Madarosis, Milphosis, Eyelash Trichomegaly, and Dermatochalasis: Conditions Affecting the Periocular Area

February 2015 in “ Clinics in Dermatology ”

Alok Vij, Wilma F. Bergfeld

Studysummary This article discusses various periocular conditions like madarosis, milphosis, trichomegaly, and dermatochalasis, and highlights their potential link to underlying local and systemic diseases, but reports no new clinical findings.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The document from 2015 examines conditions affecting the periocular area, such as madarosis (loss of eyelashes or eyebrows), milphosis (eyelash loss), trichomegaly (excessive eyelash growth), and dermatochalasis (excess eyelid skin). It outlines the significance of these features for both cosmetic and functional purposes and their potential to signal local and systemic diseases. The paper details the anatomy and protective roles of eyebrows and eyelashes, including variations across ethnicities. It provides a comprehensive differential diagnosis for madarosis, attributing it to ophthalmologic, dermatologic, and systemic diseases, including blepharitis, dermatitis, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, trichotillomania, endocrinopathies, infections, and neoplastic conditions, as well as certain medications and toxins. Nutritional deficiencies and scarring processes are also mentioned as causes of madarosis. Trichomegaly is discussed as being congenital or acquired, with medications like prostaglandins and epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors commonly inducing it. Dermatochalasis is primarily associated with aging but can also result from various syndromes or conditions. The document underscores the importance of observing the periocular area for indications of disease.

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