Hello, ohi-ga!
First, I think you should speak to your doctor directly - and not to
the nurse - to determine whether you actually have alopecia. The fact
that this is only happening in one eye, predominantly, and that you
have not experienced hair loss on other parts of your body might
actually rule out alopecia as a cause. However, I am not a doctor, and
your physician should be the one to make an official diagnosis.
Please read the references I have included concerning Madarosis
(eyelash loss). I believe you might want to consider seeing another
physician to determine if there are some other factors contributing to
your eyelash loss. Also see the forum links I have referenced!
ABOUT ALOPECIA
===============
"What is Alopecia Areata?"
http://www.naaf.org/default2.asp
"Alopecia areata is a highly unpredictable, autoimmune skin disease
resulting in the loss of hair on the scalp and elsewhere on the body.
This common but very challenging and capricious disease affects
approximately 1.7 percent of the population overall, including more
than 5 million people in the United States alone. Due to the fact that
much of the public is still not familiar with alopecia areata, the
disease can have a profound impact on one's life and functional
status, both at work and at school."
"In alopecia areata, the affected hair follicles are mistakenly
attacked by a person's own immune system (white blood cells),
resulting in the arrest of the hair growth stage. Alopecia areata
usually starts with one or more small, round, smooth bald patches on
the scalp and can progress to total scalp hair loss (alopecia totalis)
or complete body hair loss (alopecia universalis)."
See the Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.naaf.org/requestinfo/faq.asp#1
LOSS OF EYELASHES
=================
"Eyelash Loss" - from DrDonnica
http://www.drdonnica.com/faqs/00008468.htm
Q: "My upper eyelashes have been falling out a lot lately, and then
growing back uneven and sparse. It's mostly in the middle of my
eyelid, right where it's most noticeable, and no amount of mascara or
curling makes my lashes look any better. My eye doctor is stumped, and
I'm worried I'll wind up without any lashes at all. Is there anything
I can do?"
Dr. Donnica: "To begin with, resist the temptation to apply false
eyelashes, although that might be your solution once an infection or
irritation is ruled out. The medical term for the loss of eyelashes is
madarosis. This condition is often due to blepharitis, or inflammation
of the eyelids, but if you went to an ophthalmologist, chances are
s/he would have been able to diagnose that."
"You didn't mention whether you've noticed hair loss anywhere else,
such as the scalp. In that case, the eyelash loss may be part of a
condition called alopecia areata. There are other possible causes too,
ranging from rare hormonal problems (an under-active thyroid gland may
case eyebrow loss) to unknowingly pulling your own eyelashes out as a
nervous habit. I recommend consulting a dermatologist. If s/he says
there's no infectious or inflammatory cause, then you can use false
eyelashes until you see regrowth."
==
Also read "Treatments for Eyelash Loss?" by William Trattler, MD
http://health.ivillage.com/eye/0,,6gvs,00.html
"Lashes Falling Out."
http://www.cosmeticscop.com/learn/article.asp?PAGETYPE=ART&REFER=SKIN&ID=111
==
You might be interested in reading other's experiences:
From the Dermatology Forum:
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/dermatology/messages/30051.html
Q. "I have noticed that my eyelashes are thinning dramatically with no
regrowth. I now have areas that are totally void of lashes. Is there a
topical that I could use to stimulate regrowth? What about the use of
Prednisone? Would that help? There doesn't appear to be an
infection.... no redness or anything.
A. "Though you don't say whether you have hair loss anywhere else,
such as the scalp. If you do, the eyelash loss may be part of a
condition called alopecia areata. There are other possible causes too,
ranging from hormone probelms (rare) to pulling the hairs out as a
nervous habit. My suggestion: get evaluated by your internist and
dermatologist. If you have alopecia, waiting it out is best, as
regrowth is expected. Topicals don't work, and prednisone has too many
side-effects for its short-lived benefit."
==
Also see "Eyelashes falling out." = Dermatology Forum
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/dermatology/messages/31455.html
==
Also see "Loss of eyelashes" - Dermatology Forum
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/dermatology/messages/30279.html
Excerpts:
My eyelashes also fall out alot...several per day. I am only 23 years
old. I used to have thick lashes but now they are pretty thin. I dont
have hair loss problem from my scalp.
This has been occuring for 2 years now. I have seen a few doctors in
regard to this...however noone has been able to figure out why this is
occuring."
..
"I've had struggles with my eyelashes since I was a teenager, and at
times I have had NO lashes. They have grown back each and every time
(if I simply leave them alone!)"
..
