Got Eyebrow Dandruff? Here’s What Your Body’s Trying to Tell You

Livestrong.com may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
Eyebrow dandruff can occur due to dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis and other skin-related issues.
Image Credit: PeopleImages/iStock/GettyImages

Scalp dandruff is a drag, but it's not unusual. What might seem strange is when flakes are falling from your brows. Yep, eyebrow dandruff is a thing.

Advertisement

Here, Aanand Geria, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey, explains why your brows may become dry and flaky, plus how to properly treat them to ditch the dandruff, stat.

Video of the Day

Video of the Day

1. You Have Seborrheic Dermatitis

A common form of eczema, seborrheic dermatitis usually develops as dandruff or a rash in parts of the body that produce a lot of oil (think: the upper back, nose and scalp), according to the National Eczema Association.

But this chronic skin condition, which causes irritated patches of skin and inflammation, can also spark flare-ups near the eyebrows, Dr. Geria says.

Wherever it creeps up, seborrheic dermatitis is typically triggered by an overblown inflammatory immune response to an overgrowth of Malassezia, a normal type of yeast that resides on the skin, according to the National Eczema Association.

Advertisement

Certain factors can increase your risk of seborrheic dermatitis, including:

  • Stress
  • Recovery from a stressful life event, like losing a loved one or a heart attack
  • Hormonal changes or illness
  • Harsh detergents, solvents, chemicals and soaps
  • Cold, dry weather or a change in the season
  • Some medications, including psoralen, interferon and lithium
  • Certain medical conditions, such as HIV and Parkinson's disease

Advertisement

Fix it‌: “One can go the over-the-counter route with dandruff shampoos” to treat seborrheic dermatitis, Dr. Geria says. “Helpful ingredients to look for include salicylic acid, sulfur, tar soap and sulfacetamide.”

For a tried-and true OTC dandruff shampoo, he recommends Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo ($14.70, Amazon).

“When using dandruff shampoo on the brows, it is helpful to lather it into the eyebrows and have it ‘set’ for a few minutes before rinsing,” Dr. Geria says. “Also, be careful to avoid getting the shampoo directly in the eyes,” he adds.

2. You Have Psoriasis

Your flaky brows could be a sign of psoriasis, a chronic skin disease that results in raised scales, patches or itchiness, Dr. Geria says.

While this condition most commonly affects the knees, elbows, trunk and scalp, it can also show up on other parts of the body, like your face (and, yep, your eyebrows).

Advertisement

This inflammatory issue is thought to be initiated by an overactive immune system, according to the Mayo Clinic.

"When the immune system is off kilter, the skin makes new skin cells faster than the old ones are being shed," Dr. Geria says. Which is why you see the influx of flakes as they accumulate on the surface of the skin.

Advertisement

Fix it:‌ To reduce psoriasis-related eyebrow dandruff, try using a gentle moisturizer, which can help decrease dryness that may develop into psoriasis flares. Look for skin care products with a seal of recognition from the National Psoriasis Foundation. These are formulated to be non-irritating and safe for sensitive skin.

In more severe cases, you may need to see your doctor, who can prescribe you a stronger medication to help calm an overactive immune system.

3. You Have Contact Dermatitis

When your scaly brows are brought on by irritation or allergies to ingredients in substances such as skin or hair-care products, contact dermatitis is usually responsible, Dr. Geria says.

Advertisement

From fragrances to detergent, many things can trigger this scaly skin reaction, which usually surfaces within a few days of exposure to the irritant. "The culprit might be a new product, even something as simple as shampoo," Dr. Geria says.

Normally, an itchy rash, redness or flakiness crops up, but other symptoms can appear, including the following, per the Mayo Clinic:

Advertisement

  • Leathery patches that are darker than usual (hyperpigmented), typically on brown or Black skin
  • Dry, cracked, scaly skin, typically on white skin
  • Bumps and blisters, sometimes with oozing and crusting
  • Swelling, burning or tenderness

Fix it‌: The best way to combat contact dermatitis — and decrease eyebrow dandruff — is by eliminating the problematic product from your daily routine.

If you’re having trouble identifying what caused your reaction in the first place, patch testing can be helpful. Your doctor will place sticky patches — which have tiny traces of possible allergens — on your skin to see how your body responds, according to the Mayo Clinic. If your skin becomes inflamed by a particular patch, this may signal that a certain substance is causing an allergic reaction.

In the interim, "an over-the-counter anti-itch cream or an over-the-counter antihistamine can help ease the symptoms,” Dr. Geria says.

4. You Have Dry Skin

Sometimes run-of-the-mill dry skin is the source of your flaky brows.

Advertisement

"Near the eyebrows, skin lacking in moisture can often be mistaken for dandruff [related to other chronic skin conditions]," Dr. Geria says.

Unlike eczema or psoriasis, which are triggered by an inflammatory response of your immune system, your average case of dry skin is usually related to the weather or the environment. For instance, dry skin in the eyebrow region is characteristic of those living in areas with cold temperatures or low humidity, Dr. Geria says.

Still having difficulty distinguishing between dry skin and other skin issues? Your best bet is to see a dermatologist.

