Madarosis

Madarosis is a condition that results in the loss of eyelashes, and sometimes eyebrows. The term "madarosis" is derived from the ancient Greek "madaros", meaning "bald". Eyelashes are important in the prevention of bacteria and other foreign objects entering the eye. Some studies found that between 45 and 76 percent of patients with various types of leprosy had madarosis.

Madarosis is not a critical or severe condition. The main symptom and sign of madarosis is the loss of hair from the eyelids, eyebrows, or eyelashes. Many symptoms are from other diseases involved.

There are various causes of madarosis.

There are two major pathways. In the non-scarring pathway, the hair follicles remain intact which could potentially be reversed with the proper diagnosis and treatments. In the scarring pathway, the follicles are permanently lost due to tissue damage, atrophy, or inflammation.

The severity of the pre-existing condition determines which type of madarosis occurs.

The main diagnosis technique is observing the area. Then blood tests can be done to determine if there is a pre-existing condition. Family history can be considered because some of the related causes/conditions can be inherited.

There are two major types of classifications of madarosis. The first is labeled as "non-scarring." Non-scarring the hair has the ability to regrowth after treatment of the primary disorder. Scarring madarosis is when the hair loss is permanent and can only regrow after cosmetic treatments.

The only prevention method is determining the underlying condition before treatment options are too late.^{[citation needed]}