Discovering just a few flaky specs in your head isn’t something out of the abnormal. However in your forehead hairs? Which may catch you off guard. Earlier than you panic, eyebrow dandruff normally isn’t something to fret about, Hope Mitchell, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founding father of Mitchell Dermatology in Perrysburg, Ohio, tells SELF.
That mentioned, it’s not precisely a one-size-fits-all analysis, both. Somewhat, these little white or yellowish crumbs could possibly be indicators of some totally different points that deserve your consideration, like dry pores and skin craving moisture, for instance, or an underlying situation resulting in irritation or irritation. Under, we requested dermatologists to interrupt down all of the potential causes of eyebrow dandruff—and extra importantly, how you can clear it up ASAP.
So, what’s inflicting my eyebrow dandruff?
1. Seborrheic dermatitis
Colloquially, individuals typically use “dandruff” as a catch-all time period for any and all flakes. However in line with Amy Freeman, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Millburn, New Jersey, true “dandruff” technically refers to a gentle type of seborrheic dermatitis, an inflammatory pores and skin dysfunction that impacts hair-bearing areas filled with oil glands—mostly, your scalp. But it surely will also be the rationale you’re shedding in your face, too.
Irrespective of the place it reveals up, Dr. Freeman tells SELF the underlying explanation for seborrheic dermatitis is identical: An overgrowth of Malassezia yeast that feeds on oils. That explains why you’re extra prone to discover distinctively greasy, scaly, typically itchy patches in remoted spots filled with sebaceous glands, like your brows, underarms, and even your beard.
Now, there are just a few clues that may assist you determine if seborrheic dermatitis (and never one other perpetrator on this checklist) is accountable. For one, precise dandruff flakes are usually oily and localized as a substitute of dry and widespread, Dr. Freeman factors out. And in additional extreme circumstances, “you may additionally expertise extra telltale signs like redness (in lighter pores and skin tones) and irritation,” she provides. Additionally, as a result of the yeast thrives in moist, sebum-rich environments, piling on further lotions and lotions would most likely make an SD flare-up even worse.
2. Common ol’ dryness
Technically, these frosty bits in your brows won’t be dandruff (a.ok.a. seborrheic dermatitis) in any respect. As an alternative, they may simply be peeling, chapped, dry pores and skin. And sure, there’s a delicate distinction: Though each contain shedding, dryness happens when there’s an absence of moisture and normally will be soothed with hydrating merchandise. Dandruff, however, is brought on by extra oil—which Dr. Mitchell notes will be triggered by components like hormonal fluctuations, seasonal shifts, and even dryness (since your physique would possibly overcompensate by producing extra sebum).