Eyelash Growth

[smooth24]

Since I was little I've always been pulling my eyelashes out and was wondering if I've permanently damaged them.  I think I can notice a difference between my left eyelashes being fewer and smaller than my right and an overall decrease in my eyelash length.  I am trying to stop doing this but want to know if the damage has already been done, thanks.

[lostintheworld22]

I think i suffer from trichotillomania too... It's so reassuring to know that other people are just like me and this forum is so relatable. Since I can remember, I've been pulling out both my eyelashes and eyebrows and luckily for me, they have grown back each time (only to be pulled at again, unfortunately). I cannot identify a particular source of anxiety for this behaviour: I had a normal childhood and am doing well academically. From the link above, I could relate to many of the consequences of Trichotillomania (hard to have relationships or be in new situations) and I always feel satisfied after pulling out an eyelash/eyebrow due to the release of the built up tension. I am only 15, so cannot go to  a doctor/psychiatrist without parental guidance and oddly enough my mum,  upon realising my habit a few years ago, confessed to me that she too had the same habit when she was my age, but managed to overcome it quickly (thinking I would do the same). Since then, however, she thinks I am cured and I don't want to admit reality to her because I fear she will be disappointed with me... What coping methods would you say were the most effective?

[nancygill72]

i also have trich but not for lashes.for the hairs on my head.its been 6 years now..n i still cant stop..i seriously have no idea y i still ve hair..i might as well be completely bald.i pull them under great pressure and stress..and wen bored.how can i stop? what can i do to mk them grow again?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Usually although with trich longer pinching at eyelashes can cause micro-scarring which can kill the roots or misdirect them.

JCH MD

[ilovesummer985]

I suffer from Trich. I have recently made a promise to myself to stop pulling. I have a rubber band around my wrist and whenever i want to pull, i just play with that. It has helped. It has only been a week since I have stopped pulling. I know lashes take about 3 months to grow back, but I am just wondering if there comes a point where you pull to much and eyelashes wont grow back. I have been pulling on and off for about 8 years. My eyelashes will still grow back right???

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[anonymous_543]

You misunderstood me :)  I ment there is no cure for Trichtillomania.  Since it can be brought on by so many things, the best one can hope for is to be mindful of what brings it on.  At times, I have even gone to bed with a full set of lashes and woke up the next morning with none.  Apparently, my daily stresses came out in my sleep.  But to those who have this unfortunate habit, don't ever stop trying to break it. Eat a healthy diet.  You'd be surprised how this change can change your mood!  Also, wake up and exercize, it's a good way to rid yourself of stress and clear your thoughts for the day. After all, healthy body contributes to a healthy mind.

Oh, and awesom information about LUMILASH!!!  

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Anxiety most certainly can be CONTROLED with medication, behavioral therapy and psychotherapy.

The maker of LUMIGAN glaucoma drops is just gearing up to introduce the use of LUMIGAN to grow eyelashes the new product is called LUMILASH  It is not a drop but apparently applied like mascara. The product is not out and was just annouced this past week.

JCH III MD

[anonymous_543]

I have Trichotillomania as well, and I've noticed that it happens when I'm either stressed or bored.  However, over the course of my life, my eyelashes have always grown back the way they were before.  They grow in at an average thickness.  However, one sice is curled more than the other.  I believe thiis is just due to genetics, perhaps, thin eyelashes are genetic as well... and one side being longer than the other could be considered normal.  After all, I have been told that hair tends to grow faster on one side than other.  If this is so, why can't eyelashes?  And I agree with Dr. Hagan, that this is related to anxiety.  To my knowledge there is no cure for this.  I've tried everything!  However, I do find that resolving whatever is making me Anxious, stressed or bored helps me with this issue greatly.  I've had my eyelashes for a month now...however, my eyebrows don't look so good. : )  Still, it's an improvement!!!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Trichotillomania is pulling your eyelashes out. It's an anxiety disorder.

Paste this link in your internet browser and read all of this:

http://www.emedicine.com/PED/topic2298.htm

JCH III MD

[davidp1]

Whats trishotillomania?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

You have trichotillomania. You should see an Eye MD and a psychiatrist.

JCH III MD