Locations:
Search IconSearch

Managing Alopecia Areata Eyebrow and Eyelash Loss

Your immune system may attack hair follicles anywhere on your body

Close up of a person who doesn’t have eyebrow or eyelash hairs

When you have alopecia areata, the autoimmune disease may cause you to lose your eyebrows and eyelashes in addition to experiencing patchy hair loss on your scalp. Many of the treatment options used for hair loss on your scalp can also be used to treat alopecia areata eyebrows and eyelashes.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

How does alopecia areata affect your eyebrows and eyelashes?

Eyebrow and eyelash loss (known as madarosis) is common in people with alopecia areata.

“The immune system’s attack on the hair follicles can occur anywhere on the body,” says dermatologist Stephanie Trovato, MD. “Some studies have shown a connection between the likelihood of eyebrow and eyelash loss and an increase in the severity of hair loss on the scalp.”

How to treat eyebrow and eyelash loss from alopecia areata

Some of the treatments used for hair loss from alopecia areata can also treat eyebrow and eyelash loss — but because the areas around the eyes are so sensitive, the treatments may need to be modified a little.

Treatment options may include:

  • Corticosteroids: You can take these anti-inflammatory drugs orally as pills or use an ointment, cream or foam that can be applied to your skin to help with eyebrow loss. Corticosteroid injections may also help.
  • Minoxidil (Rogaine®): Your healthcare provider may suggest using this topical over-the-counter drug to treat eyebrow loss.
  • Bimatoprost eye solution (Latisse®): This eye solution can help regrow both your eyelashes and eyebrows.

Your healthcare provider will recommend a treatment for eyebrow and eyelash loss that’s right for you while considering factors like how severe your alopecia areata is.

Advertisement

“There isn’t one form of treatment that will work for everyone,” explains Dr. Trovato. “It’s very dependent on your unique situation.”

When will my eyebrows or eyelashes grow back?

Dr. Trovato stresses that the timeline to see regrowth is based on the severity of your condition and your treatment plan.

“For topical anti-inflammatory medications, we hope to see some fine regrowth within three to six months of starting treatment,” she says.

Tips for managing eyebrow and eyelash loss from alopecia areata

Your eyebrows and eyelashes do more than just add to your physical appearance. They keep dust and debris from your eyes. If you’ve lost your eyebrows or eyelashes, Dr. Trovato suggests the following:

  • Wear protective clothing: When you lose the protection of your eyebrows and eyelashes, it’s important to keep your eyes safe. Consider wearing eyeglasses, sunglasses or a hat.
  • Use makeup: You may opt to use an eyebrow pencil or mascara to fill in sparse or missing eyebrows and thin eyelashes.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet: Dr. Trovato recommends including iron-rich foods and foods containing vitamin D, such as salmon. “Also, prioritizing protein can be helpful for hair growth,” she notes. The Mediterranean diet may be a good option for you.
  • Talk to your doctor about vitamin D supplements: Dr. Trovato says that many people have a vitamin D deficiency — and some research shows supplements may help with alopecia areata. “I recommend discussing this with your primary care team,” she highlights.

Bottom line?

When you have alopecia areata, there’s a good chance it may affect your eyebrows and eyelashes. If you begin to notice sparse eyebrows or lashes, there are things you can do to manage any hair loss in those areas. It’s also a good idea to talk to your doctor, who can recommend treatment options.

“Early evaluation and treatment by a board-certified dermatologist can be pivotal in aiding the regrowth of hairs on the eyebrows and eyelashes in the setting of alopecia areata,” concludes Dr. Trovato.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

A person bends their head forward to show extensive patches of hair loss
June 5, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
How Alopecia Areata Can Affect Your Mental Health

Take steps to reduce stress by practicing meditation, finding time to relax and maintaining a healthy lifestyle

Close up of a person’s fingernail that shows vertical ridges along its surface
June 5, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
How Alopecia Areata Can Affect Your Nails

You may see pitting, brittleness or ridges in your fingernails and toenails

Hair in a shower drain
May 19, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
Here’s Why Your Hair Falls Out in the Shower

It’s normal to lose around 50 to 150 strands per day to routine hair shedding

Man putting on a red ball cap hat
March 3, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
Can Wearing a Hat Cause Hair Loss?

Studies are mixed, but frequently wearing very tight, warm hats could stress your follicles and lead to hair loss

Concerned woman in bedroom with hairbrush full of hair
February 17, 2025/Women's Health
When To Worry About Hair Loss

Things like stress, heated styling and other health conditions may cause you to lose more hair than normal

Person with alopecia areata
March 22, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
Self-Care Tips To Manage Alopecia Areata

A gentle hair care routine, stress reduction and sun protection can help reduce flares and maintain your locks

bottles and jars of natural lotions and essential oils
March 8, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
Natural Treatments for Alopecia Areata

Home remedies may help your hair, but don’t expect them to cure the autoimmune disease

close up of female pulling hairs from a brush
January 11, 2024/Diabetes & Endocrinology
Is My Thyroid to Blame for My Hair Loss?

The endocrine gland in charge of hormone production may be causing your hair to shed or stop growing

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad