Problem: My lashes are falling out! Is there anything I can do to stop this from happening?

Solution: It is natural for lashes to shed and then regrow, but if you are noticing bald spots along your lash line, you may need to change some habits that might be making the condition worse. For example, don't wipe off eye makeup (or any makeup, for that matter) because wiping and pulling at the eyes can pull out lashes. Don't rub your eyes, even if they itch, especially when you are wearing mascara. Also, do not overuse mascara. I know it's tempting to have long, dramatically thick lashes, but the weight of the mascara (and what it takes to remove it later) can be too much for delicate lashes. Waterproof mascaras are the most difficult to remove and often take many lashes with them, so you might want to consider changing mascaras. It is unlikely that you are allergic to your mascara, but on the remote possibility that it may be the cause of the fallout, switch brands and see how that works.

By the way, you aren't using an eyelash curler are you? Over time, that consistent tugging can certainly pull out lashes. Another possibility is that non-cosmetic allergies could be playing a part in your eyelash dilemma. Your only recourse, if that turns out to be the cause, is to use antihistamines, or to eliminate from your environment the allergens causing the problem. For example, if you are allergic to the down in your pillows, use pillows with a synthetic fill. Hay fever can also cause the eye area to swell severely, damaging eyelashes, a problem that could be alleviated by using over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines.

Medically speaking, doctors refer to the loss of eyelashes as madarosis. According to ophthalmologist Dr. William Trattler, "While it may seem like mainly a cosmetic problem, the condition can be an indicator of something more serious, such as eye trauma, eyelid infections and even cancer of the eyelid. In addition, metabolic conditions such as hypothyroidism and pituitary insufficiency can cause madarosis" (Source: http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/treatments-eyelash-loss.html).

It is also possible that the eyelash loss can be attributed to the presence of a mite called Demodex folliculorum. When it is active in small hair follicles and eyelash hair follicles it can consume epithelial cells, causing the hair follicle to become swollen, inflamed, and plugged. All of this can cause the eyelashes to fall out. Fortunately, this problem is easily treated once correctly diagnosed so consider seeing your dermatologist for an evaluation. (Source: eMedicine Journal, May 11, 2001, volume 2, number 5.)

If your loss of eyelash hair is chronic, you should see an eyelid specialist (called an oculoplastic surgeon) and have him carefully examine your eyelid to determine the cause of the madarosis.

Latisse, a prescription product from Allergan, has been proven to make eyelashes grow longer, thicker, and darker. It does this by means of a drug known as bimatoprost originally used for glaucoma. Use of this drug by glaucoma patients made it clear that one of its unexpected side effects was longer, thicker eyelashes. Topical application of a low dose of this drug (Latisse is applied once daily like a liquid eyeliner) has demonstrated impressive efficacy and safety, and was granted FDA approval in early 2009. Latisse isn't cheap (a 30-day supply costs $120) but you should see impressive results after 8-12 weeks of using it. Ongoing use is required to maintain results. Of course, don't ask your doctor for Latisse until you have been examined and other potential causes of eyelash loss have been ruled out or treated.

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