Eyelashes constantly falling out can be attributed to a variety of factors related to health conditions, daily habits, and external influences. Here is a detailed breakdown:
- Ocular Diseases
- Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelid margins can occur due to bacterial infections, skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, or allergies. This inflammation disrupts the health of the eyelash follicles, causing eyelashes to become loose and fall out more easily.
- Conjunctivitis: Whether caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergies, conjunctivitis can lead to redness, itching, and irritation in the eyes. The associated inflammation can affect the eyelash follicles and contribute to eyelash loss.
- Trichotillomania: This is a psychological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to pull out one's own hair, including eyelashes. Repeated pulling leads to significant eyelash loss and can even cause damage to the hair follicles, preventing normal regrowth.
- Systemic Diseases
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland can disrupt the body's hormonal balance. This hormonal imbalance can affect the growth cycle of hair, including eyelashes, leading to increased shedding.
- Alopecia Areata: This is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles. It can cause patchy hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body, including the eyelashes.
- Nutritional Deficiencies
- Lack of Vitamins: Deficiencies in vitamins such as biotin (vitamin B7), vitamin E, and vitamin C can impact hair health. Biotin, in particular, is essential for the production of keratin, a protein that makes up the structure of hair.
- Mineral Deficiencies: Iron and zinc are crucial minerals for maintaining healthy hair. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which reduces the oxygen supply to the hair follicles. Zinc is involved in many enzymatic processes in the body, and its deficiency can affect hair growth and strength.
- Improper Makeup Use and Removal
- Harsh Products: Mascaras, eyeliner, and false eyelashes contain chemicals that, when in contact with the eyelashes for extended periods, can weaken them. Using products of poor quality or those that are expired can cause more severe damage.
- Rough Removal: Aggressive rubbing or pulling during makeup removal can mechanically damage the eyelashes and their follicles. Using sharp tools or applying excessive force can break the eyelashes and cause them to fall out prematurely.
- Excessive Use of Eyelash Tools
- Eyelash Curler: Using an eyelash curler too frequently or applying too much pressure can cause the eyelashes to break or become loose at the root. Over time, this leads to increased eyelash loss.
- False Eyelashes and Glue: Wearing false eyelashes regularly and using strong adhesives can put stress on the natural eyelashes. The glue can also irritate the eyelid and follicles, contributing to eyelash fall.
- Environmental Irritants
- Pollution: High levels of air pollution, including particulate matter and chemicals in the air, can irritate the eyes and eyelashes. Prolonged exposure can damage the eyelash structure and lead to increased shedding.
- Sun Exposure: Overexposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays without proper eye protection can dry out and damage the eyelashes, making them more brittle and likely to fall out.
- Medications
- Chemotherapy Drugs: Medications used in cancer chemotherapy are known to have side effects that affect hair growth. They can disrupt the cell division process in the hair follicles, leading to hair loss all over the body, including the eyelashes.
- Some Antidepressants: Certain antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have been associated with hair loss as a side effect. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it may involve changes in hormone levels or effects on the hair growth cycle.
