Madarosis
A comprehensive overview of madarosis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and complications.
Category
Eyelid Disorder
Eyelid Disorder
Primary Finding
Loss of eyelashes/eyebrows
Loss of eyelashes/eyebrows
Typical Onset
Any age
Any age
Treatable
Depends on cause
Depends on cause
Overview
Madarosis is the partial or complete loss of eyelashes and/or eyebrows. It is a clinical sign associated with inflammatory eyelid disease, autoimmune disorders, endocrine disease, infections, trauma, medications, nutritional deficiencies, and congenital disorders.
Symptoms & Signs
- Eyelash loss
- Eyebrow thinning
- Dry eye symptoms
- Eyelid inflammation
- Ocular irritation
- Cosmetic concerns
- Associated scalp or skin changes
Common Causes
- Blepharitis
- Alopecia areata
- Thyroid disease
- Trichotillomania
- Chemotherapy
- Nutritional deficiency
- Rare infections
Diagnosis
- Eye examination
- External eyelid evaluation
- Slit-lamp examination
- Medical history review
- Laboratory testing or biopsy when indicated
Differential Diagnosis
| Condition | Feature |
|---|---|
| Blepharitis | Lid inflammation |
| Alopecia areata | Patchy hair loss |
| Trichotillomania | Hair pulling |
| Demodex blepharitis | Cylindrical dandruff |
BlepharitisLid inflammation.
AlopeciaPatchy hair loss.
TrichotillomaniaHair pulling.
DemodexCylindrical dandruff.
Treatment
- Treat underlying cause
- Lid hygiene
- Artificial tears
- Nutritional supplementation when indicated
- Medical therapy for autoimmune/infectious disease
- Cosmetic reconstruction if needed
Complications
- Dry eye
- Ocular irritation
- Recurrent infection
- Psychosocial distress
Clinical Pearl: Madarosis is a sign rather than a diagnosis; evaluation should focus on identifying the underlying cause.
Common ICD-10 Codes
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| H02.72 | Madarosis of eyelid |
| L63.9 | Alopecia areata |
| H01.00- | Blepharitis |
H02.72Madarosis
L63.9Alopecia areata
H01.00-Blepharitis
FAQ
Can lashes grow back?
Often yes, if the underlying cause is treated before permanent follicle damage occurs.
Is madarosis a disease?
No. It is a clinical sign that requires evaluation for an underlying condition.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on Kardia Vision is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.