salty deposits in or below eyebrows

Question

Well, I am so happy to hear I am not the only person with salt grains forming under my eyebrows. I am a 65 year old female and this condition just started the past couple months. I don't have the crystals until late evening, usually feel them on the way home from work and wonder how long they were there. No one has mentioned them, but I think they may be noticed. I follow a healthy low-carb diet and have never had gallbladder problems. I do not exercise, as I should. I do tend to feel warm and the area under my eyebrows may "glisten" with sweat from time to time. It is the area where I pluck unwanted hairs. The area above my upper lip glistens more frequently, but no salt crystals there. I haven't changed make-up, hair products, or anything else. I drink lots of water. I was worried that the salt crystals were a symptom I should have checked-out, but think I will wait until I see a doc for something else. I am very healthy and don't take meds for anything. I have been getting blood work-ups because my blood "sugar" was high normal. All levels were normal. I've always felt that if symptoms aren't "classic" for something, it's best to leave it alone. I'll continue to watch the discussion, but I feel better about it already!

This discussion is related to Salty deposits in or below eyebrows.

littledoe07 · Answer

The same thing happens to me. Everytime I wear makeup I get an O shaped salty crystal substance just below my eyebrows. I do not get this substance below my brows any other time and I never had this problem untill a year ago. I'm 43 and healthy. I'm not on any medications, I get a physical every year and all my blood work has been good. I do believe it has something to do with the sweat glands, and perhaps the makeup and the fact that the skin around the eyes is very sensitive is causing the glands to work overtime. Being healthy it does not alarm me, but it is embarrassing because it is very noticeable.

hurlintoads · Answer

Do you wear makeup every day?  I've noticed on the days that I don't wear makeup I don't have the salty deposits.  If I get warm in any way they are bound to show up, if I'm wearing makeup.  I'm an executive under 30 and its embarassing.  I always wonder if people are noticing the salt granules that build up.  I wish someone that knew what this was.

KMathurMD · Answer

Hi 
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Menopause and the hormonal balance associated with it could be the cause. If you have increased sweating, then these sand particles could be salt crystals left behind by sweat evaporation. It can also be calcium deposits due to calcium metabolism problems, kidney problems, thyroid or parathyroid gland problems or due to Vit D problems. Also if the hair is in resting phase called Telogen, there is a hard white solid particle at its base. It can also be due to dandruff.
Since I cannot examine you and know other related conditions you may be having, nor is a detailed history possible on net, I have listed the various possibilities that should be looked into. Please consult your PCP to run tests and examination to clinch a diagnosis. 
Take care!