eyelashes falling out after infection

[cainlar]

My eyelashes are falling out! I have had an infection that was like a rash around my eyes, it was all red and flakey and horribly itchy. Now it is starting to clear up after using antihystemines and E45 cream around the affected area. Now there are bald patches in my eyelashes and it's really worrying me. All around the edges of my eyes where the eyelashes start is itchy and there is kind of a burning sensation... What is this? How long does it take for eyelashes to grow back? I'm a 16 year old girl, this is very important to me! I appreciate the help, guys :) xx

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
These symptoms can be due to contact dermatitis, allergies, eczema, seborrehic dermatitis or blepharitis. Blepharitis is a condition in which the eyelids are inflamed and become scaly and flaky. I would suggest you to consult a dermatologist/ eye specialist and get the diagnosis confirmed after examination and if need arises a biopsy skin. Till that time, you can take OTC antihistaminics like Benadryl or Claritin. Longer-acting antihistamines are available by prescription. They cause less drowsiness and can work just as well.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[empem]

i have the same exact problem! and im 16 too! its so god damn frustrating! its been going on all year. i got this eye infection just like yours horrible but now that thats gone they still keep falling out. it feels like an endless cycle. and ive tried everything. im so confused..i feel like some alien and i dont know whats happening to me. i definatly dont touch them or have alopecha. anyway i hope you find out whats going on or get better... :(