Losing eyelashes

[jnb014]

I'm 21, and I used to have extremely long and thick eyelashes. About 2 yrs. ago, I started having back problems, which became degenerative disk disorder, spinal stenosis, sciatica, etc. I now have extensive nerve damage. The point is that ever since this began, my eyelashes have been falling out. I'll admit I'v never been very nice to my lashes, with lots of mascara and probably not proper removal of it, but I've still never had a problem until this happened. Now, I wear mascara maybe 3 times a week and use the best makeup remover I can. Yet, they continuously get thinner and thinner, with gaps now in between. Another problem that started following the back problems, surgery, and added meds (Lyrica, Vicodin, Celebrex, Flexeril) is that my scalp and eyebrows have also gotten worse. I now have very severe dandruff, with scabs on my scalp, and my hair has begun to thin--my eyebrows are nearly as bad as my lashes. I don't know if any of this is related, but it has made me very self-conscious about it and everything I do does not help.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Unless and until there is permanent damage to the hair follicles of eyelashhair, it usually grows back. It grows back in usually two weeks but sometimes may take 4-6 weeks. Apply olive oil and take some vitamin supplements for some days. Also eat a healthy, nutritious diet and drink plenty of fluids. The most important nutrients are biotin, silica, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, and vitamin B6. There are many eyelash growth products in the market, but their efficacy has not been scientifically proven. So consult a dermatologist before using any of them. If the symptoms persist then alopecia of the eyelashes has to be ruled out.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Caryopteris]

Your hair, brows and lashes could be thinning because of your medications, but another possible cause is food allergies.  Get tested for Celiac disease.  It can cause malnutrition and therefore cause hair loss, and also autoimmune disorders, including those that cause hair loss.  The dandruff and scabs suggest Celiac.  

You can try Nizoral shampoo, Dove shampoos, Loreal Vive shampoo, and/or Neutrogena shampoos.  All have been helpful for me.  If your scalp is extremely oily, you can control that just by doing a vinegar-water rinse at the end.  Probably a tablespoon of vinegar in a basin of rinse water will help your hair look thick and fluffy and not oily.