Fix it‌: Flaky eyebrow skin “will typically subside with a good moisturizing routine,” Dr. Geria says. He recommends Neutrogena Hydro Boost Face Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid for Dry Skin ($16.99, Amazon), which is oil-free and non-comedogenic.

Additionally, applying jojoba oil, coconut or avocado oil to the area can also bring moisture to the brows and deter dandruff, he adds.

When to See a Doctor

"In general, if you are susceptible to eyebrow dandruff, be sure to moisturize your face well, use an SPF of 30 daily, don't aggravate the area by touching or rubbing it and keep track of new products you use on your face or hair to see if that exacerbates the condition," Dr. Geria says.

But if those simple, sensible steps don't resolve the issue, consider seeking help.

"For those with more stubborn or severe eyebrow dandruff, a visit to the dermatologist might be necessary," Dr. Geria says.

After a thorough evaluation, you doctor will determine which course of treatment is best for you, such as a prescription-strength anti-dandruff shampoo.

references

Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.

universo-virtual.com
buytrendz.net
thisforall.net
benchpressgains.com
qthzb.com
mindhunter9.com
dwjqp1.com
secure-signup.net
ahaayy.com
soxtry.com
tressesindia.com
puresybian.com
krpano-chs.com
cre8workshop.com
hdkino.org
peixun021.com
qz786.com
utahperformingartscenter.org
maw-pr.com
zaaksen.com
ypxsptbfd7.com
worldqrmconference.com
shangyuwh.com
eejssdfsdfdfjsd.com
playminecraftfreeonline.com
trekvietnamtour.com
your-business-articles.com
essaywritingservice10.com
hindusamaaj.com
joggingvideo.com
wandercoups.com
onlinenewsofindia.com
worldgraphic-team.com
bnsrz.com
wormblaster.net
tongchengchuyange0004.com
internetknowing.com
breachurch.com
peachesnginburlesque.com
dataarchitectoo.com
clientfunnelformula.com
30pps.com
cherylroll.com
ks2252.com
webmanicura.com
osostore.com
softsmob.com
sofietsshotel.com
facetorch.com
nylawyerreview.com
apapromotions.com
shareparelli.com
goeaglepointe.com
thegreenmanpubphuket.com
karotorossian.com
publicsensor.com
taiwandefence.com
epcsur.com
odskc.com
inzziln.info
leaiiln.info
cq-oa.com
dqtianshun.com
southstills.com
tvtv98.com
thewellington-hotel.com
bccaipiao.com
colectoresindustrialesgs.com
shenanddcg.com
capriartfilmfestival.com
replicabreitlingsale.com
thaiamarinnewtoncorner.com
gkmcww.com
mbnkbj.com
andrewbrennandesign.com
cod54.com
luobinzhang.com
bartoysdirect.com
taquerialoscompadresdc.com
aaoodln.info
amcckln.info
drvrnln.info
dwabmln.info
fcsjoln.info
hlonxln.info
kcmeiln.info
kplrrln.info
fatcatoons.com
91guoys.com
signupforfreehosting.com
faithfirst.net
zjyc28.com
tongchengjinyeyouyue0004.com
nhuan6.com
oldgardensflowers.com
lightupthefloor.com
bahamamamas-stjohns.com
ly2818.com
905onthebay.com
fonemenu.com
notanothermovie.com
ukrainehighclassescort.com
meincmagazine.com
av-5858.com
yallerdawg.com
donkeythemovie.com
corporatehospitalitygroup.com
boboyy88.com
miteinander-lernen.com
dannayconsulting.com
officialtomsshoesoutletstore.com
forsale-amoxil-amoxicillin.net
generictadalafil-canada.net
guitarlessonseastlondon.com
lesliesrestaurants.com
mattyno9.com
nri-homeloans.com
rtgvisas-qatar.com
salbutamolventolinonline.net
sportsinjuries.info
topsedu.xyz
xmxm7.com
x332.xyz
sportstrainingblog.com
autopartspares.com
readguy.net
soniasegreto.com
bobbygdavis.com
wedsna.com
rgkntk.com
bkkmarketplace.com
zxqcwx.com
breakupprogram.com
boxcardc.com
unblockyoutubeindonesia.com
fabulousbookmark.com
beat-the.com
guatemala-sailfishing-vacations-charters.com
magie-marketing.com
kingstonliteracy.com
guitaraffinity.com
eurelookinggoodapparel.com
howtolosecheekfat.net
marioncma.org
oliviadavismusic.com
shantelcampbellrealestate.com
shopleborn13.com
topindiafree.com
v-visitors.net
qazwsxedcokmijn.com
parabis.net
terriesandelin.com
luxuryhomme.com
studyexpanse.com
ronoom.com
djjky.com
053hh.com
originbluei.com
baucishotel.com
33kkn.com
intrinsiqresearch.com
mariaescort-kiev.com
mymaguk.com
