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The abnormal itching sensation in the eyebrows indicates that there is something that does not seem normal about the eyebrows. The itchy and flaky skin condition is also called what it exactly sounds like- eyebrow dandruff. It is an annoying condition that cannot be ignored, and it can be visible on the front part of the face. The dryness of the eyebrow skin makes it itchier, and then the shedding of the dry skin irritates the eyes. Anyone who is going through or has been through this condition must have one question in their mind: Why do my eyebrows have dandruff? In this article, we will understand more about dandruff in eyebrows and its causes.
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What Is Eyebrow Dandruff?
Eyebrow dandruff is a type of seborrheic dermatitis (1). Seborrheic dermatitis is one of the common forms of eczema, a skin condition that impacts the scalp severely. This form of eczema usually occurs in the areas that have sebaceous glands. This chronic condition is mostly common in adults, and the same condition that affects babies is called cradle cap. Eyebrow dandruff looks like a patch of dry and flaky skin under and between the eyebrows.
[Read More: How Often Should You Get Your Eyebrows Threaded?]
What Causes Dandruff in Eyebrows?
There are a few reasons that could cause this skin condition, which results in dandruff in your eyebrows.
- Eczema is a persistent skin condition that causes inflammation. It can cause itchy red patches around the skin. Eczema is common in children and young people and is also known as atopic dermatitis. It could be one of the reasons for flaky eyebrows.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: This skin condition causes dandruff in the eyebrows and inflammation. It looks like patches of greasy, flaky scales on the skin. A fungus called Malassezia (2) is the main culprit for seborrheic dermatitis.
- Contact dermatitis: This condition of skin is caused due to an allergen or reaction against ingredients present in the skincare products, shampoo or conditioner. It can also be caused if you wear a specific piece of cloth that is washed in a detergent which could also cause irritation to your skin.
- Dry skin: You may get dry skin if you live in an extremely cold place and do not moisturize your skin enough. The dryness of the skin can cause flakes in the eyebrows like dandruff.
Symptoms
The symptoms of eyebrow dandruff look very similar to the dandruff that occurs on the scalp. You can witness visible patches of white or yellow and dry scale of dead skin under your eyebrow with. The area around the eyebrow seems to be red, inflamed and itchy. It will cause irritation and sometimes even result in falling off of brow hair.
[Read More: How to Get Thicker Eyebrows Naturally at Home?]
Treatment
There are various reasons for dandruff in eyebrows, and each cause needs different treatment according to its severity. Some of the dandruff treatment products are mentioned here.
You can buy some of the readily available OTC products to treat dandruff. Some dandruff treatment shampoos are available for the scalp and eyebrows. The shampoos for dandruff treatment specifically contain active ingredients (3) like:
- Selenium sulfide
- Ketoconazole
- Salicylic acid
- Tea tree oil
If the condition does not improve and gets worse, you need to contact your doctor, and they will prescribe you strong medicated shampoos such as:
- Antifungal shampoo like ketoconazole and ciclopirox
- Selenium sulfide shampoo
- Steroid shampoo
[Read More: Do Eyebrows Grow Back After Shaving?]
Conclusion
There are various reasons for eyebrow dandruff, some of which cannot be prevented. Some eyebrow dandruff issues can recur and are considered to be a lifelong chronic condition. It is essential to see your doctor and treat the condition immediately.
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