Why Do I Have Eyebrow Dandruff? Seborrheic Dermatitis Explained

Eyebrow dandruff is exactly what it sounds like: flaky skin and itching of the eyebrows. There are a couple of different things that can cause your eyebrows to flake. But what people usually refer to is a common condition called seborrheic dermatitis, which also causes dandruff. 

Here, we’ll review the different causes of eyebrow dandruff and what you can do to keep your symptoms under control.

What is eyebrow dandruff?

Eyebrow dandruff is a form of seborrheic dermatitis. Its symptoms range from dandruff to oily, scaly, and inflamed skin patches. In infants, it’s typically called cradle cap.

Despite its name, eyebrow dandruff is different from scalp dandruff. Dandruff — also known as pityriasis capitis — is only found on the scalp and doesn’t cause skin inflammation. That said, both conditions share similar causes and respond to the same treatments.

Pictures

Discoloration and flaking caused by dandruff in eyebrows.

Discoloration and flaking caused by dandruff in eyebrows.

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What causes eyebrow dandruff?

Seborrheic dermatitis is the most common cause of eyebrow dandruff. But there are a couple of other causes, too.

Let’s take a closer look at each of them.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a very common skin condition that affects people of all ages. Mild forms of seborrheic dermatitis cause scalp dandruff. Some people will also notice flaking in their eyebrows.

More severe forms of seborrheic dermatitis cause itchy patches of skin covered in greasy scales. It also looks different in several skin types. In lighter skin tones, seborrheic dermatitis often looks like red patches. In darker skin tones, it may show up as lighter patches.

Seborrheic dermatitis usually forms in areas where there are many oil glands. These areas include the:

• Scalp

• Face, including the eyebrows and beard

• Chest

• Back

• Armpits

• Groin

We’re not sure what causes seborrheic dermatitis, but it’s likely to be an inflammatory skin reaction to a type of yeast — called Malassezia — that lives on most people’s skin.

Eczema (atopic dermatitis)

Eczema — also called atopic dermatitis — is a common skin condition that causes itchy skin and red, violet, or brown, flaky patches on different body parts. It’s more common in children and adolescents, but adults can get it, too. Eczema can cause flaky eyebrows, but that’s not the only symptom.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common autoimmune condition that causes your skin to grow too quickly. It creates thick and irritated skin patches that are red, violet, or brown. Although you can get psoriasis anywhere on your body, it usually affects your elbows, knees, and scalp. If you have psoriasis, it can also affect your eyebrows and cause flaking.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction caused by an allergy or irritation to ingredients in skin care products, like creams or shampoos. It also causes a red, violet, or brown, flaky skin rash. If your eyebrows begin flaking after using a new product, it could be the culprit. Stop using the product and your symptoms should improve.

Dry skin

Dry skin happens when your skin loses too much moisture. Unlike seborrheic dermatitis, dry skin doesn’t cause skin redness under the eyebrows or oily buildup around the hair. It’s also more likely to change with the weather and respond to moisturizers, whereas true eyebrow dandruff will not.

Symptoms of eyebrow seborrheic dermatitis

There are certain symptoms that make it more likely that your eyebrow dandruff is caused by seborrheic dermatitis, including:

• Dandruff

• Itching

• Greasy, flaky, yellowish scales

• Redness under the scales

• A similar rash on your face, scalp, chest, back, or in skin folds

• Eyebrow dandruff that comes and goes over a number of years

Treatments for eyebrow dandruff

There’s no cure for eyebrow seborrheic dermatitis, but it’s definitely possible to control the symptoms. Over-the-counter (OTC) products work well for most people. If you have more severe symptoms, you may need a prescription-strength treatment.

Keep in mind that long-term, regular treatment is usually needed. For many people, once or twice a week is enough to keep the symptoms away. But each person is different. You may need to try a few different combinations to find one that works best for you.

Over-the-counter treatments and home remedies for eyebrow dandruff

OTC dandruff shampoos are the main way to treat eyebrow dandruff.

Look for shampoos that have these active ingredients:

• Selenium sulfide: Some examples of selenium sulfide shampoos include Selsun Blue or Head and Shoulders Clinical Strength.

• Pyrithione zinc: Shampoos that have pyrithione zinc include Head and Shoulders, Solimo, and Vanicream Free & Clear.

• Ketoconazole 1%: Products like Nizoral A-D contain ketoconazole 1%.

• Coal tar: True + Real T Plus and DHS Tar are some examples of coal tar shampoos.

• Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is found in a variety of products and can be used to treat eyebrow dandruff.

• Salicylic acid: Shampoos that contain salicylic acid can help treat eyebrow dandruff symptoms.

Prescription treatments for eyebrow dandruff

If OTC treatments don’t work, your healthcare professional may recommend using prescription strength shampoos, especially if you also have scalp dandruff that needs treatment. Sometimes rotating different treatments can give you the best results.

• Antifungal shampoos, like ketoconazole (Nizoral) and ciclopirox (Loprox), can be used daily until your symptoms improve and then once or twice a week for maintenance.

• Selenium sulfide shampoos, like Selseb, can be used twice a week for 2 weeks.

• Steroid shampoos, such as betamethasone (Luxiq) or fluocinolone (Capex), can cause side effects, like skin thinning. Use them for about 2 weeks to control symptoms and then switch to  other medicated shampoos for maintenance.

Tips to prevent eyebrow dandruff

If you find out you are prone to eyebrow dandruff, here are a few tips that may help:

• Use a medicated shampoo daily until your symptoms improve, and then switch to once or twice a week for maintenance. 

• Figure out what treatments work for you and keep them on hand.

• Wash your skin with a gentle cleanser, which is less likely to irritate your skin.

• Moisturize after washing your face to keep your skin moist and prevent future flaking.

• Put mineral oil on thick scales and let it sit, which will help loosen flakes and make them easier to wash off with a comb. 

• Avoid products and ingredients that can irritate your skin, like harsh soaps and fragrances.  

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Written by:

Lauren Geoffrion, MD

Lauren Geoffrion, MD, is a current medical writer at GoodRx and MedicineX. She has written several articles on Psychiatry & Psychotherapy, a website that publishes CME-accredited podcasts and accompanying articles on mental health. She has also contributed to articles in the Investigative Journal of Medicine.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. An experienced and dedicated pulmonologist and hospitalist, she spent a decade practicing and teaching clinical medicine at academic hospitals throughout London before transitioning to a career in health education and health technology.

Reviewed by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

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