Causes Of Dandruff On Eyelashes And Eyebrows
There are two conditions that can be potentially responsible for the appearance of dandruff on your eyelashes and eyebrows:
Blepharitis: Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelid margin, and can be caused by a bacterial/fungal infection, dry eyes, meibomian gland dysfunction or demodex eyelash mites. The dandruff on eyelashes caused by it can be accompanied by burning, irritation, and grittiness in the eye (1).
Seborrheic dermatitis: Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition, the cause of which is relatively unknown. However, it is characterized by white or yellowish dandruff flakes that can appear on your eyelashes, eyebrows, behind the ears, and various other parts of your body (2).
Though the names of these skin conditions may sound alarming, there really is no need to be worried. The dandruff caused by them can be treated quite easily with some simple at-home remedies. However, there are a couple of things that you need to keep in mind before you try out any of them:
The eye area is extremely delicate and you need to be cautious when applying anything on it. Avoid getting harsh chemicals into your eyes. Do not use your anti-dandruff shampoos on your lashes as they contain chemicals that can cause damage to your eyes.
Best Treatments For Dandruff On Eye Lashes And Eyebrows
10 Simple And Effective Treatments For Dandruff On Eyelashes
1. Drugstore Soaps
Your best bet when treating eyelash/eyebrow dandruff problem would have to be a pyrithione zinc soap that you can find at your local drugstore. A soap containing pyrithione zinc works very well as it actively reduces the flakiness, redness, and irritation caused by eyelash dandruff and brings about a soothing effect (3).
Pyrithione zinc-based soap Water
2. Baby Shampoo
When dealing with any condition around your eyes, it is of paramount importance that you use treatments that are gentle and non-irritating. Which is why baby shampoo works excellently as it is not only soothing but also cleanses clogged pores and oil buildup up on your lash line and brows that could be causing inflammation. Moreover, it can help get rid of the bacterial/fungal infection that is causing the dandruff in the first place.
Baby shampoo A glass of water Q-tips
3. Almond Oil
Talk of any hair troubles (even if it’s your eyebrows and eyelashes) can never be complete without mentioning almond oil. Almond oil works as an emollient that cleanses the skin and removes dead cells from around your eyes that could be causing dandruff. Additionally, it nourishes and moisturizes the hair follicles that, in turn, promotes new eyelash and eyebrow hair growth (4).
1 tablespoon almond oil
4. Tea Tree Oil
Here’s the thing about tea tree oil – a majority of the time, it is caused by a fungus called Malassezia. And tea tree oil has potent antifungal properties that help get rid of this fungus and, consequently, the dandruff it creates on your eyelashes and eyebrows (5).
1 tablespoon tea tree oil Cotton balls
5. Warm Compress
Eyelash and eyebrow dandruff can be quite frustrating to get. But what can be even more distressing is the redness and irritation that it brings with it. A warm compress is the perfect solution for getting some immediate relief from this redness, irritation, itchiness, and dryness.
Warm water Washcloth
6. Olive Oil
Dryness plays a crucial role in the development of dandruff on your eyelashes and eyebrows. And the only way to combat it is with moisture. Olive oil is a great moisturizing agent that can hydrate the skin around your lashes and brows and may help get rid of dandruff (6).
1 tablespoon olive oil Warm water Washcloth
7. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is one of those ingredients that acts as an all-around threat to dandruff. Not only does it expel the bacteria/fungus that could be causing eyelash dandruff, it also soothes the irritation and redness caused by it. Moreover, it stimulates hair follicles and promotes new hair growth (7), (8).
Aloe vera gel Cotton ball
8. Salt
Now, the idea of applying salt anywhere near your eyes may seem strange to you but it actually works pretty well in getting rid of eyelash dandruff. It does so by cleansing clogged pores, absorbing excess oil that could be causing the build up on your lash line and eyebrows, and preventing fungal infection that could lead to dandruff.
1 tablespoon salt ¼ cup water
9. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a great ingredient for getting rid of eyelash and eyebrow dandruff as it contains citric acid. Citric acid is an antimicrobial agent that helps get rid of the fungal infection that is causing the dandruff (9).
1 tablespoon lemon juice ¼ cup water Cotton ball
10. Petroleum Jelly
Dandruff on eyelashes and eyebrows can be caused by dry skin. There’s just a simple reason why petroleum jelly helps combat this problem. It’s because petroleum jelly moisturizes your skin and prevents dry skin from flaking off and causing dandruff (10).
Petroleum jelly
Besides using these at-home treatments, there are a few tips that you can follow on a daily basis to prevent dandruff from appearing on eyelashes and eyebrows.
Makeup and dirt buildup on your eyelashes and eyebrows can lead to dandruff. Therefore, remove makeup and cleanse your eye area every night with a good makeup remover to keep dandruff at bay. Drink lots of water, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoid consuming caffeine, alcohol, and junk food to prevent any skin and hair conditions. If you see dandruff flakes appearing on your eyelashes and eyebrows, refrain from using makeup for some time. Drink lots of water (at least 10-12 glasses a day). Take a multivitamin. As you grow older, your body produces less hyaluronic acid that is actually responsible for protecting and hydrating your eyes. You could start using hyaluronic acid eye drops. If all else fails and your eyelash and eyebrow dandruff persists, consult an ophthalmologist.
How do I stop my eyes from being so dry? There are two main reasons why your eyes are dry. First, it could be because you live in an area that has high levels of air pollution. Second, it could be because you live in a high-altitude region where the air is typically drier. What is the main cause of blepharitis? Blepharitis can be caused by a bacterial infection (staphylococcus) or if there is a problem with the meibomian glands that are located in your eyelids. Does eyebrow dandruff cause hair loss? No, eyebrow dandruff cannot cause hair loss. Is blepharitis caused by poor hygiene? No, poor hygiene doesn’t cause blepharitis. However, good hygiene practices can help manage the condition and reduce inflammation. Why is there always crust on my eyelashes? Crust forms when the eye discharge dries on the lashes, lids, or corners of the eyes. Dandruff may also cause crust on the eyelashes. Can I apply cleanser to my eyebrows? Yes, you may wash the eyebrows with a mild, gentle, and ophthalmologically tested cleanser. Can blepharitis cause you to lose your eyelashes? Yes, in severe cases of blepharitis, you may start losing eyelashes or notice abnormal lash growth. When should I go to the doctor for dandruff on my eyelashes and eyebrows? If home remedies do not work and you experience swelling, redness, excessive discharge, and irritation, it is best to consult your doctor.
