Why Do My Eyebrows Have Flakes

Many men and women have had dandruff since they were adolescents. Many people just get used to having flakes on their shoulders. But when symptoms change, and you start seeing scale in the folds between your nose and cheeks, the nasolabial folds, or start to see flakes in your eyebrows, you may begin to wonder what is going on here. Is this eyebrow dandruff? Is that a thing? Is eyebrow dandruff normal??

Is Eyebrow Dandruff Normal?

The answer is yes. You might think that dandruff can only appear on the scalp, but it can also appear on the eyebrows. Flaking that appears on the eyebrows is considered dandruff. 

Dandruff in the eyebrows causes the following symptoms. In some cases, all of these symptoms might appear, while in other cases, only some symptoms may appear depending on what is causing the dandruff. 

• Flaking
• Itchy skin
• Redness
• Inflammation
• White or yellow scales
• Rash
• Greasy skin 

Why Do My Eyebrows Have Flakes?

There can be several causes of flakes on the eyebrows. However, one of the most common causes is seborrheic dermatitis.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

What is seborrheic dermatitis? Seborrheic dermatitis is a more intense version of dandruff—a mild sloughing of the topmost layer of skin, and if you are reading this, you or a loved one may have it. Don’t fret. It is extremely common.

It is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes greasy, scaly patches and causes itching and irritation on the skin. When it appears in babies, it is known as cradle cap. It is believed to be caused by the overproduction of sebum and the overgrowth of Malassezia yeast.

Of all places, why are the eyebrows affected? The eyebrows and nasolabial folds happen to be areas with high oil production. A yeast called Malassezia that lives on everyone’s skin eats these oils, making a byproduct that irritates the skin and then flakes.

Other uncommon causes of flaking in the eyebrows area could be the following:

Eczema

If Eczema causes eyebrow flakes, you will likely have dry or itchy spots on other body parts. For instance, in the folds of the arms or on the wrists—location is age-dependent.  It causes itchy, flaky patches of skin on the eyebrows. It can also cause red rashes on skin if proper treatment and care are not provided. You can find more info on Eczema here.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema that is caused by irritants and allergens. The flakes caused on eyebrows are usually an immune system’s reaction to the harsh chemicals in the face and skincare products.

It causes flaking, redness, itching, and dry skin on the eyebrows. It can also cause cracked skin, swelling, bumps, and blisters in the eyebrow area.

Acne

If the cause of the flakes were Acne, you would likely have other red lesions (inflammatory papules) or blackheads (open comedones) on your cheeks, forehead, or chin.

Psoriasis

If the eyebrow flaking were Psoriasis, you would expect a lesion with a sharply defined red base with thick white scales.  These red spots with whitish scales would likely extend beyond just the immediate eyebrow area—perhaps onto the eyelid or forehead.

It is a chronic skin condition believed to be caused by an overactive immune system. Due to the dysfunction of the immune system, the skin is produced faster than normal, even before the old ones fall off, causing flaking and scaling.

Ichthyosis

Ichthyosis is a condition of dry skin that is usually diffuse, meaning it occurs on large parts of the body, such as the whole trunk, arms, and legs. However, it can also appear on the eyebrows and forehead.

Drug-Induced Photosensitivity

Lastly, Drug-Induced Photosensitivity means you are taking medication orally or topically, and after exposure to the sun, you could get red spots in the sun-exposed areas. Most likely, it would not just affect the eyebrows

Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cradle Cap) Treatment

These are the thoughts that a physician may have–what we call a differential diagnosis. Common things being common: your eyebrow flakes are likely seborrheic dermatitis or a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis. 

Happy Cappy developed a medicated shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis, cradle cap and dandruff that avoids the harmful ingredients that are common in other adult dandruff shampoos that can help with these flakes. Happy Cappy’s medicated shampoo is parabens-free, fragrance-free, sulfate-free, and 95% natural, providing a safe moisturizing shampoo for kids and adults alike.

If you or your loved one is experiencing seborrheic dermatitis or cradle cap on the scalp, you can also try a cradle cap brush. Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Cradle Cap Brush has created a soft-bristled cradle cap brush that is safe for adults and babies. Use it to massage the scalp and remove excess scales gently.

Eczema Treatment

If the dandruff in your eyebrows is caused by eczema, then follow a proper skincare routine to manage the itching, redness, and irritation. 

Eczema Shampoo

If you have eczema, your skincare routine should include a daily cleanser to clean the affected area at least once daily. Dr. Eddie has formulated an eczema shampoo that can be used as a body wash and face wash as well. Happy Cappy Daily Shampoo and Body Wash contain natural ingredients that soothe dry, itchy, sensitive, eczema-prone skin.

Eczema Cream

For those that have eczema, the next and perhaps most important step in the skincare routine is the frequent use of moisturizer. Use an eczema cream twice daily to reduce the dryness, itching, and irritation associated with eczema. Happy Cappy Moisturizing Cream for Eczema is quick-absorbing. Non-greasy, it helps restore the delicate skin barrier and hydrate the skin.

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Dr. Eddie Valenzuela

Dr. Eddie Valenzuela is an award winning pediatrician and the founder and CEO of Pediatric Solutions, LLC.

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