"I have been experiencing the eyelash loss for 9 months now. It starts
in the corner of the left eye to the center of the lid line. I have
had all the blood tests taken for the obvious, thyroid, lupus, etc.
but everything is normal. The condition started with no medical
abnormality present, such as an eye infection or anything else. There
is no itching or redness, but my eye is constantly irritated now
because there are no eye lashes to protect half of the eye. I have now
seen a dermatologist and it was unevenful. He asked me if I was
pulling them out----I said no, I am here because I am disturbed that
they have FALLEN OUT. He said to come back in 6 weeks to see if there
is growth. I did explain all of the above, Im under no stress, no
medical condition, no medications being taken, no change in soaps or
detergents etc. makeup is the same, and I rarely wear mascara. It is
not happening with my right eye. He said it appears to be a form of
alopecia, but did not prescribe anything. I check the lashes with a
magnifying glass and they seem to be coming in, in some areas, but not
significantly. They have not fully grown back in 9 months.
I have taken some advice I found on the net to wash my lashes with
baby shampoo. Thats all I am doing right now. Any idea as to what I
can do to assist the growth or how to go about getting a diagnosis
about this?
** Again, it is only happening with my left eye.
I intend on going back to my primary doctor and asking for another
referral if my second visit with the specialist yields nothing."
..
"When I was a teenager I too lost my eyelashes. Just in one eye. There
were no medical causes, obvious or otherwise. I was told that it was
stress-related. I was under a lot of pressure at that time. When, a
few years later, I got my life together all my lashes came back. They
are now long and full, just as they were when I was young. Some
suggestions for keeping them healthy: 1)always wash eye make-up off
before going to bed, 2)don't use a petroleum-based jelly to remove eye
make-up as it can clog the follicles."
READ MORE....
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/dermatology/messages/30279.html
SEMI-PERMANENT LASHES
=======================
Until you have seen another physician and ruled out some of the other
likely causes which might be contributing to the loss of your
eyelashes, I would recommend holding off on lash extensions. They are
expensive and only last as long as the natural growth cycle (60-90
days).
But, in case you eventually want to opt for this alternative, here are
some salons that offer semi-permanent lashes.
==
From the Rogue Salon - Chicago
24 West Erie
Chicago, IL 60610
Tel: 312.863.7678
Fax.312.863.7682
http://roquesalon.com/xtreme-lashes.htm
"Eyelash extensions are considered "semi-permanent," as they can
remain in place for the natural cycle of the eyelash itself. A
person?s natural eyelash typically falls out every 60 to 90 days and
is naturally replaced with the growth of a new eyelash. Because of
this natural cycle, it is usually necessary to get touch-ups to fill
in every two to four weeks."
"The application of a full set of eyelash extensions typically takes
between one and three hours, depending on the skill level of the
technician and how many extensions are desired. The application
procedure is painless. Clients recline comfortably with their eyes
closed during the entire procedure. Most clients go to sleep during
the procedure. Xtreme lashes feel weightless and provide a beautiful,
lush appearance."
"The eyelash extensions are water resistant. Wearers may swim,
exercise and shower worry free. Eyelash extensions do not require a
lifestyle change for active people."
"The cost of an application varies throughout the country, but usually
is between $200 and $350. Touch-ups are usually done for a fraction of
this, depending on how many lash extensions need to be added. Eyelash
extensions are great for special occasions or for everyday wear."
For an appointment or product information
Call ROQUE SALON directly at 312.863.7678
http://roquesalon.com/contact.htm
==
Some more Chicago salons that offer eyelash extensions can be found on
the following link. You might find some cheaper salons - "The cost of
professional eyelash extensions in Chicago can range from $100 to $300
depending on the practitioner."
http://chicagobeauty.com/articles/eyelash_extensions.htm
==
Xtreme Lashes in Michigan
http://www.xtremelashes.com/PhotoGall.aspx?gclid=COO55ffosIgCFSZpGAodtkzd0A
http://www.xtremelashes.com/FindPro.aspx
Sncroniz Salon & Med Spa
6684 Whitmore Lake Rd.
Brighton, MI 48116
Ph: 810-225-9640
Web: www.sncroniz-salon-med-spa.com
Ambiance Salon
Olivia Lewis
1442 Torrey Road Suite A
Fenton, MI 48430
(810) 714-2994
Web: www.ambianceoffenton.com
Brandi Mitchell Makeup & Image Studio
Brandi Mitchell
22747 Woodward Ave. Suite 204
Ferndale, MI 48220
Ph: 313-350-0124 by appointment only
Web: www.brandimitchell.com
===
I hope this information is helpful! Good luck going foward!
Sincerely,
umiat
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