Lashes Falling Out
|
|
Problem:
My lashes are falling out! Is there anything I can do to
stop this from happening?
Solution: It is natural for lashes to shed and re-grow,
but if you are noticing bald spots along your lash line,
you may need to change some of your cleansing habits. Do
not wipe off eye makeup. Wiping and pulling at the eyes
can pull out lashes. Do not rub your eyes, especially
when you are wearing mascara. Also, do not overuse
mascara. I know it is tempting to have long,
dramatically thick lashes, but the weight of the mascara
can be too much for delicate lashes. Waterproof mascaras
are the most difficult to remove and can take too many
lashes with them. You might also want to change
mascaras. It is unlikely that you are allergic to the
mascara you are using, but try switching brands and see
what happens.
By the way, you aren't using an eyelash curler, are you?
Over time, the consistent tugging can pull out lashes.
Another possibility: Noncosmetic allergies could be
playing a part in your eyelash dilemma. The only
solution is antihistamines or eliminating the allergens
causing the problem. For example, if you are allergic to
the down in your pillows, change to a synthetic fill.
Hay fever can also cause the eye area to swell, damaging
eyelashes.
Medically speaking, doctors refer to the loss of
eyelashes as madarosis. According to ophthalmologist Dr.
William Trattler, "While it may seem like mainly a
cosmetic problem, the condition can be an indicator of
something more serious, such as eye trauma, eyelid
infections and even cancer of the eyelid. In addition,
metabolic conditions such as hypothyroidism and
pituitary insufficiency can cause madarosis".
It is also possible that the eyelash loss could be
attributed to the presence of a mite called D.
folliculorum. When it is active in small hair and
eyelash follicles it can consume epithelial cells,
causing the follicle to become swollen, inflamed, and
plugged. All of this can lead to the eyelashes falling
out. Fortunately, this problem is easily treated once
correctly diagnosed. (Source: eMedicine Journal, May 11,
2001, volume 2, number 5.)
If you feel that your loss of eyelash hair is chronic,
it is necessary to see an eyelid specialist (called an
oculoplastic surgeon) and have him carefully examine
your eyelid to determine the cause of the madarosis.
|
|