sponsored4u.com
crimsonclass.com
bataillenavale.com
searchtile.com
ze-stribrnych-struh.com
zenithalhype.com
modalpkv.com
bouisset-lafforgue.com
useupload.com
37r.net
autoankauf-muenster.com
bantinbongda.net
bilgius.com
brabustermagazine.com
indigrow.org
miicrosofts.net
mysmiletravel.com
selinasims.com
spellcubesapp.com
usa-faction.com
snn01.com
hope-kelley.com
bancodeprofissionais.com
zjccp99.com
liturgycreator.com
weedsmj.com
majorelenco.com
colcollect.com
androidnews-jp.com
hypoallergenicdogsnames.com
dailyupdatez.com
foodphotographyreviews.com
cricutcom-setup.com
chprowebdesign.com
katyrealty-kanepa.com
tasramar.com
bilgipinari.org
four-am.com
indiarepublicday.com
inquick-enbooks.com
iracmpi.com
kakaschoenen.com
lsm99flash.com
nana1255.com
ngen-niagara.com
technwzs.com
virtualonlinecasino1345.com
wallpapertop.net
nova-click.com
abeautifulcrazylife.com
diggmobile.com
denochemexicana.com
eventhalfkg.com
medcon-taiwan.com
life-himawari.com
myriamshomes.com
nightmarevue.com
allstarsru.com
bestofthebuckeyestate.com
bestofthefirststate.com
bestwireless7.com
declarationintermittent.com
findhereall.com
jingyou888.com
lsm99deal.com
lsm99galaxy.com
moozatech.com
nuagh.com
patliyo.com
philomenamagikz.net
rckouba.net
saturnunipessoallda.com
tallahasseefrolics.com
thematurehardcore.net
totalenvironment-inthatquietearth.com
velislavakaymakanova.com
vermontenergetic.com
sizam-design.com
kakakpintar.com
begorgeouslady.com
1800birks4u.com
2wheelstogo.com
6strip4you.com
bigdata-world.net
emailandco.net
gacapal.com
jharpost.com
krishnaastro.com
lsm99credit.com
mascalzonicampani.com
sitemapxml.org
thecityslums.net
topagh.com
flairnetwebdesign.com
bangkaeair.com
beneventocoupon.com
noternet.org
oqtive.com
smilebrightrx.com
decollage-etiquette.com
1millionbestdownloads.com
7658.info
bidbass.com
devlopworldtech.com
digitalmarketingrajkot.com
fluginfo.net
naqlafshk.com
passion-decouverte.com
playsirius.com
spacceleratorintl.com
stikyballs.com
top10way.com
yokidsyogurt.com
zszyhl.com
16firthcrescent.com
abogadolaboralistamd.com
apk2wap.com
aromacremeria.com
banparacard.com
bosmanraws.com
businessproviderblog.com
caltonosa.com
calvaryrevivalchurch.org
chastenedsoulwithabrokenheart.com
cheminotsgardcevennes.com
cooksspot.com
cqxzpt.com
deesywig.com
deltacartoonmaps.com
despixelsetdeshommes.com
duocoracaobrasileiro.com
fareshopbd.com
goodpainspills.com
kobisitecdn.com
makaigoods.com
mgs1454.com
piccadillyresidences.com
radiolaondafresca.com
rubendorf.com
searchengineimprov.com
sellmyhrvahome.com
shugahouseessentials.com
sonihullquad.com
subtractkilos.com
valeriekelmansky.com
vipasdigitalmarketing.com
voolivrerj.com
zeelonggroup.com
1015southrockhill.com
10x10b.com
111-online-casinos.com
191cb.com
3665arpentunitd.com
aitesonics.com
bag-shokunin.com
brightotech.com
communication-digitale-services.com
covoakland.org
dariaprimapack.com
freefortniteaccountss.com
gatebizglobal.com
global1entertainmentnews.com
greatytene.com
hiroshiwakita.com
iktodaypk.com
jahatsakong.com
meadowbrookgolfgroup.com
newsbharati.net
platinumstudiosdesign.com
slotxogamesplay.com
strikestaruk.com
trucosdefortnite.com
ufabetrune.com
weddedtowhitmore.com
12940brycecanyonunitb.com
1311dietrichoaks.com
2monarchtraceunit303.com
601legendhill.com
850elaine.com
adieusolasomade.com
andora-ke.com
bestslotxogames.com
cannagomcallen.com
endlesslyhot.com
iestpjva.com
ouqprint.com
pwmaplefest.com
qtylmr.com
rb88betting.com
buscadogues.com
1007macfm.com
born-wild.com
growthinvests.com
promocode-casino.com
proyectogalgoargentina.com
wbthompson-art.com
whitemountainwheels.com
7thavehvl.com
developmethis.com
funkydogbowties.com
travelodgegrandjunction.com
gao-town.com
globalmarketsuite.com
blogshippo.com
hdbka.com
proboards67.com
outletonline-michaelkors.com
kalkis-research.com
thuthuatit.net
buckcash.com
hollistercanada.com
docterror.com
asadart.com
vmayke.org
erwincomputers.com
dirimart.org
okkii.com
loteriasdecehegin.com
mountanalog.com
healingtaobritain.com
ttxmonitor.com
bamthemes.com
nwordpress.com
11bolabonanza.com
avgo.top