Eyebrow Dandruff – Why does it occur and how to treat it?

You might have read about eyebrow dandruff, and it’s exactly what it is designated as. It’s the flakes in the eyebrows. Your brows may flake due to a number of different factors. But most often, people are referring to a widespread condition known as “seborrheic dermatitis,” which also results in dandruff.

This article concentrates on every aspect of eyebrow dandruff, including eyebrow dandruff treatment. 

What is eyebrow dandruff?

A manifestation of seborrheic dermatitis is eyebrow dandruff. Dandruff and oily, scaly, and inflamed skin patches are just a few of its symptoms. It is frequently referred to as a “cradle cap” in infants.

Despite its name, dandruff on the eyebrows is distinct from that on the scalp. Pityriasis capitis, another name for dandruff, is a skin condition that only affects the scalp and doesn’t inflame the skin. That said, both ailments have comparable causes and respond to the same medications.

What are the causes of eyebrow dandruff?

There are ample causes of eyebrow dandruff.

1. Seborrheic dermatitis

All ages are susceptible to seborrheic dermatitis, which is a very common skin condition. Scalp dandruff is a symptom of seborrheic dermatitis that is mild. Some people will also notice their brows are flaking.

Typically, seborrheic dermatitis develops in regions with a high density of oil glands. These areas include–

• Scalp
• Face, including eyebrows and beard
• Chest
• Back
• Groin

2. Eczema

Also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that results in flaky, red skin patches all over the body. Although adults can also contract it, children and adolescents are more likely to do so. Although flaky eyebrows are one symptom of eczema, they are not the only ones.

3. Psoriasis

An autoimmune condition known as psoriasis makes your skin grow out of control. It results in thick skin patches that are irritated, itchy, and red. Psoriasis can appear anywhere on your body, but it typically appears on your scalp, knees, and elbows. Your brows may become flaky and affected by psoriasis if you have it.

4. Dry skin

When your skin loses too much moisture, it becomes dry. Dry skin doesn’t result in skin redness under the brows or oily buildup around the hair, unlike seborrheic dermatitis. In contrast to true eyebrow dandruff, it is also more likely to change with the weather and respond to moisturizers.

5. Contact dermatitis

A skin reaction called contact dermatitis is brought on by an allergy or sensitivity to ingredients in cosmetics like creams or shampoos. A red, scaly skin rash is another side effect. It might be to blame if your eyebrows start flaking after using a new product. Your symptoms should get better once you stop using the medication.

What are the symptoms of eyebrow dandruff?

Under and around the eyebrows, a person may have white, gray, or yellow flakes of skin. A person might experience an itchy or inflamed area that makes them want to scratch or pick at it.

What is the treatment for eyebrow treatment?

1. Using antifungal cleansers

As was previously mentioned, a fungal agent (yeast) is the most frequent cause of eyebrow dandruff. By reducing yeast overgrowth and removing dandruff, brow washing with an antifungal shampoo containing selenium sulfide or ketoconazole can help. Additionally, keep an eye out for salicylic acid, sulfacetamide, sulfur, and tar soaps.

2. Treating underlying skin conditions

• If you have contact dermatitis, you need to know what causes flare-ups so you can avoid them. You can apply corticosteroids or take antihistamines as prescribed by your doctor if you experience extreme discomfort.

• Since chronic conditions like eczema or psoriasis frequently recur, your healthcare provider is the best person to offer advice on how to control your symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

3. Home remedies for eyebrow dandruff

• Natural oils like coconut, avocado, or jojoba oil can help hydrate the face in cases of mild dry skin.

• A popular essential oil with some medicinal qualities is tea tree oil. Tea tree oil may actually possess potent antifungal and antioxidant properties, according to one study.

• The oil must be diluted in a carrier, which is crucial. When applying tea tree oil anywhere near the eyes, exercise extra caution.

Pro-Tips for eyebrow dandruff removal

• Avoid drying out the skin around your brows, especially during the dry winter months. To keep your facial skin hydrated, use a good moisturizer that is suitable for your skin on a regular basis.

• Avoid scratching the area because doing so will make dandruff worse and increase the risk of infection.

• You should exercise caution when exfoliating your brows because it can help remove dry, dead skin. Scrubbing too hard can worsen your dandruff and inflame the area around your eyebrows.

• If a specific cleanser or skin care item is exacerbating your brow dandruff, pay attention to this and, if at all possible, stay away from it. Common skin irritants include harsh soaps, perfumes, certain chemicals like SLS, and parabens.

• Your immune system may be impacted by stress, and hence, it is advisable to avoid stress to get healthy skin.

Final Thoughts

Eyebrow dandruff is common when there is an underlying skin condition. Eyebrow dandruff removal is possible only when the underlying condition is treated. The use of home remedies is an effective way in treating eyebrow dandruff. If the condition persists, do pay a visit to a skin specialist.

To read more about natural ways of treating dandruff, click here.