Madarosis is the loss of eyelashes or eyebrows with various potential causes including burns, injuries, infections, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications. Treatment depends on the underlying condition and may involve medication, surgery, or behavioral therapy.
Madarosis is a medical term that is used to describe the loss of eyelashes or eyebrows. There are many potential causes of madarosis, some of which could be fatal without proper treatment, so a thorough physical exam is needed to accurately diagnose the underlying cause. Patients are often referred to different types of specialists, including endocrinologists, dermatologists, and internists. There is no specific treatment for this symptom, as the underlying condition needs to be diagnosed and treated. Any questions or concerns about madarosis or individualized treatment options should be discussed with a doctor or other medical professional.
Burns, traumatic injuries, or certain surgical procedures can sometimes lead to the development of madarosis. Infection or inflammation of the eyelids are other possible causes of this symptom. Once the underlying medical condition has been successfully treated, eyelashes or eyebrows usually grow back in a normal way.
Trichotillomania is a type of impulsive disorder that causes the affected person to compulsively pluck their hair, often including their eyebrows and eyelashes. This can be a difficult disorder to treat and often takes several months or years to effectively control the impulses that cause the patient to pull out their hair. A combination of prescription drugs and behavioral therapy is the most effective treatment method for trichotillomania.
Some autoimmune diseases may involve madarosis as a symptom, although not everyone diagnosed with these diseases will develop this type of hair loss. Some of the more common autoimmune diseases with the potential to lead to the development of madarosis include lupus, alopecia areata and scleroderma. Treating these conditions can help your eyelashes and eyebrows grow back, though this isn’t always the case.
Some forms of cancer or congenital birth defects can cause madarosis in some cases. Treatment options may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or surgery. Some medications, especially those used to treat heart or thyroid conditions, have been known to cause this symptom, and in most cases, hair grows back after the medication is stopped.
Endocrine disorders affecting the thyroid gland or pituitary gland can sometimes lead to madarosis. These hormonal disorders can be fatal in some cases if not properly diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. Medications may be helpful, although surgery is often needed, depending on the reason for the disorder. Any eyelash or eyebrow loss should be reported to a doctor for further medical evaluation.
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