Madarosis: A Marker of Many Maladies

The document from 2012 reviews madarosis, the loss of eyelashes and/or eyebrows, as a clinical sign that may indicate a variety of local dermatological disorders or systemic diseases. It can be scarring or non-scarring, with causes ranging from ophthalmological and dermatological conditions to systemic diseases, autoimmune disorders, nutritional deficiencies, infections, trauma, drug reactions, toxic exposures, neoplasms, and inherited disorders. The review underscores the necessity of accurate diagnosis for effective management and mentions treatments such as follicular unit transplantation for scarring madarosis. It also provides a clinical approach for diagnosis and discusses the anatomy and growth rate of eyebrows and eyelashes. The document stresses that madarosis, while seemingly minor, can be a significant indicator of underlying health issues. It also outlines various treatments, including the cessation of certain drugs, the use of oral and topical medications, and surgical techniques for hair regrowth. The document concludes that a multidisciplinary approach is essential for managing madarosis, and it references literature from 1960 to September 2011 from databases like PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar.