Skip to main content
Log in

Eyebrow Loss

Clinical Review

  • Review Article
  • Published:
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Loss of eyebrow hair may come to the attention of the dermatologist as a presenting complaint or as an unexpected finding on routine physical examination. Because eyebrows serve important cosmetic and social roles, their loss can be quite distressing to patients. While eyebrow loss may be an isolated finding of no medical consequence, it may also be an initial manifestation of a systemic condition. Loss of eyebrows has numerous causes including primary dermatoses, endocrinopathies, autoimmune conditions, infections, neoplasms, trauma, exogenous agents, and genetic diseases. We present a systemic review of eyebrow loss, including an algorithm that can be used to direct the work-up of patients presenting with this condition.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Table I
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3.
Table II
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Ozta¸ P, Catal F, Dilimen U. Familial eyebrow diffuse alopecia. Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2005; 19: 118–9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Erg¨ SS, ¸un Sahino K. Eyebrow transplantation. Ann Plast Surg 2003; 51: 584–6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Sadr J, Jarudi I, Sinha P. The role of eyebrows in face recognition. Perception 2003; 32 (3): 285–93

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. van der Velden EM, Drost B, Ijsselmuiden OE, et al. Dermatography as a new treatment for alopecia areata of the eyebrows. Int J Dermatol 1998; 37: 617–21

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Goldman G. Eyebrow transplantation. Dermatol Surg 2001; 27 (4): 352–4

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Rook A, Burton JL. The skin and the eyes. In: Rook A, Wilkinson DS, Ebling FJG, et al., editors. Textbook of dermatology. Boston (MA): Blackwell Scientific Publications, 1986: 2149–55

    Google Scholar 

  7. Kingery FA. Eyebrows, plus or minus [letter]. JAMA 1966; 195 (7): 571

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Khong JJ, Casson RJ, Huilgol SC, et al. Madarosis. Surv Ophthalmol 2006; 51: 550–60

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Dirckx JH, editor. Stedman’s concise medical dictionary for the health professions. 4th ed. Philadelphia (PA): Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2001: 34

  10. Wolff K, Johnson RA, Suurmond D, editors. Fitzpatrick’s color atlas and synopsis of clinical dermatology. 5th ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2005

  11. Rajka G. Atopic dermatitis. London: WB Saunders, 1975

    Google Scholar 

  12. Gupta AK, Madzia SE, Batra R. Etiology and management of seborrheic dermatitis. Dermatology 2004; 208: 89–93

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Rook A, Dawber R. Diseases of the hair and scalp. London: Blackwell Scientific Publications, 1991

    Google Scholar 

  14. Vasarinsh P. Clinical dermatology: diagnosis and therapy of common skin diseases. Boston (MA): Butterworth Publishers, 1982

    Google Scholar 

  15. Smulders D, Oostwouder CJ, Stam F. Hair loss and cardiovascular health. Lancet 2005; 365: 544

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Felz M, Forren A. Profound hypothyroidism: a clinical review with eight recent cases: is it right before our eyes? South Med J 2004; 97 (5): 490–8

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Freinkel RK, Freinkel N. Hair growth and alopecia in hypothyroidism. Arch Dermatol 1972; 106 (3): 349–52

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Price VH. Treatment of hair loss. N Engl J Med 1999; 341 (13): 964–73

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Lenane P, Pope E, Krafchik B. Congenital alopecia areata. J Am Acad Dermatol 2005; 52: S8–11

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Barankin B, Taber M, Wasel N. Successful hair transplant of eyebrow alopecia areata. J Cutan Med Surg 2005; 9 (4): 162–4

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Yoon KH, Lee SH, Ahn SK, et al. A case of alopecia universalis without involvement of scalp hairs. Yonsei Med J 1995; 36 (1): 97–101

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. MacDonald Hull SP, Wood ML, Hutchinson PE, et al. Guidelines for the management of alopecia areata. Br J Dermatol 2003; 149: 692–9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Kossard S, Lee MS, Wilkinson B. Postmenopausal frontal fibrosing alopecia: a frontal variant of lichen planoplaris. J Am Acad Dermatol 1997; 36: 59–66

