any connection???

Three years ago when I quit smoking, I started gaining weight. In an effort to control the weight gain, I went on a strict diet, which I maintained until recently. I practically cut out fat from my diet. (And it did nothing to help weight loss) Anyway, I started noticing that my eyelashes were thinning dramatically. I didn't think there was a connection until recently, when I heard an author talking on the radio about the effects of a low fat/no fat diet. He said that one of the consequences is hair loss. So I am thinking, would that also apply to eyelashes??? If I resume my normal diet, will they grow back?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Lon:

Sudden weight loss can produce hair shedding which is impressive but temporary.  I know of no association with eyelash loss, though.  Other possibilities include alopecia, a patchy hair loss condition, and a habit of pulling the hairs out.  I don't know whether either of these makes any sense in your case.

My advice is to see a dermatologist to clarify the diagnosis.

Best.

Dr. R