If you experience a skin condition that leaves yellow flakes falling from and clinging to your eyebrows, there's little doubt you may feel self conscious. Commonly called dandruff, the condition you are facing is clinically known as seborrheic dermatitis. This non-inflammatory skin condition occurs in areas where there are many sebaceous glands that produce your natural skin oils, and treatments do exist to clear up pesky yellow dandruff on the eyebrows.
Symptoms
Seborrheic dermatitis is identified by the yellow-colored scaling of the skin. According to the New Zealand Dermatological Society's online resource DermNet NZ, the appearance of skin affected by seborrheic dermatitis is caused by excess oil production, which causes skin flakes to become discolored. Itching and redness of your brow line is also indicative of this aggravating condition. Although seborrheic dermatitis can clear up without treatment, this takes time.
Causes
Factors such as illness and stress have been shown to contribute to the formation of seborrheic dermatitis on the eyebrows, according to authors of the "Manual of Dermatologic Therapeutics." This is largely because during times of unrest or sickness, imbalanced hormones cause a larger amount of oil to be produced. Other contributing factors may include weather conditions such as high humidity or a change in seasons. Individuals suffering from neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease or diseases that limit immune function, such as AIDS, are more prone to developing seborrheic dermatitis, according to DermNet NZ.
Treatment
You can address outbreaks of yellow dandruff on the eyebrows at home with the proper topical treatments. Cleansing your face daily with a soap-free cleanser up to twice a day will help control oil production, according to DermNet NZ. Another treatment option includes the use of topical steroid creams also known as corticosteroids. These creams minimize shedding of the skin and help control oil production. In more severe cases, your dermatologist may prescribe an anti-fungal cream to control skin shedding and infection that may be present. Lastly, over-the-counter anti-itch creams can provide comfort from itching associated with seborrheic dermatitis.
Cures
Unfortunately, there is no cure for seborrheic dermatitis and it can worsen in later years. Treatment of the condition can improve your symptoms, however. According to DermNet NZ, treatment significantly controls flare ups and minimizes flaking. Following proper grooming habits can help keep oil production low within your brow line and can help reduce the instance of dandruff.
Considerations
Although it is not a life-threatening condition, in some cases seborrheic dermatitis can become extensive and you may require help from a licensed dermatologist. Medical intervention may be necessary to avoid infection and prevent scarring and further damage to your skin and hair follicles. A dermatologist can prescribe anti-fungal medications for more severe cases. Always follow your dermatologist's instructions carefully and never try alternative treatments without his or her consent.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology: Seborrheic Dermatitis
- DermNet NZ: Seborrheic Dermatitis
- "Manual of Dermatologic Therapeutics"; Kenneth A. Arndt and Jeffrey T. S. Hsu; 2007
