What causes a sudden missing patch in the eyebrows, and what should be done about it?
Dec 01, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Feng
Introduction
In general, sudden loss of a portion of the eyebrows may be caused by excessive mental stress, physical pulling, alopecia areata, seborrheic dermatitis, hypothyroidism, or other reasons. Depending on the specific situation, improvement can be achieved through emotional regulation, daily care, medication, or other methods. In daily life, it's important to learn how to regulate physical and mental well-being and reduce external irritation to the eyebrow area.
Generally, sudden loss of a portion of the eyebrows may be caused by excessive mental stress, physical pulling, alopecia areata, seborrheic dermatitis, hypothyroidism, or other reasons. Depending on the specific situation, improvements can be made through emotional regulation, daily care, medication, and other approaches. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Excessive Mental Stress
Long-term anxiety and staying up late can lead to endocrine disorders, affecting nutrient supply to hair follicles and causing temporary dormancy of eyebrow follicles, resulting in hair loss. Maintain regular sleep habits and avoid staying up late. Relieve stress through exercise or listening to music, and keep emotions stable and balanced.
2. Physical Pulling
Frequent eyebrow rubbing, wearing tight hats, or using irritating eyebrow cosmetics can cause hair loss due to traction and friction. Discontinue use of irritating products, avoid rubbing the eyebrows, choose loose-fitting hats, and allow the skin in the eyebrow area sufficient time to rest.
3. Alopecia Areata
An autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks hair follicles, causing them to stop growing and leading to round or oval-shaped bald patches. Under medical guidance, topical treatments such as minoxidil solution or halometasone cream may be used, along with oral administration of compound glycyrrhizin tablets. Avoid excessive scratching of affected areas.
4. Seborrheic Dermatitis
Overactive sebaceous glands cause inflammation that irritates eyebrow follicles, leading to eyebrow loss accompanied by oily scalp and itching. Follow medical advice for topical use of ketoconazole shampoo or tacrolimus ointment, take vitamin B6 orally, and keep the eyebrow area clean and dry.
5. Hypothyroidism
Insufficient secretion of thyroid hormones affects metabolism and leads to nutritional impairment of hair follicles, making the outer portions of the eyebrows prone to falling out. Under medical supervision, take levothyroxine sodium tablets or thyroid tablets, and have regular follow-up tests to adjust medication dosage based on thyroid function.
In daily life, learn to regulate physical and mental well-being and reduce external irritation to the eyebrow area. If the hair loss area expands or is accompanied by other physical discomforts, seek timely medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause. Consistent scientific care and standardized treatment will support the regrowth of eyebrows.
