The worst possible place to get eczema is perhaps your face since you cannot hide it with some hat or clothes. But eyebrow eczema is a condition that most people must deal with every day. Walking around with falling or flaking eyebrows is not only embarrassing but can also lower your self-esteem.
Symptoms of eyebrow eczema
Table of content
Here are the symptoms of this condition
- Falling eyebrows
- Itchiness around the brows
- A flaky skin around this area
- Redness
- Bumps or pimples on eyebrows
Some of the main causes of eyebrow eczema include the following:
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammation of the skin which causes dandruff, red scaling, flaky skin, and irritation. The condition shows up around areas with lots of oil glands such as a face, side of the nose, eyebrows, eyelids, and chest. It is also called dandruff, seborrheic eczema or seborrheic psoriasis.
The condition is a yeast infection caused by a fungus called Malassezia. People with a weakened immune system like those who suffer from HIV and organ transplant recipients are also at a higher risk of contracting this condition. The condition can also be a side effect of medications.
Treatment for seborrheic dermatitis
Antifungal face wash for Seborrheic dermatitis
Because this condition is a fungal infection, washing your face with antifungal shampoos or using a face wash that contains Ketoconazole is enough to remedy for Seborrheic dermatitis. They are a variety of over the counter dandruff shampoos that can treat this problem.
Tea tree oil for dandruff
Tea tree oil is also a good home remedy for Seborrheic dermatitis. Mix 15 drops of tea tree oil with an Aloe Vera gel. Aloe will soothe your skin and help minimize the inflammation. Rub the mixture on the affected area of your eyebrows. Tea tree oil also acts as a thinning eyebrows treatment. Do not use undiluted tea tree oil because it can cause irritation on your skin.
Antifungal pills
Antifungal pills are recommended if the condition doesn’t improve with other after using other cure. These pills often have got side effects which are overlooked because of the greater good they offer in treating this condition.
2. contact dermatitis
We live at a time where enhancing eyebrows or just having bold eyebrows is the current fashion trend. To do this we use cosmetics and other makeup products. These products sometimes contain chemicals which cause eyebrow eczema, dandruff and sometimes even itching. Sometimes the makeup remover used to take off makeup may be the culprit for eczema. Contact dermatitis affects people differently and sometimes two people may be using the same product but only one suffers from contact dermatitis.
When using makeup, it is important to check for expiry dates. Using expired cosmetics can cause eczema. Most beauty therapists advise that you should use a product for a maximum of three months then replace it.
Treatment
- If your eczema is only restricted to the eyebrows, then the cosmetics you are using could be the cause. Avoiding the product causing irritation is sufficient to stop eczema. You can also apply a moisturizer to soothe eczema.
- Applying a cold compress will also reduce the inflammation. Wrap a few ice cubes in a soft cloth and then put it on the affected area.
- Avoid waxing or shaving your eyebrows for some time until you are completely healed.
Dry skin
Dry skin can also cause flaking of the skin around your brows. Use of harsh toiletries and harsh climatic conditions particularly during the winter causes dry skin. Some forms of acne medication also cause dry skin which can lead to itchy eyebrows.
Treatment
- Switch to less harsh facial products. I recommend that you use mild soap on your face.
- Apply a moisturizer on your face before going out. This will reduce the effects of harsh climatic conditions on your face
Diabetes
As we said earlier, seborrheic dermatitis is a yeast infection, yeast feasts on sugar. Poorly controlled diabetes means the accumulation of sugar in the body which provides a breeding environment for yeasts. Some of the yeast can cause Seborrheic dermatitis. Elevated blood sugars also lower your immune system making fungal and bacterial infections a common occurrence.
Treatment
Manage your diabetes well to avoid yeast infections.
Facial psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition in which errant immune system signals lead to an inappropriately fast rate of skin turnover. Facial psoriasis is skin lesions that often affect the eyebrows, the skin between the nose and upper lip and hairline. Psoriasis can rarely occur on the face alone, therefore its presence elsewhere on the body’s makes its diagnosis easy. Sometimes, a biopsy is recommended to confirm it is psoriasis.
Treatment
- Topical steroids are used to treat psoriasis.
- Psoriasis is triggered by certain medication and foods. It is important to talk to your doctor so for a further recommendation about a change of dosage.
References
- https://www.healthline.com/health/itchy-eyebrows#7
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/171775-eyebrow-dandruff-causes/
- https://www.menshealth.com/style/how-to-get-rid-of-eyebrow-dandruff