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Ramirez DM, Martinez FC. Frontal fibrosing alopecia: a survey in 16 patients. JEADV 2005; 19: 700–5

    Google Scholar 

  25. Tosti A, Piraccini BM, Iorizzo M, et al. Frontal fibrosing alopecia in postmenopausal women. J Am Acad Dermatol 2005; 52: 55–60

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Faulkner C, Wilson N, Jones S. Frontal fibrosing alopecia associated with cutaneous lichen planus in a premenopausal woman. Aust J Dermatol 2002; 43: 65–7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Vigilizzo G, Verrini A, Rongioletti F. Familial Lassueur-Graham-Little-Piccardi syndrome. Dermatology 2004; 208: 142–4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Bianchi L, Vidolin AP, Carboni I, et al. Graham Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome: effective treatment with cyclosporine A. Clin Exp Dermatol 2001; 26: 518–20

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Sontheimer R, Provost T. Lupus erythematosus. In: Sontheimer R, Provost T, editors. Cutaneous manifestations of rheumatic diseases. Philadelphia (PA): Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2004: 15–64

    Google Scholar 

  30. Whiting D. Cicatricial alopecia: clinico-pathological findings and treatment. Clin Dermatol 2001; 19: 211–25

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Ramos-E-Silva M, Tanus FH, Cestari TF. Cutaneous manifestations of internal diseases in infants and children. Clin Dermatol 2002; 20: 51–66

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Wilson CL, Burge SM, Dean D, et al. Scarring alopecia in discoid lupus erythematosus. Br J Dermatol 1992; 126 (4): 307–14

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Patel P, Werth V. Cutaneous lupus erythematous: a review. Dermatol Clin 2002; 20: 373–85

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Corona R, Angelo C, Giuliana M, et al. Neonatal lupus erythematosus. Cutis 2000; 65: 379–81

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Holland K, Steffes B, Nocton J, et al. Linear scleroderma en coup de sabre with associated neurologic abnormalities. Pediatrics 2006; 117: e132–6

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Gambichler T, Kreuter A, Hoffman K, et al. Bilateral linear scleroderma ‘xen coup de sabre’ associated with facial atrophy and neurological complications. BMC Dermatol 2001; 1: 9

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Tollefson M, Witman P. En coup de sabre morphea and Parry-Romberg syndrome: a retrospective review of 54 patients. J Am Acad Dermatol 2007; 56: 257–63

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. World Health Organization. Leprosy burden at the end of 2005 [online].

  39. Rawal RC, Kar PK, Desai RN, et al. A clinical study of eye complications in leprosy. Indian J Lepr 1984; 56 (2): 232–40

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Carvalho VO, Marinoni LP, Taniguchi K, et al. Infiltrated lesions on a child’s face. Pediatr Dermatol 1999; 16 (4): 326–8

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Millard TP, Hawk JLM. Photosensitivity disorders cause, effect and management. Am J Clin Dermatol 2003; 3 (4): 239–46

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Frayha RA. Papular mucinosis, destructive arthropathy, median neuropathy, and sicca complex. Clin Rheumatol 1983; 2 (3): 277–84

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Kendrick C, Brown R, Reina R, et al. Cutaneous sarcoidosis presenting as leonine facies. Cutis 2004; 73: 57–62

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Ford P, Jorizzo J, Hitchcock M. Previously undiagnosed sarcoidosis in a patient presenting with leonine facies and complete heart block. Arch Dermatol 2000; 136: 712–4

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Kyle RA. Amyloidosis: a convoluted story. Br J Haematol 2001; 114: 529–38

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Salman SM, Rubeiz NG, Kibbi AG. Cutaneous leishmaniasis: clinical features and diagnosis. Clin Dermatol 1999; 17: 291–6

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Miller M, Strauchen J, Nichols K, et al. Concurrent chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute myelogenous leukemia cutis in a patient with untreated CLL. Am J Dermatopathol 2001; 23: 334–40

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Vocks E, Hertenberger B, Worret W, et al. An unusual cutaneous T cell lymphoma presenting as leonine facies. Eur J Dermatol 2000; 10(4): 309–12

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Seyhan T, Özerdem Ö, Aliagaoglu C. Severe complete pachydermoperiostosis. Dermatol Surg 2005; 31(11): 1465–7

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Tanabe A, Kusumoto K, Suzuki K, et al. Treatment of Setleis syndrome. Scand J Plast Reconstr Hand Surg 2001; 35: 107–11

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Gummer CL, Starley JN, Dawber RP, et al. The distribution of Mycobacterium leprae in the hair follicle of the eyebrow. Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis 1982; 51(2): 205–10

    Google Scholar 

  52. Ramos-e-Silva M, Rebello PFB. Leprosy recognition and treatment. Am J Clin Dermatol 2001; 2(4): 203–11

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. ul Bari A, Raza N. Secondary syphilis clinically mimicking pseudolymphoma of the face [online]. Available from URL: http://dermatology.cdlib.org [Accessed 2007 Mar 5]

  54. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Trends in reportable sexually transmitted diseases in the United States, 2004 [online]. Available from URL: http://www.cdc.gov/ [Accessed 2007 Mar 4]

  55. Cuozzo DW, Benson PM, Sperling LC, et al. Essential syphilitic alopecia revisited. J Am Acad Dermatol 1995; 32: 840–3

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Jordaan HF, Louw M. The moth-eaten alopecia of secondary syphilis: a histopathological study of 12 patients. Am J Dermatopathol 1995; 17(2): 158–62

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  57. Cecchi R, Rapicano V. Primary cutaneous mucinous carcinoma: report of two cases treated with Mohs’ micrographic surgery. Aust J Dermatol 2006; 47: 192–4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  58. Patel B, Egan C, Lucius R, et al. Cutaneous malignant melanoma and oculodermal melanocytosis (nevus of Ota): report of a case and review of the literature. J Am Acad Dermatol 1998; 38(5): 862–5

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. Peris K, Cerroni L, D’Alessandro I, et al. Cutaneous eyebrow metastasis in a patient with primary gastric adenocarcinoma. Acta Derm Venereol 1993; 74: 154–5

    Google Scholar 

  60. Çaksen H, (Çiftçi A, Kisaarslan AF, et al. A child with systemic mastocytosis who had a facial appearance resembling an aged man. Pediatr Dermatol 2002; 19(2): 184–5

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Doorn R, Scheffer E, Willemze R. Follicular mycosis fungoides, a distinct disease entity with or without associated follicular mucinosis. Arch Dermatol 2002; 138: 191–8

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Anderson B, Mackley C, Helm K. Alopecia mucinosa: report of a case and review. J Cutan Med Surg 2003; 7(2): 124–8

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Wood G, Greenberg HL. Diagnosis, staging and monitoring of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Dermatol Ther 2003; 16: 269–75

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Ng PPL, Goh CL. Sezary syndrome: a case report and a review of the molecular pathomechanism and management. Ann Acad Med Singapore 1998; 27: 864–7

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  65. Walsh K, McDougle C. Trichotillomania presentation, etiology, diagnosis and therapy. Am J Clin Dermatol 2001; 2(5): 327–33

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  66. Radmanesh M, Shafiei S, Naderi A. Isolated eyebrow and eyelash trichotillomania mimicking alopecia areata. Int J Dermatol 2006; 45: 557–60

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Olsen EA. Clinical tools for assessing hair loss. In: Olsen EA, editor. Disorders of hair growth. 2nd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Medical Publishing Division, 2003: 75–82

    Google Scholar 

  68. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 4th ed., text rev. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association, 2000

  69. Happle R. Trichotemnomania: obsessive-compulsive habit of cutting or shaving the hair. J Am Acad Dermatol 2005; 52: 157–9

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Hesketh P, Batchelor D, Golant M, et al. Chemotherapy-induced alopecia: psychosocial impact and therapeutic approaches. Support Cancer Care 2004; 12: 543–9

    Google Scholar 

  71. Tran D, Sinclair RD, Schwarer AP, et al. Permanent alopecia following chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation. Australas J Dermatol 2000; 41: 106–8

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  72. Kazda R. Coming out on top. Am J Nurs 2001; 101: 24KK–LL

