Eyebrow dandruff and scalp dandruff share the same symptoms. The white, flaky skin shedding off the eyebrows and forehead can make things embarrassing. Let’s look at what eyebrow dandruff is and how to remove dandruff from eyebrows.
In medical terminology, eyebrow dandruff is seen as a form of seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition. It is caused due to the overactivity of Malassezia, a yeast-like fungus that naturally grows on human skin.
What Triggers Eyebrow Dandruff?
It is important to know that while seborrheic dermatitis is often associated with eyebrow dandruff, it is not the only factor that triggers dandruff in the eyebrows. The flaky skin in and around the eyebrows can be a result of:
- Contact dermatitis is a skin response that triggers upon contact with an allergen or irritant. Ingredients in makeup and hair care products are seen as the most common risk factors.
- Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a chronic skin condition. It leads to red, itchy skin with white, patchy flakes.
- It can also be a result of psoriasis, an autoimmune condition that causes the production of skin cells very quickly.
- People sometimes mistake excessively dry skin in the eyebrow area for eyebrow dandruff. This is especially common for people living in areas that witness harsh and extreme weather changes.
Signs of Eyebrow Dandruff
The characteristic features of eyebrow dandruff are similar to those of scalp dandruff. People with eyebrow dandruff are likely to experience itching and redness under the eyebrows. There are patches of greasy, flaky, yellowish scales coming off the eyebrows. In severe cases such as seborrheic dermatitis, there may be rashes on the face, chest, back, and skin folds (around the nose).
How to Diagnose Eyebrow Dandruff?
The presence of skin flakes in the eyebrows is a telltale sign of diagnosis. Dermatologists visually inspect the area to confirm the condition. Subsequently, the range of symptoms will be closely studied to pinpoint the exact cause of eyebrow dandruff.
How to Remove Dandruff From Eyebrows?
The eyebrow dandruff cure is typically linked to the cause behind the outbreak. Depending upon what causes the eyebrow dandruff to trigger, dermatologists may prescribe treatments ranging from moisturizers to over-the-counter products with active ingredients namely, selenium sulfide, pyrithione zinc, ketoconazole, coal tar, tea tree oil, and salicylic acid.
Prescription treatments are also available for difficult-to-treat cases of eyebrow dandruff. Besides over-the-counter drugs, steroid shampoos like betamethasone and fluocinolone are also used as an eyebrow dandruff cure.
Do Eyebrow Dandruff Home Remedies Work?
Mild to moderate cases of eyebrow dandruff can be effectively treated with simple home remedies. Some important eyebrow dandruff home remedies include:
- Use natural oils like coconut oil, almond oil, and jojoba oil to cure dry skin.
- Tea tree oil works as an antifungal formula to combat fungal growth.
- Applying pure aloe vera gel helps cure dryness and inflammation associated with eyebrow dandruff.
- Mix equal parts of water and raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and apply this solution to the eyebrows using a cotton ball. Rinse off with water after a few minutes.
Is Eyebrow Dandruff Preventable?
Eyebrow dandruff is usually a life-long condition. The episodes of eyebrow dandruff can be frequent and recurrent. While there is no complete eyebrow dandruff cure, prevention is often seen as a viable way to control the symptoms. People who are prone to eyebrow dandruff can use these tips as preventive strategies:
- Continue using medicated shampoo once or twice a week.
- Use a gentle face cleanser that does not dry out the skin.
- Use a good moisturizer after every wash.
- Avoid taking hot water baths. Use lukewarm water instead.
- Use natural oils to get rid of the flaky buildup.
- Remove the loose scales with the help of gentle combing strokes.
Conclusion
Eyebrow dandruff can be a lingering condition that requires effective management and prevention strategies to keep the symptoms under control. Eyebrow dandruff home remedies work wonders when incorporated regularly. However, medical intervention may be required for prolonged and hand-to-handle cases.
