Alopecia Areata of Eyelashes

Alopecia areata is a condition in which an autoimmune response causes hair loss. About 2 percent of Americans have some form of the disease, according to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation 1. Any part of the body with hair can be affected, but eyelashes and eyebrows typically only fall out in people with severe cases, according to a study published in the Dermatology Online Journal 2. Furthermore, cases of alopecia involving only the eyelashes are extremely rare, the journal reports 2.

Onset

In the typical progression of alopecia, hair loss becomes noticeable on the scalp, then begins affecting the eyelashes and other parts of the body. Alopecia strictly affecting the eyelashes is a rarely seen presentation of the condition, according to Dermatology Online Journal 2. In these cases, the condition rarely spreads to other hair-bearing parts of the body, such as the scalp.

Symptoms

Scalp Conditions That Cause Hair Loss

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With all forms of alopecia, hair loss generally occurs gradually and may not be immediately noticeable. Over time, you may notice coin-sized bald patches on the scalp. The hair loss typically produces no other symptoms, although you may experience an itching sensation on the scalp before hair begins to fall out. In patients whose eyelashes are extensively involved, hair loss often occurs in clumps on both the upper and lower eyelids.

Cause

Alopecia areata occurs because the body's immune system attacks the hair follicles, according to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation 1. Researchers have not determined why the immune system begins attacking hair follicles, but both genetics and environmental factors are believed to play a role. People of all ages and ethnicities develop alopecia areata, and it most commonly develops in young adults and children. In about 20 percent of cases, a person with the condition also has a family member who has alopecia, the American Academy of Dermatology reports.

Treatment

Eyelash Growth Cycle

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There is no cure for alopecia areata, but treatments can be used to encourage hair growth. One such option is corticosteroid injections into the site where hair loss has occurred. You will generally notice new hair growth about a month after treatment starts, the American Academy of Dermatology reports. In some cases, the corticosteroids can be taken orally or be applied topically to the area where hair has fallen out. When much of a person's hair is involved, more invasive treatments such as hair transplants can be considered. Wigs and hairpieces also are available for people who experience drastic hair loss.

Prognosis

In many cases, hair that falls out from alopecia areata -- including eyelashes, eyebrows and facial hair -- will grow back. However, many people with the condition will continue to experience bouts of hair loss throughout the course of their lives, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Some people continue to experience patchy hair loss or even extensive or total hair loss continuously. The condition itself is not a sign of a more serious illness, but people with alopecia areata are more likely to develop some other autoimmune conditions, including vitiligo and Hashimoto's disease.