Diagnosis of failed eyebrows

Affected people can usually observe for themselves when the eyebrow hairs fall out and become thinner. The doctor will first ask the affected person specific questions. He will look at the eyebrows, the surrounding skin, as well as the hair on the head and the nails.

Often the eyebrow loss pattern already shows possible causes. In addition, a plucking test, i.e. a test to see whether the eyebrow hairs can be plucked out easily with the fingers, can provide indications of a possible diagnosis and prognosis. Furthermore, the doctor can perform a blood and hair analysis and, if necessary, a scalp biopsy.

A blood test can provide information about the content of various vitamins and nutrients, as well as about the presence of certain so-called autoimmune antibodies and general inflammation values. Thus metabolic diseases or functional disorders of the thyroid gland can be ruled out. The hair analysis can be done microscopically. In a scalp biopsy, a tissue sample of the scalp is taken under local anaesthetic.

Possible accompanying symptoms

In addition to the loss of eyebrow hair, other body hair can also fall out at the same time. If the eyelashes fall out, this is known in technical terminology as madarosis. Depending on the underlying cause, other accompanying symptoms can occur.

The skin can be warmer/cold, drier/moisturized than usual. Excessive sweating may occur. Redness and itching may also occur.

Further, dandruff may develop on and under the eyebrow hair or/and the skin itself may become flaky. If the loss of eyebrows is permanent, it can also lead to a lack of self-esteem or even depression. Due to hormonal and/or hereditary reasons, as well as incompatibilities, for example with cosmetics or hair shampoos, dandruff can also develop under the eyebrow hairs. Often dry skin influences the formation of dandruff, which occurs in connection with or promotes eyebrow loss. Also, certain drugs can have a dehydrating effect and cause dry skin as an undesirable side effect.

Duration of eyebrow loss

Depending on the cause, the duration of eyebrow loss can vary greatly. Eyebrow hair loss caused by stress or intolerance and allergies is usually temporary. Provided the affected persons eliminate or avoid the causes.

Furthermore, eyebrow hair loss in babies can occur 8 weeks after birth and last for about 6 months. Eyebrow loss can also occur during the breastfeeding period, which usually ends when the baby is weaned. The duration is therefore limited in these cases.

The situation is different in the menopause, when the hormone level is permanently altered and without treatment this can lead to permanent eyebrow hair loss. The duration of the child’s circular hair loss can recede spontaneously within 6 months. However, the symptoms can recur several times, permanently in phases. If a thyroid gland disorder is present, untreated it can lead to permanent eyebrow loss. With adequate treatment, the hair loss of the eyebrows lasts until a balanced metabolism has been established.