What could be causing the thinning hair on one of my eyebrows?

Dr. Irwin
December 22, 2012
Dear Dr Irwin, I recently noticed that the hair on one of my eyebrows has been thinning. My eyebrow is also very itchy and flaky. My GP suggested I try an anti-fungal cream such as canesten or lamisil. However, I'm concerned that these creams will be too harsh for very sensitive skin and may lead to further hair loss in my eyebrow. Would you be able to recommend a different treatment? Also, I'd like to tell you how grateful I am for your website. The advice here has really helped me manage my skin care! Kind Regards, Rosa

Hi Rosa –  thank you!   In general, eyebrows can be tricky and your doctor certainly seems to have a reasonable plan.  The creams mentioned are not particularly harsh.  The whole key to skin diseases including the hair, nails and eyebrows, is getting the diagnosis right.  So if you don’t get better, you may need a dermatologist.  Guide to finding a good dermatologist.

Other things to consider are that hair may occasionally fall out due to irritation on the surface of the skin but it can also often fall out due to internal causes.  So things like thyroid problems, low iron stores (measured by a ferritin not serum iron), even autoimmune problems like alopecia areata can cause hair to fall out.  Again, your doctor can help you with this.   Good luck to you.  Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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