What does it mean if a section of the eyebrow is missing or broken?
A missing segment of the eyebrow may result from physical friction injury, over-trimming, aging, seborrheic dermatitis, alopecia areata, and other causes. This condition can be improved by avoiding irritants, proper care, and medical treatment. If the affected area is accompanied by itching or worsening hair loss, prompt medical attention is recommended.
1. Physical friction injury: Frequent eyebrow rubbing (such as eye-rubbing or wearing tight headwear pressing on the eyebrows) can cause mechanical breakage. It is advised to reduce eye-rubbing, choose loose and comfortable head accessories, and avoid prolonged pressure on the eyebrows.
2. Over-trimming: Excessive or forceful eyebrow trimming may damage hair follicles, leading to eyebrow breakage. Reduce trimming frequency and handle gently during grooming to avoid excessive pulling on the eyebrow skin.
3. Aging: With age, reduced nutrient supply to hair follicles decreases eyebrow resilience, making them prone to breakage; some individuals may also experience thinning eyebrows. It is recommended to consume more protein- and vitamin-rich foods and gently massage the eyebrow area to promote blood circulation.
4. Seborrheic dermatitis: Inflammation caused by abnormal oil secretion or microbial irritation on eyebrow skin disrupts the follicular environment, resulting in eyebrow breakage, often accompanied by itching and flaking. Patients may use ketoconazole cream, tacrolimus ointment, or vitamin B6 tablets under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.
5. Alopecia areata: Autoimmune dysfunction damages hair follicles, causing localized hair loss or breakage in the eyebrow area, possibly accompanied by bald patches on other parts of the scalp. It is recommended to use medications such as minoxidil solution, halometasone cream, or thymopeptide enteric-coated tablets under a doctor’s supervision to relieve symptoms.
Maintain eyebrow hygiene by minimizing frequent touching, use mild facial cleansers, reduce the use of eyebrow cosmetics, maintain a balanced diet for adequate nutrition, follow a regular sleep schedule, and avoid staying up late to support healthy eyebrow growth.