    Article  Google Scholar 

  73. Ravi A, Nisce L, Nori D. Total skin electron beam therapy in the management of cutaneous malignancies. Clin Dermatol 2001; 19: 354–6

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  74. Fraunfelder FW, Fraunfelder FT, Illingworth DR. Adverse ocular effects associated with niacin therapy. Br J Ophthalmol 1995; 79: 54–6

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  75. Tromme I, Neste D, Dobbelaere F, et al. Skin signs in the diagnosis of thallium poisoning. Br J Dermatol 1998; 138: 321–5

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  76. Lu CI, Huang CC, Chang YC, et al. Short-term thallium intoxication. Arch Dermatol 2007; 143: 93–8

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  77. O’Donnell J. Polar hysteria: an expression of hypervitaminosis A. Am J Ther 2004; 11: 507–16

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  78. Miksad R, Ledinghen V, McDougall C, et al. Hepatic hydrothorax associated with vitamin A toxicity. J Clin Gastroenterol 2002; 34(3): 275–9

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  79. Alfadley A, Al Hawsawi K, Hainau B, et al. Two brothers with keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans. J Am Acad Dermatol 2002; 47: S275–8

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. Baden HP. Diseases of the hair and nails. Chicago (IL): Year Book Medical Publishers, 1987

    Google Scholar 

  81. Chien AJ, Valentine MC, Sybert VP. Hereditary woolly hair and keratosis pilaris. J Am Acad Dermatol 2006; 54: S35–9

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  82. Florez A, Fernandez-Redondo V, Toribio J. Ulerythema ophryogenes in Cornelia de Lange syndrome. Pediatr Dermatol 2002; 19(1): 42–5

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  83. Layton AM, Cunliffe WJ. A case of ulerythema ophryogenes responding to isotretinoin. Br J Dermatol 1993; 129: 645–6

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  84. Wilkinson RD. Hidrotic ectodermal dysplasia of Clouston: clinical and histopathological features. In: Brown AC, editor. The first human hair symposium. New York: Medcom Press, 1974: 61–71

    Google Scholar 

  85. Zannolli R, Inchingolo G, Serracca L, et al. Ectodermal dysplasia syndrome with eyebrow alopecia, ptosis, strabismus, nystagmus, joint laxity, cerebellar ataxia, and osteopenia. Am J Med Genet 2002; 113: 111–3

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  86. Pruszkowski A, Bodemer C, Fraitag S, et al. Neonatal and infantile erythrodermas. Arch Dermatol 2000; 136: 875–80

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  87. Powell J, Dawber R, Ferguson D, et al. Netherton's syndrome: increased likelihood of diagnosis by examining eyebrow hair. Br J Dermatol 1999; 141: 544–6

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  88. Cambiaghi S, Barbareschi M, Tadini G. Ichthyosis follicularis with atrichia and photophobia (IFAP) syndrome in two unrelated female patients. J Am Acad Dermatol 2002; 46: S156–8

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  89. Cursiefen C, Schlotzer-Schrehardt U, Holbach L. Ocular findings in ichthyosis follicularis, atrichia, and photophobia syndrome. Arch Ophthalmol 1999; 117: 681–4

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  90. Egier D, Orton R, Allen L, et al. Bilateral complete isolated cryptophthalmos: a case report. Ophthalmic Genet 2005; 26: 185–9

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  91. Slavotinek AM, Tifft CJ. Fraser syndrome and cryptophthalmos: review of the diagnostic criteria and evidence for phenotypic modules in complex malformation syndromes. J Med Genet 2002; 39: 623–33

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  92. Rubegni P, Fimiani M, Tosi GM, et al. Conjunctival edema and alopecia of the external third of the eyebrows in a patient with Meige syndrome. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Opthalmol 2000; 238: 98–100

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

No sources of funding were used to assist in the preparation of this review. The authors have no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this review.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Joseph C. English III.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Velez, N., Khera, P. & English, J.C. Eyebrow Loss. Am J Clin Dermatol 8, 337–346 (2007). https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200708060-00003

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200708060-00003

Keywords

Navigation