Congenital causes or absence of eyebrows since birth
5. Skin cancers
6. Genetics and family history of loss of eyebrows and lashes

Symptoms of Madarosis

The symptoms of Madarosis are as follows- 

• Itchy eyelashes or eyebrows
• Swelling of eyelids
• Redness
• Dryness
• Scaly or flaking
• Thinning of brows or lashes
• Patchy hair loss of brows or lashes
• A sparse and lower density of brows and lashes
• Lack of confidence and low self-esteem due to loss of brows and lashes
• Changes in external appearance and overall looks.

What is the solution to Madarosis?

It is important to remember that - “Prevention is better than cure.” One should maintain a healthy brow and lash care routine which will help prevent the loss of brows and lashes. Start with holistic, and targeted-based solutions for brow and lash care to maintain good health of brows and lashes. 

The good news is that non-scarring madarosis can be taken care of with some preventive and supportive measures. There is a good possibility of regrowth of brows and lashes with non-scarring madarosis. However, in cases of scarring madarosis, which is considered a rare case, preservation of brows and lashes can be done with an effective solution to prevent further deterioration and loss. 

A long-term 2-month and more religious brow and lash care routine are essential to show effective results. 

So, get started with Savarnas Mantra Eyebrow and Eyelash essentials to prevent madarosis.